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Open compost pile for wildlife

hiacedrifterhiacedrifter Posts: 119
in Wildlife gardening
I'm going to make an open compost pile to attract wildlife. I'll use wooden posts/decking to make what will look like 4 pallets in a square.

Can I treat it like my current do-it-all compost bin - fruit/veg, grass, leaves, etc? I turn every few days? Or should i just put leaves and grass in the wildlife one?

Posts

  • wild edgeswild edges Posts: 9,926
    The best wildlife heaps that I've made have been created using mostly garden waste with no kitchen scraps. Always covering the heap with cardboard or carpet to regulate the moisture levels and keep heat in. Turning it is tricky as you're bound to disturb the wildlife. Better to mix well before adding the material.
    Tradition is just peer pressure from dead people
  • hiacedrifterhiacedrifter Posts: 119
    Cool, I'll give it a go :)
  • PosyPosy Posts: 3,601
    I have two lots of compost; one is the usual kitchen/garden waste sort that is built up over weeks or months, according to season. When it's full, I tip it all out, mix it up and pile it into a second bin. It's nerve-wracking to do because slow worms hibernate and breed in it so timing and extreme care are major considerations. I never cover it and the bin is made of slats of wood.

    The second heap is just that. A pile of grass cuttings and autumn leaves builds up over a year and we have wooden back and sides to prevent escape. In winter I turn it, breaking up lumps and mixing old and new material. I like to do this several times but age and health can limit the frequency. It turns into wonderful compost, we have all sorts of beetles and bugs in it, masses of worms. It is never covered or watered.
  • JellyfireJellyfire Posts: 1,139
    Mine is just open and uncovered, I have two bins made from pallets (got rid of 3rd we found it wasn’t needed). I usually move it from bin one to bin 2 at the end of they year, then by spring it is a lovely compost to use until the next lot is ready the next year. I don’t water or cover, but I do shred when I can be bothered which makes a big difference. Always full of life, not slow worms though, but it’s not in the sun so probably not ideal place for them 
  • PosyPosy Posts: 3,601
    They like cool, moist shade for over winter, @Jellyfire, they may come!
  • JellyfireJellyfire Posts: 1,139
    Posy said:
    They like cool, moist shade for over winter, @Jellyfire, they may come!
    I know they’re nearby so I live in hope!
  • wild edgeswild edges Posts: 9,926
    The drawback to wildlife heaps is often the wildlife can stop you using it. I've had bumblebees nesting in one, or lifted the cardboard to add material only to find baby snakes curled up on top. I guess that means they're working as intended though. It's always good to have a plan B if you need to stop using one for a few days though.
    Tradition is just peer pressure from dead people
  • hiacedrifterhiacedrifter Posts: 119
    i have a main composter that is less than full, despite having all grass and food added to it. if my wildlife composter gets wildlife in, I'm happy to make another composter to avoid disturbing it/them!
  • floraliesfloralies Posts: 2,518
    I only find huge snails in mine  :/
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