Composting at Rushmere Farm

A shared way of caring for soil, land and community

At Rushmere, composting is part of how we care for the land and close the loop between people, food and soil.

We offer a green waste drop-off point for Local and Engaged Stewards, allowing members to return garden and kitchen plant waste to the farm, where it can be composted and used to improve soil health, support growing spaces, and build fertility over time.

This is not a commercial waste service — it’s part of our wider stewardship model, based on care, responsibility and shared understanding.

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Why composting matters here

Composting plays a central role in how we farm and manage the land at Rushmere:

• It helps build healthy, living soils

• It supports biodiversity and soil organisms

• It reduces waste and unnecessary transport

• It turns local surplus into nourishment for the land

• It closes the loop between growing, eating and returning nutrients

For stewards, composting is also a way of learning — seeing how materials break down, how soil is built, and how small everyday actions contribute to long-term land care.

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Who can use the compost drop-off

Compost Drop-Off Membership

This option is designed for local people who mainly want access to composting, and who value responsible land care.

Compost Drop-Off Membership includes:

• Access to the Rushmere compost drop-off point

• Ability to bring accepted green waste during agreed times

• Use of the compost system throughout the year

• Occasional updates on how compost is used on the farm

• An invitation to steward walks and seasonal moments (optional)

💡 Many people choose to upgrade to full Stewardship, which includes composting plus wider access, events, discounts and involvement across the farm.

Composting is available to:

🌱 Local Stewards

• Access to the compost drop-off area

• Suitable for small amounts of household green waste

• Intended for regular, respectful use

🌿 Engaged & Lead Stewards

• Full access as above

• Deeper involvement in compost systems and learning days

• Opportunities to help shape and maintain compost areas

This helps ensure the system stays manageable, well cared for, and beneficial to the farm.

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🌾 What you can bring

We accept most soft green garden and kitchen waste, including:

✅ Accepted

• Grass cuttings
• Leaves
• Weeds (non-invasive)
• Spent plants
• Soft prunings and hedge trimmings
• Annuals and herbaceous material
• Vegetable trimmings & peelings
• Garden waste from pots and beds
• Coffee grounds & tea leaves
• Flowers
• Soft hedge trimmings
• Wilted veg or salad
• Grass clippings
• Straw or hay
  

• Cooked food

• Meat, fish or dairy

• Bread or processed food

• Pet waste

• Large quantities from commercial gardening work

If in doubt, think: could this break down easily by hand?

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🚫 What we can’t accept

To protect the compost system, wildlife and soil health, please do not bring:

• Branches or sticks thicker than a pencil
• Woody hedge cuttings
• Tree prunings
• Logs or stumps
• Treated or painted wood
• Soil, rubble or stones
• Plastic, or packaging
  
• Diseased plant material
• Invasive weeds or roots
  

If you’re unsure about something, please ask before bringing it.

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How the compost drop-off works

• Compost can be dropped off during daytime hours

• Please use the clearly marked compost bays

• Follow signage on where to place different materials

• Keep the area tidy after use

• If a bay looks full, please pause and let us know

This system works because stewards take responsibility for keeping it usable for everyone.

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Compost, learning & stewardship

Composting at Rushmere isn’t just disposal — it’s part of a wider learning culture.

Throughout the year, stewards may be invited to:

• Help turn or manage compost heaps

• Learn about soil biology and decomposition

• Use finished compost in garden or planting days

• Take part in seasonal growing or planting sessions

These moments help build understanding of how soil, food and care are connected.

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A shared responsibility

By using the compost system, stewards agree to:

• Respect the guidelines

• Keep the area tidy

• Use the system in moderation

• Help look after shared spaces

This shared responsibility is what makes it possible to offer composting as part of stewardship.

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Questions or unsure what to bring?

If you’re not sure whether something is suitable for composting, or you’d like to learn more about how the system works, please get in touch.

We’re always happy to help — and curious conversations are part of stewardship too.

🌼 Why stewardship matters

Composting at Rushmere isn’t a standalone service — it’s part of a wider approach to caring for land, people and place.

Stewardship supports:

• Soil health and carbon storage

• Wildlife and biodiversity

• Food growing and herbal spaces

• Community access and learning

• Shared responsibility rather than waste extraction

For many people, compost drop-off is their first step into stewardship.

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🌿 Consider becoming a Steward

If you find yourself coming regularly, enjoying the space, or wanting to be more involved, you may prefer to become a Steward of Rushmere.

Stewardship includes:

• Compost drop-off

• Member-only walks and access

• Discounts on farm produce and services

• Reduced rates on stays and workshops

• Invitations to seasonal gatherings

• Opportunities to help shape and care for shared spaces

👉 Explore Stewardship options here

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🪴 Practical details

• Compost drop-off is available to members only

• Access times and instructions are shared after sign-up

• Please bring material loose or in reusable containers

• No plastic bags or sacks

• If unsure about an item, just ask before bringing it

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💚 Thank you

By composting at Rushmere, you’re helping close the loop — returning nutrients to the land, reducing waste, and supporting a shared, living landscape.