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Promoting home composting in your community

Master Composter ProgrammeAnnual Report

Celebrating Soils in 2015

“It is a truth universally acknowledged - but often overlooked - that our soil is at the very heart of successful growing”, writes James Campbell, Chief Executive at Garden Organic.

The 68th UN General Assembly declared 2015 as the International Year of Soils (IYS). Brought to us by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, the IYS aims were to increase awareness and understanding of the importance of soil for food security and essential ecosystem functions.

Here, at Garden Organic, we created a specific Soil Information pack to help growers and gardeners understand why their soil is so critical to successful growing, and how to manage and improve it the organic way. These packs have been made available to all volunteers and can be downloaded on the Garden Organic website.

CASE STUDYMaster Composters (MC’s) shine at compost giveaways

Oxfordshire MC’s joined forces with district councils to celebrate Compost Awareness Week by providing compost giveaways. “The Cherwell compost giveaways were more popular than ever, with 3,000 people attending the three days.” Volunteers took the opportunity to talk to visitors and explain how they could produce their own next year.

www.gardenorganic.org.uk Garden Organic Promoting home composting in your community 1

Introduction

ContentsIntroductionSustainable CommunitiesThe Garden Organic approachThe Master Composter networksTimeline of achievementImpact of Master CompostersMaster Composter contributionsHow do MCs promote home composting?Encouraging behavioural changeSatisfaction with the programmeThe National Volunteer Masters ConferenceOverview

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My favourite thing about being a Master Composter (MC) is... “Meeting people, helping with queries and encouraging them to start composting. Also feeling part of the MC network, very supportive and such nice people!”Volunteer Master Composter

Garden Organic’s network of enthusiastic volunteer Master Composters spend time promoting home composting in their local communities. Through their dedication and passion for encouraging more environmentally friendly waste management practices, they encourage householders to take up composting and guide those already composting to continue doing so effectively. Master Composters come from many backgrounds and age groups; they are not always gardeners but their unifying feature is their enthusiasm for compost.

This report presents an insight into the activities that Master Composters have undertaken and the achievements made during 2015. It also collates the results generated from a questionnaire completed by 152 volunteer Master Composters in November and December 2015.


Sustainable CommunitiesThe Garden Organic approach

Garden Organic is one of the UK’s longest standing environmental charities and has over 22,000 members interested in more sustainable living and organic growing.

The charity was founded in 1954 by Lawrence D Hills in response to the many organic gardening questions he was asked in the journals and publications he wrote for. Beginning life as the ‘Henry Doubleday Research Association’ and with members experiments and the promotion of organic practices at its heart the charity has always supported communities both in the UK and further afield.

Our sustainable communities programmes are recognised nationally, working in a wide range of contexts; all with organic gardening as a core principle. Master CompostersEstablished for over 15 years, Garden Organic recruits, trains and supports volunteers who promote home composting in their local communities.

Master GardenersGarden Organic recruits, trains and supports volunteers who guide individuals and groups in a range of settings to grow their own fresh produce. This programme promotes the health benefits of both growing and eating fresh produce.

Prison Garden ProjectThis horticultural intervention programme provides an environment to support offenders who have a background of drug misuse, with an aim of assisting their recovery, wider health and well-being.

Growing from your rootsCollecting oral histories, this programme is sharing the knowledge and experience of growing exotic crops that are not traditionally grown in the UK.

Find out more about these and more projects at www.gardenorganic.org.uk


The Master Composter networks

Garden Organic’s network of Master Composter Programmes are funded by partners in the geographical areas that we operate.

Isle of ButeNew for 2016, we trained two members of staff from island charity Fyne Futures and supported the training of volunteers in February 2016.

LeicestershireA new partnership, and with it a new compost demonstration area, at Leicester’s Botanic Gardens.

NorfolkWorms have been the star of the show with the new ‘worm cam’ being used at many of the counties events.

Buckinghamshire15 new recruits became Master Composters at the newly established Green Dragon Centre which features a compost demonstration area.

GloucestershireAn excellent community composting scheme as well as ongoing work in schools throughout the county.

OxfordshireIn an Oxfordshire CC first, volunteers were recognised with an award of ‘enthusiasm’ as part of the council’s internal awards programme.

SolihullVolunteers have been spreading composting message across the borough’s allotments with weeds being the hot topic.

SuffolkAn exciting new project in a Suffolk prison has seen a Master Composter set up a vermiculture project with prisoners building and maintaining the units.

