The UK throws away around 9.5 million tonnes of food waste every year – and a charity is on a mission to teach people how composting can help reduce the rubbish.
Garden Organic runs a number of composter demonstration sites across the country – including five in Cumbria – with Master Composters on hand to provide advice and hands-on training.
The sites show how easy it is to compost at home – with any size garden or budget. Visitors to the sites can try out different types of compost bin, from Green Johannas and HotBins to tumblers and wormeries.
Most sites are open to the public to visit at any time but email or call ahead to check to avoid disappointment.
Compost demo sites in Cumbria
- Gosling Sike Compost Demonstration Site works in partnership with the Cumbria Wildlife Trust in Houghton, Carlisle. Open to the public every day: volunteer Master Composters are usually available on Wednesdays. To arrange a guided visit contact [email protected]
- Millom Network Centre Compost Demonstration Site, at Millom, is a partnership with Millom Network Centre. To arrange a visit contact: [email protected] or [email protected]
- Ford Park Compost Demonstration Site in Ulverston, in partnership with Ford Park, is within the bwalled garden and directly underneath the Sir John Barrow monument. The walled garden and compost site is open to the public Monday to Friday 9am-5pm, sometimes on Saturdays. Volunteer Master Composters are usually available on Tuesdays and Thursdays. To arrange a guided visit contact: [email protected] or [email protected]
- Alpacaly Community Garden Compost Demonstration Site, near Penrith, works in partnership with Alpacaly Community Garden, Alpacaly Ever After and Basecamp North Lakes. The gardens and compost demonstration site are open to the public Monday to Sunday 9am-5.30pm. Volunteer Master Composters are usually available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. To arrange a guided visit contact [email protected] or [email protected]
- Appleby Road Compost Demonstration Site, in Kendal, works in partnership with Appleby Road Community Garden, owned and managed by the Queen Katherine School. Open to the public every day. To arrange a guided visit contact: [email protected] or [email protected]
