I am a Master Composter, trained by Garden Organic, (ex HDRA) and Oxfordshire County Council. I also spent 5 months at Trengwainton training on fruit and vegetable growing (National Open College Network, Level 2).

I use organic principles and a low effort method of composting.

For example, I only turn my compost once a year.

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Composting - the stages

I use the Three Bin system; compost bins are available commercially. Mine are at least 12 years old and may be beginning to 'self-compost'!

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The photographs below show the three stages:

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Bin 1 - filled with material

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Bin 2 - filled and ready to turn​

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​​Bin 3 - turned and ready to use​

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​Composting challenges peculiar to West Penwith​

• High winds can dry the compost out and blow material away. A solution is to ensure that there is wind protection; use heavy material to weigh compost ingredients down and don't have too many open slats in your bin design.

• Too much rain from October - April leaches out the nutrients. A solution is to use a lid or cover.

• The compost may become too dry from May - September and you may need to water your compost as a result.

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Opportunities peculiar to West Penwith

• The climate is pretty warm so the composting process continues for most of the year.

• Supply of seaweed, nettles and, if you're lucky, Comfrey.

• There are quite a few horses in West Penwith. If you can develop a relationship with the owners, they will bite your hand off if you can take their manure away.

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One problem I have, as can be seen in the photograph below, is that my compost bins are exposed to wind and rain.​

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St Buryan Young Farmers Annual Dung Run​

The St Buryan Young Farmers  hold an annual 'Dung Run' and deliver free in the area. The cost per bag is very reasonable but the material is fresh from cow barns and will need to be stacked for 6 months before use.

It is worth asking about pesticide use on the cow fodder  in case this is present (although I have never heard of this problem here in West Penwith)

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Further Information on Composting

'How to Compost'  by the Royal Horticultural Society

Information from Garden Organic

Charles Dowding who is renowned for his 'no dig' philosophy of using compost