Master composters can be any age as Hannah Stephensondiscovers at Garden Organic AUTUMN is a great time to start composting if you haven’t already done so, as you empty your borders and tubs of bedding, start raking up leaves and other garden debris and think about the year ahead. Many of you will have been composting for years – but have you ever thought about how valuable it could be to pass your knowledge on of what needs to go in the bin and how you get the best results? The Garden Organic charity runs a Master Composter scheme, comprising volunteers who encourage people in their local community to start composting at home and offer support to people who are already home composting and may be having difficulties or need encouragement. Anyone can be a master composter – you do not have to already be an expert in composting as master composters have a two-day day training scheme on “how to compost” before they start their activities. There are master composters of all ages and backgrounds. They may give talks to schools, youth groups, allotment groups, gardening clubs and other horticultural societies interested in recycling and give demonstrations, take part in neighbourhood events or local garden centres to offer advice and encouragement. Master composters have free access to Garden Organic’s information and advisory service, which can help with technical questions on composting and garden waste. Such schemes make a valuable contribution to reducing the amount of biodegradable waste that is sent to landfill, as well as helping people in their communities to enjoy all the benefits home composting has to offer. There are a growing number of Master Composter schemes across the country, each with its own project co-ordinator to run the scheme. The aim of the network is to provide a single point of contact for project co-ordinators to share further information. Garden Organic has been pioneering Master Composter schemes for more than five years in the UK and has seen a significant increase in the number of schemes during that time. The schemes are generally county-run by county councils, district councils or by the county’s Wildlife Trust. County councils taking part in the scheme should fund your Master Composter training, says Garden Organic. Alternatively you can contact your Recycling or Waste Minimisation Officer at your local council to ask if they are considering setting up a scheme, or to encourage them to do so. The majority of Master Composter schemes ask their volunteers to aim to spend about 30 hours over a year in their compost promotional activities. Dr Harriet Marshall, Garden Organic’s sustainable waste management officer, says: “Composting is easy, fun and free to do, and a great way to help the environment while encouraging your garden and house plants to blossom. Master Composter schemes are a great way of spreading the message.” For details of schemes in your area and more information go to www.homecomposting.org.uk or phone Garden Organic on (02476) 303517. | 
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