Pedal-powered Wood Chipper for Compost Workshops

Aim: Raise funds for a pedal-powered wood chipper for our Community Compost Workshops; to cultivate soil health, physical health & mental health

Healthy Soil - Healthy People

Human health and the health of the natural environment are intrinsically connected. 

The human microbiome is directly linked to the health of our soil - the more diverse both are, the more both will thrive. The relationship between plants and their microbial partners is vital for the health of soil, and the food that we eat, which ultimately replenishes our microbiome, keeping us healthy.

I am a qualified Soil Food Web Consultant. Cultivating and nurturing the green space around me has taught me how vital nature is. Our connection to the natural environment is more important than ever before. The health of our soil impacts the very existence of life on our planet, from the nutritional value of the food we eat, to the complex systems of fungi which absorb carbon from the atmosphere to plant health. 

The Soil Food Web 

Soil food web research explores the interaction between plants and their soil partners. Restoring the natural biology of soil is possible with the re-introduction of the soil microbes that are missing from our soils, which have been destroyed via over-ploughing, chemical fertilisers and pesticides.

As a Soil Food Web professional, part of my work involves teaching others how to make biologically complete compost using diverse and sustainable materials like cardboard, grass, straw, hedge trimmings, leaves, wood, animal manure, spent coffee grounds and beer grains to name a few. These compost piles get very hot and so in order to create air in the pile, a lot of these materials need chopping up into smaller pieces.

Which is why I am crowdfunding for a pedal powered wood chipper. 

Pedal-Powered Wood Chipper

Not only will a pedal powered wood chipper have a minimum negative impact on the environment, it will also connect the human body to the natural landscape through the power of movement. Physical movement is scientifically proven to have a positive impact on mental health. Good for the body, good for the mind, good for the environment! 

Everyone who contributes to this project is investing in the their own future health and the health of the planet. Depending on the level of contribution, as a a huge thank you, you will receive one of our fabulous gifts. Please visit our rewards page. 

Soil Microbe T-shirt reward £50 

My business Soil Resilience offers practical tools to help restore degraded soils through consultancy, soil analysis and compost workshops. Please look at the website for more details and educational resources.

Testimonials

"I am really grateful for Lorraine's hands on enthusiastic approach to composting. The explanation of microbiology and why it matters, the heat cycles, and the importance of diversity in the pile, has helped me to understand where I was going wrong with my own compost..

Working with Lorraine is really fun and engaging and her passion for her work is infectious." Justine

"I learnt so much about thermophilic composting with Lorraine. She is a great teacher and her place is the perfect learning environment. We had inspiring conversations about soil health, the importance of micro-organisms in the soil and the role compost plays in regenerating soil health." Aurora

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 31st July 2025 at 12:00pm