Steve Ross-Smith is the founder of the Worm Research Centre. He has a wealth
of environmental and farming experience having run an organic farm since 1986.
His many practical skills bring originality and efficiency to all the projects
undertaken here at the Centre. He is an innovative thinker and, recognising
the enormous gaps in information regarding small scale composting and vermiculture,
has been tackling the problem head on. Using his skills in engineering, design
and technology (HND Distinctions) many new ideas are now being researched
and developed to create workable solutions to the enormous organic waste stream
problems faced by small commercial businesses. Please contact us if you think
there is something we can help you with. The Centre are the North of England
key Compost Doctors working with CRN UK (Community Recycling Network UK) and
the CCN (Community Composting Network), to support businesses in improving
their environmental resource efficiency. See the relevant tab for more information
on how we can support you. |
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Design Technology
Top class engineering and design skills are used at the Centre to work on new
innovative development work to enhance the small scale composting industry.
Projects at present include, Jimmy Riddle Trommel, Environment Agency compliant
modular WormPods, Scotty's HotBox light commercial composting unit, bedding
types, food trials, Worm Warden fencing system, breeding towers, trommel and
separators.
Consultation Afternoons
The Centre is available 2 afternoons a week for consultations, businesses and
local authorities visit for help and advise on setting up vermicultural facilities
and to discuss waste issues.
Educational Visits
The visits take account of large areas of the curriculum involving Science,
Maths, English and Art and can be adapted to all levels of study. Topics cover
all domestic recycling issues, leading to composting and worms. Hands on work
includes looking around the Centre, discussing the work and the value of composting,
this is followed by beans being planted in two different mediums; soil and vermicompost,
to illustrate the difference in the growth mediums and the value of compost,
these are taken back to the school for further work and monitoring.
Rural Innovation
The Centre is part of the Rural Innovation Zone at the East of England Show.
This yearly event gives the opportunity for businesses to showcase their work
and progress at this huge three-day agricultural show. We hope that this opportunity
will be taken up as the Centre wishes to encourage the reuse of all materials
wherever possible and it would be an interesting exhibition to add to the portfolio.
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