Composted: A festival of biodegradable ideas

Exploring the transformative power of compost, Cambo Gardens host a festival designed to connect gardeners, scientists, environmentalists and local community.

Compost heap

Established in 1998, the Cambo Heritage Trust works to promote horticulture, education, arts and heritage at Cambo Estate. Taking place in the walled Cambo Gardens in Fife, the six-week festival entitled, ‘Composted – a festival of biodegradable ideas‘ celebrates all things compost.

The events looks to highlight how composting and other waste management approaches help to create healthier soil, trap carbon, and support biodiversity, while connecting traditional gardening methods with new ideas in sustainability practices.

The programme centres on a self-guided garden trail and compost studio area showcasing approaches to composting large and small, alongside creative and practical workshops. During the festival, Fife specialists Alex and Symone Goemans of Steading and Co will discuss their unique approach to regenerative agriculture and show visitors the microscopic creatures living in compost. Head Gardener, Callum Halstead will lead a tour to showcase the Cambo approach to composting and the sustainable use of garden waste throughout the gardens.

The Composted Conference which will focus on regenerative practices and feature a range of speakers including Halstead, and Michael Kennard from the Compost Club. The festival will culminate with a community Green Market weekend showcasing local environmental organisations, businesses and groups working to support healthy soil and biodiversity.

“Composted is a fantastic programme to highlight and celebrate the unseen yet vital life in our soil and to promote discussion and action on ways we can support biodiversity in large, small and creative ways. We have been developing approaches over several years at Cambo to manage our beautiful walled garden with nature in mind and want this festival to be an opportunity to share what we do and to learn from other inspiring people to get everyone engaged with composting at whatever scale they can manage. We believe this is the UK’s first compost festival so join us to make it a good one!” said Keri Irvins, Managing Director of the Cambo Heritage Trust.

For further information and timings of all the events in this intriguing festival programme, we refer you to the Cambo Heritage Trust.