What is Compost?

Composting is the original way of recycling materials! It is nature’s way of turning organic waste, such as dried leaves, twigs and food scraps, into a nutritious brown substance that makes plants grow. Worms and other mini-beasts, fungi and bacteria living in a compost bin or heap, recycle the nutrients found in organic matter into compost that helps plants grow.

Much shop bought compost contains peat from endangered habitats called blanket peat bogs. Making your own compost is better for the environment because it reduces the amount of artificial fertiliser you need to use. Encourage grown ups to help set up a compost heap or bin, and then get gardening.

Anything that once was alive can be composted including materials like paper and cardboard. A compost heap needs a good mixture of browns to provide air pockets and greens to provide moisture.