Build a Vermicompost System with us!

Would you like to learn how to make a continuous flow vermiculture* compost system?

*Vermiculture is a sustainable and efficient method of composting with earthworms that can be done in small spaces and has a wide range of benefits. It is a great option for those who want to reduce their waste and improve soil health.

This hands-on-tools timber based workshop will teach you all the ins and outs of this composting system. Led by Roxy (Rhyze Mushrooms) and Emma (Lauriston Farm). It will take place in Lauriston Farm's Market Garden over a full day (from 10am - 4pm, with a lunch break).

Together we'll make one big system (2m long x 1m wide) that will then be used by Lauriston Farm's Community Allotments to transform their organic matter waste into nutrient rich fertiliser!

Please:

• bring a packed lunch (we'll provide tea, coffee and biscuits)
• wear clothes you don't mind getting messy

Who is This Event For?

Adults aged 16+ who are interested in earthworms, compost, soil health and woodwork.

Experience Level:

Open to all levels of experience. You don't have to be a pro with power tools to take part, our workshop facilitators will give full instructions, a health and safety briefing on how to use the tools and will be supervising all aspects of the build across the day.

We'll be working with:

• timber
• saws
• drills
• screwdrivers
• wire mesh
• paint

Venue and Accessibility Notes

This is a small group workshop in the Market Garden Pack Shed.

Many of the fabrication tasks will take place on the floor and will require kneeling.

Please dress for outdoors (bring lots of warm layers!) although we will be sheltered from the elements most of the time.

It is level access on a rough stone path into the Pack Shed, with ramp access to the raised area. Please email info@lauristonfarm.org if you have any accessibility questions or requests.

More About Tickets

Tickets are on a sliding scale with 'solidarity' options (see below)

Solidarity - offer if you can (+50%) £15

Standard Ticket £10

Discount - take if you need (-50%) £5

About Solidarity Pricing

We have a solidarity pricing model for our community engagement work.

We encourage those who can to pay a little more, and those who can’t are encouraged to pay a discounted rate. We hope to foster more justice, equity and diversity in our food system by charging on a sliding scale.

What Price Should I Pay Within the Solidarity Model?

We suggest you consider paying the solidarity contribution rate if you agree with one or more of the below:

• I am able to meet all of my basic needs and have some disposable income
• I have access to savings and/or inherited money
• My rent/mortgage payments are less than 30% of my monthly income
• I am able to, and would like to, stand in solidarity with others
• I am able to stand in solidarity with the work of Lauriston Farm to build community, promote biodiversity and support local provision of nutritious food

We suggest you consider paying the discounted rate if you agree with one or more of the below:

• I frequently stress about meeting basic needs and don’t always achieve them
• I have no, or very limited, expendable income
• I do unpaid care work or support children/other dependents on one income
• I do not qualify for state funds due to my immigration status
• I have to work part time/I am on a low income i.e. working less than 16 hours a wk

TRAVEL

The Market Garden is located here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/aoeB87fbCHX8Aset7 from Cramond Road South.

The Market Garden can also be reached by walking across the farm from here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ejragJRmz4EfUvDt9

Please use public transport, walk, wheel or cycle to get to the farm whenever possible.

Lothian Buses 16, 27, 29, 37 & 47 all stop within 5 minutes of the farm.

There is no general car parking on the farm.

We can support a small number of vehicles to park at the entrance - this is reserved only for those who need it as an access requirement - please email info@lauristonfarm.org if you need to do this.

Additional Project Context:

This workshop is part of our Compost and Castings events programme which culminates on Saturday the 14th June in a Worm Appreciation Day with craft workshops, soup eating and a ceremonial opening of our Vermiculture Compost System at Lauriston Farm - because Worms Obviously Require Motivation Seasonally! (See our Eventbrite listing to book)

Rhyze Mushrooms is a non-profit worker’s coop situated at Lauriston Farm. They harness the decomposing power of mushrooms to grow food from local waste and are in the early stages of a new vermicomposting enterprise.

This circular model approach to food production makes use of the spent substrate from mushroom growing, which is broken down by the composting worms into a nutrient-rich soil amendment perfect for vegetable propagation.