The compost in the bins has changed little in the last two days with slices of beetroot are still recognisable but the number of worms in bin three seems to have increased and one small worm has appeared in bin two. The final photographs in the series will be taken at 21 days and will consist of shots of the compost from the three bins.
Small scale locally based, community composting such on an allotment or community garden, a local community centre or school composting the organic material produced on the site for use on the same site. A system of this type gives the locals full control while engaging and educating the allotment plot holders and the wider community in food systems, sustainability without significant financial outlay. In addition, it will result in the compost being used to enhance local soils, support local food production, and conserve the natural ecology of the site by improving soil structure, and soil microorganisms. Larger more formal schemes can involve materials being delivered to the site or kerbside collection and the sale of the finished product.
We are looking to form an informal group of small-scale community composters in the east midlands if interested please contact carryoncomposting1@gmail.com For photos and details of our site at Stokes Wood allotments Leicester go to http://www.carryoncomposting.com/142941482 and http://www.carryoncomposting.com/443725782
As composting is an important part of waste management, reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill and the need for bonfires on the allotment we would like to increase our understanding of the number of members who compost and the method they use.
If you have a UK allotment or community garden, please complete the survey in google forms https://forms.gle/XJ8jvMMNPNUF65Qr
On-site Training Sessions
We are also hoping to start Composting Training sessions at Stokes Wood Allotment Composting Demonstration site, Leicester as soon as the lockdown restrictions permit. We are planning to introduce a basic session for those new to composting or wishing to develop their basic skills and more specialised sessions on Hot Composting, Bokashi composting, Making plant and compost teas, vermiculture and allotment community composting. Those completing the relevant session would receive an Allotment Compost Mentor Certificate The sessions would include practical activities on the demonstration site with lunch and refreshments being provided. In addition, we are hoping to produce an on-line or distance learning version that might include an optional practical session on site.
Tabletop Composting Day 12
The contents of the bins have settled slightly more in the past two days. The greens in the first chamber (with the Day 12 sticker) are breaking down but the shredded paper is still easily recognisable.
There is still little difference between the two bins that are being aerated with recognisable slices of beetroot present. The temperatures in all three bins remain ambient the material in the lower part of both chambers is now quite wet as it cannot drain away and under normal circumstances more browns and I have absorbed some with paper tissue and added some tissue to the base of the two bins. There seem to be worms in chamber 3 when the material is removed for aeration.