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Bristol – Composting Workshop

£65.00£85.00

Description

Heart of BS13 Flower Farm is a social enterprise based at Hartcliffe City Farm in BS13. Here, the team grow stunning flowers that they sell to Bristol businesses and residents, as well as running workshops, offering volunteer and trainee placements, and creating education opportunities for the BS13 community. Unlike most flowers available in the shops, Heart of BS13 flowers are not sprayed with pesticides, flown in from across the world or at all generic – they are chemical-free, low-carbon, seasonal and incredibly beautiful.

One of the most effective ways to improve soil health is through composting. At Heart of BS13, the charity are turning local food waste into nutritious compost, which they use to improve the soil at their sustainable flower farm. They collect food waste from local houses, businesses, and even schools!

On this Workshop we will explore the benefits of composting to wildlife, soil and climate health and see the magic and joys of turning waste into an incredible product, that you just can’t buy in the shops. There will be a handout with facts and figures and a couple of short videos or Power Point presentation to watch. We will load some compost bays together, including our Ridan food waste composter, and garden waste bays, and explore a variety of different materials that can be composted. We’ll build a woodchip compost bay from scratch. We will also turn and doctor a green waste pile – compost is never ‘wrong’ can always be doctored. Attendees will learn some different approaches and systems for composting and ideas on dealing with more challenging waste materials. We’ll also have a go at making some potting mixes, and each attendee will get to take a bag of this home.

About the Tutor:
Heart of BS13 have developed a local composting system as part of their Community Climate Action Project. At Heart of BS13, community and sustainability intersect, and your Tutor for the day, Jenny Liggitt, pedals through the streets, transforming food waste into nutrient-rich compost. As the rider for Heart of BS13 compost’s e-cargo bike, Jenny embodies the spirit of local empowerment and environmental stewardship. At Hartcliffe City Farm, where the composting magic happens, Jenny spearheads the initiative to convert local food waste into compost, which then nurtures flowers at the sustainable flower farm onsite. It’s a closed-loop club, where waste becomes nourishment, and community resilience blossoms. For Jenny, the journey to becoming BS13’s compost e-cargo bike rider was more than just a job opportunity; it was a story of perseverance and passion. As a single parent navigating the challenges of childcare in an area where wrap-around services are scarce, and public transport links are poor, Jenny faced the daunting reality of limited employment opportunities. Yet, her love for waste management and sustainability fueled her determination. Amid the uncertainties of the pandemic, Jenny found solace and purpose in volunteering for Heart of BS13.

Immersed in the world of composting and flower cultivation, she discovered a sanctuary where her love for the outdoors met her desire to make a difference. Completing her Level 2 certificate in Horticulture was not just a personal achievement but a testament to Jenny’s unwavering dedication. Now, as she pedals through the streets of BS13, she brings with her a wealth of knowledge and a contagious enthusiasm for composting.

“I’m on the streets of BS13, turning food scraps into nutrient-rich compost. But it’s not just about composting; it’s about empowering our community. I’m not just collecting waste; I’m building relationships and empowering families to make a positive impact. And the best part? I have a green job that allows me to do all of this while staying close to home and being there for my kids after school.”

Beyond the environmental benefits, Jenny’s work embodies the essence of community empowerment. By enabling local businesses to engage in closed-loop composting, she fosters a sense of collective responsibility for the planet we share. Jenny’s impact extends beyond the streets; she works closely with schools, household groups, and community organisations to spread awareness and promote sustainable practices. Through interactive workshops, compost tours and educational initiatives, she ignites a passion for composting and waste reduction among the younger generation. From demonstrations to hands-on composting activities, Jenny is inspiring our community to become stewards of the environment. In households across BS13, Jenny’s presence is a catalyst for change. Through doorstep collections and personalised outreach, she establishes meaningful connections with residents, encouraging them to participate in the composting revolution. By demystifying the composting process and highlighting its benefits, Jenny empowers households to take tangible steps towards reducing their carbon footprint. For Jenny, the joy of her work lies not just in the transformation of waste into compost but in the transformation of minds and attitudes towards sustainability. Through outreach and education, she invites the residents of BS13 to embark on a journey of environmental consciousness, one food scrap at a time.

Timings:9:45am – 4:00pm
9:45am arrival for a 10:00am start
Ends: 4:00pm

Refreshments:
Tea, coffee, biscuits and squash will be provided. Please bring a packed lunch.

Please Bring:
Note book, pen, water bottle, and a strong shopping bag to carry your potting mix home with you. Please wear weather appropriate clothing and footwear, and bring gardening gloves.

Cost:
Members £65 | Non-members £85

 

Photos courtesy of Heart of BS13 Flowers.

Event Details

Date: June 29, 2025

Start time: 09:45

End time: 16:00

Venue: Heart of BS13 Flowers Hartcliffe City Farm, Lampton Avenue, Hartcliffe, Bristol BS13 0QH