ICC Grow Eat Compost Repeat Local Green Deal demonstration event

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A group of 20 volunteers from the NW City Region gathered to assist the build a Johnson-Su Bioreactor as part of the ICC Local Green Deal initiative

15 November 2024 - DEUICC project

As part of the Intelligent Cities Challenge (ICC) and a Donegal Local Green Deal initiative, a demonstration build of a large scale highly beneficial composter took place on Sunday, November 10th, at Clonmany Community Gardens in Donegal, NW Ireland City Region.

An enthusiastic group of 20 volunteers from across the region gathered to participate in the workshop and learn about the system’s role in climate action. Led by experts from KPM Soils, the event focused on soil regeneration, a key pillar of this initiative. The project features a Johnson-Su Bioreactor, known for producing an incredibly diverse microbially rich compost that restores depleted soils. This innovative approach is unique in its construction and consistent reliable results. The project highlights the circular economy, with the compost structure and raw materials—such as grass, leaves, wood chips, seaweed, and coffee grinds—all being donated or recycled. In total, over 1,800 litres of materials were collected.

Prior to the hands-on build, Claire and Kevin Moore of KPM Soils, engaged by the ICC to support the Local Green Deal, discussed the significance of soil regeneration for both climate action and mitigation. They outlined how healthier soils can sequester carbon, reduce flooding and prevent pollution by eliminating the need for artificial fertilisers and pesticides. They explained how healthy soils lead to nutrient-rich produce, increased biodiversity, the elimination of plant pests and diseases as well as increasing resilience.

During the build, the participants mixed the ingredients in specific ratios of carbon and nitrogen, wet them in a water bath, and then added them to the composter, with everyone getting involved. The day was a big success, and local growers, farmers, and gardeners learned practical skills to help restore soil and take action on climate change.

The NW Ireland ICC team is very thankful to Clonmany Community Gardens and St Columbcille Village for hosting the event and providing a home for the Johnson-Su Bioreactor over the next year as it "cooks." A special thanks goes to KPM Soils for leading this great initiative and sharing their knowledge.

Photos by Liz Doherty

Click here to email Maixa Zabaleta at ERNACT for further information

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