An independent network supported by Social Farms & Gardens. Provides specialist support for people interested in starting composting sites, including home compost support schemes and community composting groups.
About the network
Composting in the Community is an independent network supported by Social Farms & Gardens. It is a mutual support and specialist network of practitioners and those interested in starting composting sites including home compost support schemes and constituted community composting groups.
The group primarily operates through a Facebook Group, which is a great place to start for friendly advice and information.
Composting in the community can take many forms, from a group of neighbours producing home garden compost through to collection and composting from multiple sources on a communal site, using either green ‘waste’ and/or food ‘waste’.
Network vision
To influence the development of a comprehensive soil strategy that links protection of the environment and health to food waste and other compostable materials that are currently incinerated and otherwise wastefully disposed of.
Network mission
To inspire and enable individuals and communities to help tackle the climate crisis and improve health and wellbeing through composting.
The network aims to:
- Offer support and assistance to existing groups composting in a community setting and those wishing to start a new one
- Facilitate the exchange of ideas and information, including peer support
- Campaign for greater understanding and recognition of the value of composting
- Produce a periodic newsletter for those interested in promoting opportunities for composting at a community level
- Where appropriate, and in collaboration with other specialist organisations, to present a strong voice for composting in the community activities at a national and UK level, and to influence future policy and practice, including engaging in and promoting research
- Arrange network meetings to exchange ideas, gain inspiration from the work of others and discuss how to stimulate understanding and support for composting in the community.
This network was formed in the second half of 2021 and is largely reliant on volunteers. We will endeavour to answer all enquiries, but may not be able to provide detailed support or advice due to time constraints.
Where in-depth support is required as part of a new project or funding bid, we have individual network members who are happy to provide a quote for consultancy.
Resources
Read a short history of composting and the network >
Download a useful composting links >
Contact
You can email an experienced community composter at [email protected].
The following members of the network are on hand to answer your questions or help:
John Le Corney, retired CEO of Heeley City Farm, Sheffield and Chair of CitCN
Lesley Greene: Director of Bisley Community Composting Scheme
Minna Alanko-Falola: Chief Executive and Founder of Compost Works, Liverpool
Nicky Scott: Founder of the Chagford Community Composting Project, & ProperJob
Rodney Weston: Founder of Allotment based community scheme at Stokes Wood Allotments, Leicester