Herefordshire and WorcestershireClocking over 600 hours in 2015 and working hard to divert school food waste from landfill trialling a number of methods.

ShropshireTalks given to local groups as well as stalls at the Shrewsbury Flower Show and Grow Local event in Coalbrookdale.

CoventryThere has been lots of partnership work with the city’s food union and junk food projects.


Timeline of achievement

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The year began with an accolade for the Master Composter Programme as we were voted in to 6th place of the Resource Magazine ‘Hot 100’. We also began our celebrations as part of International Year of the Soils.

Compost creatures were the hot topic for Compost Awareness Week with a range of resources being used in activities across the network. We welcomed 58 new volunteers to the programme through the year.

Event season was busy with many large and small events hosting Master Composters. Over 100 volunteers attended the annual conference and learnt from many speakers, workshop providers and each other.

Christmas fetes were celebrated and DIY wormeries were popular for winter social gatherings. A waste free christmas became the conversation starter and a gift of wildflower seeds was received by all.


Impact of Master CompostersMaster Composter contributions

CASE STUDYA day in the life of a Master ComposterOn Tuesday 6th October 2015 Leonie Butler from Resources magazine met with Gloucestershire Master Composter Vic Rolfe at Bisley Community Composting Scheme (BCCS) along with BCCS founder and fellow MC Lesley Greene. Lesley was running a composting workshop for local school children and Vic was there to help out as well as talk to Leonie about an article entitled ‘A day in the life of a Master Composter’. Vic spoke about the many different composting activities he has taken part in since training as a MC over 8 years ago! Lesley provided a great teaching session for Leonie to observe and they even spotted a slow worm whilst digging around in the compost!

Average hours each volunteer

commits monthly

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Garden Organic’s Master Composter Programme is very much a national network with 521 volunteers operating in 11 geographical areas. The programme’s success stems from each individual volunteer’s sheer passion and enthusiasm for composting, and the role that the process takes in benefitting our environment.

When it comes to communicating waste and recycling to the householder there are many ways of doing it; whether this be through bus stop advertising, leaflets, bin stickers, etc. At Garden Organic, we strongly believe that ‘face to face’ communications are able to provide a much clearer, stronger message that recognises individuals needs. Our current network of over 500 volunteers consistently communicate with around 20,000 householders each year.

Although it may be difficult to convert each conversation in to a specific kilogram diversion of waste, we believe that the impact is far reaching. Home composting may well be the key topic, however it is more than likely that food waste will be discussed, as well as the social and physical health aspects associated to being outside, active and composting.

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CASE STUDYA wormery blockbuster!Norfolk Master Composters have been making use of technology to exhibit life inside a wormery. An infrared camera linked up to a television screen has been used at events around the county to hook audiences.

Master Composters at the ‘One Planet Norwich’ event spoke of how “wonderful it was to be able to grab the attention of audiences”.

How do Master Composters promote home composting?Over the last year what sort of activities have you been involved in?

37%visited people at home

to advise them

61%held a stand / stall at a

public event

80%of volunteers talk or

give demo’s to friends


How do Master Composters record the time they spend promoting home composting?

CASE STUDYSpreading the messageFollowing Charles Dowding’s excellent talk on no-dig gardening at the Masters Conference 2015, Gloucestershire Master Composter Amanda Godber delivered another practical workshop on no-dig gardening for fellow MCs at Selsey allotments on Thursday 29th October 2015. Amanda opened with an excellent interactive practical demonstration using apples to demonstrate the earth’s land that is available for food production. Once everyone was suitably aghast, Amanda went on to discuss the importance of soil and the theory and methodology behind no-dig gardening; she had even gone to the trouble of digging a metre deep hole to demonstrate the soil profile! A tour of the small but very impressive allotment site ended the workshop with handouts for everyone to mull over at home.

How do you usually submit your Master Composter activities to your coordinator?

21%through the Master Composter website

26%by email24%

by post

9%other

16%I don’t

2%cheque book

2%by phone


Encouraging behavioural change

CASE STUDYCompost demonstration at Leicester’s Botanic Gardens

Leicestershire Master Composters, Rod Weston and Ted Boyd have teamed up with the Leicester Botanic Gardens to showcase home composting. The duo have created an exceptional display of working bins in the public gardens.

53%Since joining the Master Composter programme 53% of volunteers report that the amount of waste that they compost themselves has increased.

