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Be part of a pioneering pilot project that’s set to transform how we think about waste, soil, and community across Wealden.
Forest Row is leading the charge in an ambitious effort to roll out community composting clubs across our district. We’re joining a growing movement of successful schemes in places like Brighton, Bristol, Devon and Frome – and we have the chance to show how community-driven towns and villages can lead the way in sustainable waste management and soil regeneration.
What We’re Doing
We’re piloting a community-scale composting system that will:
- Turn local food waste into premium, living compost
- Support healthier soils and more productive gardens
- Reduce pollution from waste transport and incineration Bring our community together around a shared purpose
- Create green jobs and learning opportunities
Soil Matters
Our soils are in crisis. Intensive farming is stripping away 5.1 tonnes of topsoil per hectare every year in England. Healthy soil is not just crucial for growing nutritious food; it’s a cornerstone of environmental resilience:
Flood Prevention: Healthy soil acts like a sponge, absorbing excess water and reducing flood
By composting locally, we return vital nutrients and beneficial microorganisms to the soil, supporting all these critical functions.
Reducing Pollution: When food waste goes to landfill or incineration, it releases harmful gases and contributes to air pollution. Our project will save approximately 0.5 tonnes of CO2 for every tonne of food waste we compost – that’s like taking a car off the road for six weeks.
Community Strength: This isn’t just about waste – it’s about bringing people together. From school chi prefer mil about the code as aero etire sharing ardening wisdom,
How You Can Get Involved
As a Resident:
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- Get excited about nurturing your garden with our locally-produced ‘black gold’ (coming in
- Become a compost champion and inspire your neighbours to join the revolution
As a Business or Community Organisation:
• Be a pioneer: Register your interest in our future food waste collection service and help shape the project
As a Volunteer:
- Join our passionate team and help bring this vision to life
- Share your skills or learn new ones – from hands-on composting to community outreach
As a Donor or Funder:
• Help us lay the groundwork for a greener Wealden
Support our educational programs and empower the next generation of environmental stewards
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The Time is Now
New legislation requires separate food waste collections from businesses by April 2025 and from households by April 2026. We have a golden opportunity to create a system that works for our community. By acting now, we can:
- Shape how food waste is handled in Wealden
- Create a model for other rural & urban communities to follow
- Position Forest Row and Wealden as leaders in sustainable living
- Build valuable skills and infrastructure in our community
Our 3-Year Vision (with your help):
- Spring/Summer 2025: Launch pilot site in Forest Row, begin collections from early adopter businesses and households
- 2026: Expand to second Wealden site, increase participation, launch educational programmes
- 2027: Evaluate success, refine processes, explore expansion across Wealden Join us in this exciting journey to transform our waste into a resource, nurture our soil, and grow a more connected community. Together, we can close the loop and create a thriving, circular local food system.
This project is made possible through the support of key local partners:
- FRow Resource CIC: Supported our initial feasibility study and ongoing development
- Old Tree Soil: Offering technical expertise and operational guidance
- Forest Row Parish Council & Chalk Cliff Trust: Crucial seed funding
- Wealden Food Partnership: Community connections and support
- Project Coordinator: Jon Slack, [email protected], 07747732995
Get Involved
“Let’s grow a greener Forest Row together. From kitchen scraps to thriving gardens can see this ouristine soir cot femits, where nothing goes to waste
~ Robin Walden, Seasons Wholefoods & Kitchen