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The ‘Master Composter’ programme, run by national charity Garden Organic, involves training volunteers to become composting ambassadors. They will then pass on their knowledge to others and encourage people to compost through talks, events, demonstrations and other activities.
Volunteers will join an established network of like-minded people where they will receive comprehensive training and be provided with ongoing support.
Previous experience of composting is not needed to join the scheme – volunteers should have an interest in composting and a desire to support their local community.
Councillor Mike Solomon, North Somerset Council’s Executive Member for Neighbourhoods and Community Services, said: “Many people are unaware that more than a third of the contents of the average household bin can be composted. Composting is the most environmentally friendly way to deal with this waste. As well as creating great free fertiliser for the garden, home composting reduces road miles, helping the council to achieve its commitment to be carbon neutral by 2030 and make North Somerset a greener place to be.
“The North Somerset Master Composter scheme is a fantastic opportunity for those with some time on their hands to make a real difference. Volunteers have an important role to play in promoting the many benefits of home composting within their local communities. I encourage those interested to sign up and get involved."
David Garrett, Head of Knowledge Transfer at Garden Organic, said: “We are really excited to be working with North Somerset Council to promote home composting. Composting your own garden and kitchen waste is a fantastic way of reducing your impact on the planet. It also provides you with amazing compost to use in your garden, all for free. We’re looking for volunteers to spread the composting message in local communities and to encourage more people to start composting at home”.
Anyone interested in becoming a Master Composter should email Kate Eastment, Garden Organic’s Project Coordinator in North Somerset, at keastment@gardenorganic.org.uk
For more information on the North Somerset Master Composter scheme, please visit: www.n-somerset.gov.uk/mastercomposters
North Somerset Council is also hosting two free one-hour introduction to home composting sessions at Yeo Valley Organic Garden and Tea Rooms on Monday 16 May. Garden Organic will provide an overview of composting – from the benefits it brings and the basics to get started, to troubleshooting and top tips. The events, being run by Garden Organic, will take place at 11am and at 1.30pm. Anyone wishing to attend should email their name, address, telephone number and their preferred session time to gardenwaste@n-somerset.gov.uk
ENDS
- Garden Organic is the national charity for organic growing. They run a variety of projects aimed at encouraging people to reduce waste and their carbon footprint. In partnership with North Somerset Council, they are recruiting volunteers to become part of their national Master Composter programme.