Robin reliance

When it comes to turning the compost heap, you can rely on the fact that you’ll make friends with a robin, says Toby

- TOBY BUCKLAND

THE compost heaps at Buckland Castle have been crying out for attention for months. In fact, they’re so tall with the straw-like remains of drought-battered plants that they resemble the thatched home of a Hobbit.

But it’s not Bilbo and his nefarious Middle Earth mates I’m worried will move in. As temperatures drop, compost heaps become a magnet for hedgehogs, slowworms, mice – you name it, all looking for a cosy place to spend winter. That means now is the last chance to harvest the good stuff at the bottom without disturbing their winter slumber.

Then there’s the practical point that it will also free up space needed when the big autumn-leaf clear-up begins and the real possibility of making a new feathered friend. Whenever you dig over soil, move pot plants, or do anything that exposes worms and insects to the sunlight, it isn’t long before you’re saying ‘hello’ to a robin.