CASE STUDYThe Bute’y of Composting

Garden Organic is delighted to welcome the Isle of Bute to our network of Master Composter Programmes. In October 2015 two trainers from island charity Fyne Futures joined Leicestershire Master Composters to receive their foundation training. In February 2016 residents on the Island got the opportunity to train as Master Composters themselves.

My favourite thing about being a Master Composter is... “Being on stalls at outdoor events and finding lots of interesting people will come up and chat. I learn a lot as well as trying to encourage them to take a step towards effective home composting.”

521 The number of volunteer Master Composters around the UK

18,756An estimate of the number of volunteer hours undertaken in 2015

Estimated number of people communicated to (based upon volunteer activity log’s)

Or 1,125 tonnes of waste which is potentially being composted each year if only 50% of those communicated to compost at home. (150kg of organic waste per household, per year; WRAP, 2009. Average weight of an African bush elephant; 6 tonnes.)

15,000 187 African elephants


Satisfaction with the programme

42%very satisfied

36%satisfied

17%neither satisfied or

dissatisfied

1%very dissatisfied

5%dissatisfied

55%Volunteers suggested ways in which the programme could be improved; 55% of volunteers suggested that they would like to attend further ‘in-service’ training. Popular topics included soils science, alternative composting methods, dry recycling, and perennial weeds.

Is there anything we can do that would make your work as a Master Composter easier, more effective or more enjoyable?Assist in finding people/groups/schools/events to visit

Social events

In-service training

More network opportunities with local group

Easier access to resources

Refresher sessions

Link MC/MG

Updated resources

More info on science of composting and climate change

Details of Master Composters in local area


Master CompostersWhat is your favourite thing about being a Master Composter?

“Improving my own knowledge, sharing it and meeting like minded people.”

“Constantly being exposed to learning about waste management and having to take responsibility; engaging others in the topic of composting and waste reduction.”

“It is a natural outlet for something I have to do anyway. I couldn’t stop composting if I tried and I want to spread the message.”

“Being able to convince gardeners that most of their ‘rubbish’ is compostable with very little effort!”

“Meeting other composters and talking to members of the public about composting - love it when I help someone to make a start.”

“It’s personally inspiring as well as informative to others.”

“Massive sense of satisfaction when someone gets interested and you think they might actually get composting or do it more effectively.”

“COMPOST!! Meeting fellow enthusiasts, hearing new tips etc”.

“I love telling people I’m a Master Composter and then explaining what we do. Looks great on the CV!”

The responses from 30% of volunteers can be summarised in the following statement:

Satisfaction of sharing knowledge / expertise / practical help, solving

problems and generally helping people.


The National Volunteer Masters Conference19th September 2015

Sally’s welcome was followed by talks on a wide range of organic horticulture; from biodynamic gardening, the latest research into the health benefits of organic gardening with Garden Organic’s Margi Lennartsson, through to top tips on seed saving from Garden Organic’s Heritage Seed Library.

The masters also got a chance to get their hands dirty in the various workshops on offer, such as learning top tips on no-dig gardening from award winning author and horticulturalist, Charles Dowding. Meanwhile, Elaine Hibbs, Garden Organic’s Horticultural Therapist took the Masters behind the scenes on a tour of the horticultural therapy gardens before involving them in an activity to demonstrate how organic gardening helps to improve mood and well-being.

“In the short time that I’ve been overseeing the Masters Programmes I’ve heard so many stories inspirational stories. For this, myself and all of the Sustainable Communities Team, would like to say a big thank you. It’s great to be part of an expanding network of national volunteers, all spreading the word and inspiring people to grow their own and compost at home.”

Garden Organic welcomed around one-hundred and fifty of our volunteer Master Gardeners and Composters to the annual National Volunteers Masters Conference at Ryton Organic Gardens on 19th September 2015.

The conference began with a welcome from Sally Gardner, Head of Sustainable Communities at Garden Organic, Sally said:

Kate Newman, Master Composter Project Co-ordinator said: “The Conference is always a welcome opportunity for our volunteers to network and share best practice and tips with fellow volunteers in the scheme. We’ve had some great feedback from people who attended; saying they found the conference to be inspiring, educational and motivating.”

And it wouldn’t be the Masters Conference if it didn’t end with a well-earned slice of grow-your-own themed cake.


