COMMUNITY groups and schools will be coming up roses with a donation of muck.
Donations of re3grow compost are being offered by re3, the waste management partnership between Bracknell Forest, Reading, Wokingham Borough councils.
Produced in conjunction with FCC Environment, the compost is made from recycled garden waste and peat-free.
Available to buy from the recycling centres in Bracknell and Reading, re3 is also offering bags to help community gardening projects.
It says that since it introduced the scheme, 3,300 bags – 132,200 litres of compost – have been donated to more than 150 different community organisations and schools across the region, benefiting over 30,000 people both directly and indirectly.
Projects include community allotments; growing fruits and vegetables for local food banks; enhancing sensory gardens in nearby schools; supporting less fortunate individuals in enabling them to grow their own fruit and veg; offering social and therapeutic horticultural sessions; and simply enhancing the general wellbeing of the local area by creating more inviting outdoor spaces.
There is a limited number of bags available, so groups are encouraged to apply early to avoid disappointment.
The successful applicants will be notified during the UK Composting Awareness Week, which starts on May 5.
re3 Joint Waste Disposal Board members Cllr Karen Rowland, Chairman of the Joint Waste Disposal Board and Reading Borough Council’s Lead Councillor for Environmental Services and Community Safety; Cllr Ian Shenton, Wokingham Borough Council’s Executive Member for Environment, Sport and Leisure and Cllr Helen Purnell, Bracknell Forest Council’s Executive Member for the Environment and Community Cohesion, said: “We’re thrilled to announce the relaunch of the scheme. Previous years’ initiatives were impressive, showing great collaboration among local organisations and schools.
“Providing free compost is a great first step to help them nurture sustainable practices within our communities. We strongly encourage everyone to apply for free bags of re3grow compost and look forward to announcing successful applications in early May.”
And Rory Brien, re3 general manager, FCC Environment added: “re3grow Community Scheme has proven to be very popular and has benefited over 30,000 people both directly and indirectly. Recycling garden waste is one of the most used waste services and it is fantastic we can showcase its recycling process by producing our own re3grow compost.
“We eagerly await proposals from local groups and organisations and recommend applying early, as compost distribution this year will be on a first-come, first-served basis.”
To access full terms and conditions and expression of interested, visit: www.re3.org.uk
