Leaf Mould

Transforming fallen leaves into beneficial material for Gardening.

Initiated 2024

Leaf Mould is the 'compost' formed when leaves break down. It takes one year to produce a 'forest floor' mulch which can suppress weeds, act as a thermal blanket over winter, reduce the sun's heat in summer, reduce water loss, and allow its nutrients to be drawn into the soil. After 2 years it can be mixed directly with soil providing nutrients, helping retain moisture, and aerating the soil for healthy root growth.

Project Aims

A cold snap around September signals trees to start shedding their leaves which slowly decompose back into the soil if they fall on lawns. This doesn't often go to plan in suburban areas when they fall onto pavements and roads, or when the wind forms large leaf piles.

By collecting the leaves we intend to prevent pavements from becoming slippery, keep road drains clear, reduce the number of weeds, and ultimately create leaf mould.

Trial Sites

If these bins are successful we aim to expand the number of sites in the future and contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly community.

The streets around The Peoples Park are lined with trees and we aim to ensure the pavement leaves are used and we have a backup supply from within the park.

To kickstart the initiative, MCC hosted a Zoom workshop with expert Craig Benton on 23rd October followed by building 12 leaf bins on 10th November.

The chosen sites are away from paths to avoid being disturbed by people, pets, or contaminated with other wastebin materials. Trees and walls provide shelter from the wind and shade from the sun to reduce future summer watering requirements.

Site A. The Boyne Estate

Site B. The Priory estate.

Site C. Millbrook Estate

Photo Journal

December 13th

More leaves are needed to fill the cages and we look to the Johnstown Peoples Park for supplies. We begin mounding the dry leaves ready for transportation.

December 5th

The Millbrook site leaves were laid out on the lawn, soaked by the rain, and caged before Storm Darragh could take them away.

November 20th

Clear Paths

One aim of the leaf mould project is to clear slippery paths and reduce next year's roadside weeds.

November 19th

The first 4 leaf mould cages at the JPP are filled and sealed.

November 19th

The Millbrook site leaves have been spread out awaiting a soaking from the next rain before being packed.

November 14th

Leaf Pods

The first 4 of our 12 leaf mould cages begin to be filled with the help of trees from both the JPP and the road leading to Millbrook, SprireView and the Boyne estates.

October 29th

Street Leaves

Over 30 bin bags worth of leaves were collected from 10 Hazel trees on one street. Collected dry they need to be wetted before they go into the leaf mould bin.

October 23rd

Zoom Workshop

Hosted by MCC, Craig H. Benton presented an online introduction to the Leaf Mould project with insights explaining how it works and what will be involved.

October 22nd

Leaf Collection

Storm Ashley brought down many leaves and volunteers quickly blew them off Metges Road pavements before they stuck.

Before

October 29th

Leaf Sweep

Several bags worth cleared from around the JPP.

After

BEFORE. October 7th

AFTER. October 7th

Leaf Blowing

The fallen autumn leaves can look amazing on grass lawns but they're not so great when they make pavements slippery and block roadside drains.

As part of a forthcoming project we've invested in a leaf blower and after today's trial, and for the next few hours at least, Bothar Sion has clear pathways.

Over the coming weeks, we're going to be collecting leaves that don't fall on grass from 3 local streets. With the help of Meath County Council and local residents we are going to create something that is fantastic for gardens.