Overview

CASE STUDYThank you Peter Clegg, Gloucestershire Master Composter

We would like to say a big thank you to Peter Clegg, who has decided to hang up his official Master Composter volunteer name-badge for good.

CASE STUDYPrison Vermiculture Project

Suffolk Master Composter Betsy Reid has been undertaking a vermiculture project within local prison HMP Warren Hill. The project began by investing in a large number of plastic wormeries where much of the prisons food waste was processed. These soon became overwhelmed and now the prisoners are building much larger wooden worm beds to process the material. The plastic wormeries are being made available to local schools, with the vermicompost produced being used both within the prison and sold along with a large number of worms for local fishermen!

During his time as a volunteer Peter has accomplished many things in an effort to help entice the good folk of Cheltenham to take to composting. Peter attended many events and roadshows for us, offering a wealth of knowledge about composting and biodynamic gardening. Peter has given regular composting advice to local primary schools, and notably, was instrumental in the mammoth task of setting up the Lansdown Community Composting Club (LCCC) and in 2013 was given the title of Gloucestershire Association for Voluntary & Community Action’s Volunteer Of The Year in recognition for all the good work that he has done in Cheltenham.

We would like to say thank you to Peter for everything that he’s done as a volunteer with us, and wish him all the best!

This report scratches the surface of the fantastic role that Garden Organic’s volunteer Master Composters play around the country to encourage people to compost.

Throughout 2015 we have seen many exciting new projects launch as well as existing projects strengthen, each with an enthusiastic volunteer Master Composter behind them. The benefits that the programme brings to local communities are far reaching, whether these be social, economical or environmental.

The programme continues to grow, adapt and develop to the situations that pass before us. All of the data, case studies and quotes used as part of this report will be used to drive the future of the programme.


Our ThanksGarden Organic is grateful to every volunteer’s contribution to the Master Composter Programme. Your enthusiasm inspires people around the country to take ownership for the waste they produce and reduce the amount of biodegradable waste going to landfill.

Our thanks go to our partners; the local authorities and waste contractors around the country who fund this innovative, exciting and educational volunteer programme. Without their foresight and ambitions for a zero waste society this programme would not exist.

The Sustainable Communities TeamGarden Organic, 2016

How can a Master Composter Programme help you...The Master Composter Programme, through effective training, gives local residents a platform to share their passion for composting, recycling and general waste prevention. The programme benefits a wide range of local authority and waste service provider impacts, an example of which are listed below:

• Reduce biodegradable waste being sent for disposal• Promote proper use of biodegradable waste collection facilities• Reduce the generation of food waste• Promote proper use of dry recycling collection facilities• Promote positive health impacts through physical activity and social networks

We are able to provide bespoke programmes to meet the particular needs you may have. If you would be interested in finding out more please contact David Garrett, Sustainable Communities Manager on [email protected]


Garden Organic can help you...

Teach children to lead healthier lives by engaging them in growing vegetables at schoolOur education programmes help teachers and school professionals to develop gardening projects which teach children where their food comes from, develops their scientific and environmental awareness and encourages them to eat more fruit and vegetables.gardenorganic.org.uk/educationReduce the amount of biodegradable waste being sent for disposal, by boosting home compostingOur Master Composters are a network of active volunteers who support residents to compost. This helps them to provide a valuable resource for the garden, whilst at the same time each compost bin diverts around 150 kilograms of organic matter from the waste stream each year.homecomposting.org.ukBuild healthier, more active lives by getting people growing foodOur Master Gardeners support residents to grow food in their gardens, allotments, windowsills and other community growing spaces. This brings a wider variety of health and social benefits as residents get more exercise, eat more fresh fruit and vegetables and food miles are reduced.mastergardeners.org.uk

Develop stronger, greener communitiesWe run community gardening projects with social housing providers to bring communities together in greening their local environment and boosting its biodiversity. We also help communities with different backgrounds to work together by sharing their knowledge of traditional exotic crops.sowingnewseeds.org.uk

Heritage seed libraryOur seed library works to collect and conserve an ever increasing variety of historic and heirloom vegetables. Helping increase biodiversity and educating people on seed saving.gardenorganic.org.uk/hsl

Garden Organic+44 (0) 24 7630 [email protected]

www.gardenorganic.org.uk

Ryton Organic Gardens, Coventry, United Kingdom, CV8 3LG

Charity Registration Number: 298104Garden Organic is the working name of the Henry Doubleday Research Association©Garden Organic 2016

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