Thanks for all the advice, unfortunately the wife wasn't keen on the guinea pig idea, but will definately keep that in mind for when the children are older.

I have decided to follow your advice and will be telephoning the local council tomorrow to see what subsided compost bins they offer.

I was worried about moving a dalek because we have a small garden, things often have to get moved and re-arranged as we buy new plants, grow different veggies, etc. However in hindsight there is an area that doesn't get moved around/re-arranged too often and is nice and sunny and easy to get to from the kitchen, so I will try siting the dalek there.


A few quick questions though, the dalek will have to be placed on concrete (no choice, whole garden is concrete accept for a raised bed), should I add some spent compost from old pots at the bottom of the new bin to encourage the creepy crawlies?

Also I have cut down a large amount of brambles today that were coming over the neighbours wall, the brambles where very thick, but I have cut them all into 6 inch pieces, would it be ok to add these to the compost bin? I don't mind waiting a little longer for compost and thought if would help with air flow having it at the bottom of the bin.

Finally I have read that you shouldn't add the roots from perennial weeds, such as docks/dandelions and nettles. However I have heard soaked nettles are a good activator, is this a case of digging up the nettles, cutting the roots away and disguarding, then soaking the nettle leaves before added to the bin?


Thanks again for all your help and advice!