Keen gardeners in Ashby and across the county are being encouraged to volunteer and help more Leicestershire residents take up composting.

More than 100 "master composter" volunteers have been recruited by Leicestershire County Council and their work has helped see a reduction in the amount of organic waste sent to disposal.

Their work, which includes attending public events, also helps to tackle climate change locally and contribute towards the goal of Leicestershire being a net zero county by 2045. 

As the summer season approaches, home composting can help prepare your garden for the months ahead. Composting fruit and vegetable peelings and grass cuttings are a great, natural way to dispose of your organic waste, as well as improve the quality of your soil, making it easier to grow new plants of your own. 

Councillor Blake Pain, cabinet member for the environment and the green agenda, said: "Learning how to compost and becoming a Master Composter is just one of the many ways residents can do their bit and any resident can do so if they have an outdoor space. 

"Our volunteers have done a brilliant job in encouraging people to compost and we hope that more people will join to make a positive difference for the county.

"Small changes, like these, can make a big difference, helping us make Leicestershire a cleaner, greener place to live and work."

Master Composter Lynsey volunteers in Charnwood. She said: "Becoming a master composter meant I was able to learn more about composting and in turn, share this knowledge with others in Leicestershire. I like being able to help people who may not compost at home yet and show them how easy it can be. 

"Putting organic matter into a composting bin is such an easy thing to do to reduce your black bin waste and in turn reduce greenhouse gases and protect our environment.

"You'll save money on buying compost for the garden too. It's a great feeling to know the old vegetable peelings that you would have otherwise thrown away can be turned into lovely compost to use in your own garden.

Judy is a Master Composter and said: "If you're interested in the environment, and have some spare time to volunteer, it's really worth considering becoming a Master Composter.

"Like any other form of recycling at home, composting is a way for all of us to do our own little bit for the planet, as well as increase your own knowledge and give you the opportunity to develop valuable life skills, such as teamwork and communication."

No experience is needed to become a Master Composter as people who sign up will receive free training and can use their own skills and enthusiasm to help raise awareness of the benefits of home composting and gardening – as well as bring together their local community.

The scheme is open to residents of Leicestershire aged over 18. 

To speak to a Master Composter and receive free guidance, email [email protected].

Anyone who would like to apply to become a Master Composter, or find out more, can click HERE.

A range of handy tips about composting, including what you can and cannot compost at home, can be found HERE.