MUSHROOM compost is to be used in Gravesham's shrub and flower borders.

Kentdown Mushroom Farm, in Fawkham, produces 27 tonnes of waste compost every week.

Now co-owner of the farm Nigel Baddeley has agreed to give Gravesham Council's horticultural services some of the compost to improve its flowerbeds in Mountbatten Avenue, in Higham; London Road, in Northfleet; The Terrace, in Gravesend; Hartshill Road, in Northfleet and Hadley Close, in Meopham.

Mr Baddeley said: "We were keen to give Gravesham Council some compost to improve the appearance of the borough."

Swanley Town Council came second in the "Southeast in Bloom" competition after using the compost from the farm.

Sarah Collison from Gravesham Services said: "We are always looking for ways to improve flower power and spent mushroom compost is great for the soil.

It is used to suppress weed growth, it is a great soil conditioner, working well on heavy clay and chalk soils and it attracts worms by re-using a waste product.

December 20, 2001 10:39