Community projects across West Berkshire have been benefitting from a new recycling pilot scheme this summer.
Groups including ‘Friends of Linear Park’ have been receiving deliveries of a new type of compost from West Berkshire Council.
The council have been delivering the new conditioner this summer
They say it has helped extend their vegetable plot from 15sq m to 40sq m.
West Berkshire Council has been trialling free deliveries to local growing projects and initiatives boosting biodiversity.
It is being produced by West Berkshire Council’s environmental partner, Veolia.
The new soil ‘conditioner’ is made from the district’s food and garden waste and carefully composted through a monitored process.
The result after ten weeks is peat-free, organic conditioner.
David Matthews, general manager at Veolia, said: “The soil conditioner is peat-free, meaning peatlands that store carbon dioxide are not impacted as part of its production, which helps combat climate change and protect important environments.”
Purley-on-Thames Parish Council say some of their 103 allotment plot holders have been using the conditioner.
Stratfield Mortimer Parish Council also say volunteers have been using their delivery to help maintain a bee and butterfly-friendly border in one of the carparks.
Councillor Stuart Gourley (Lib Dem, Newbury Clay Hill), executive member for environment and highways at West Berkshire Council, said: “It’s a practical example of a circular economy in action, and we’re pleased that this initiative has provided real value to local projects while also supporting our wider environmental goals.
“We look forward to building on this success with more projects like this in the future.”
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