ALMOST half of 1,000 people who took part in a survey compost their green waste. The number of people who home compost has risen by 20 per cent in the last 12 months according to the results of the new survey carried out by Wiltshire Wildlife Trust.

Of the 1,000 people surveyed, 42 per cent compost their waste compared to 35 per cent last year.

The survey found that the majority of households, 86 per cent, compost both kitchen and garden waste.

The survey also uncovered common barriers to home composting including lack of time, space and knowledge.

Rachel Dedman, home composting officer at the trust, said: "We are very excited about the findings of this year's survey.

"The results show that there is a growing number of people that are becoming more environmentally aware and are prepared to take action.

"However, we still have a lot of work to do to encourage others to follow this lead.

"Many barriers to home composting can be overcome through education, but ones such as real lack of space or willingness to home compost need alternative solutions to be provided.

"The trust is currently working with the Wiltshire Waste Partnership in setting up a network of community composting sites for people who do not have the space to compost at home."

The trust, together with the partnership, recently opened the first community composting site in Rowde, near Devizes.

It is run by adults with learning disabilities at CARE Rowde giving them the opportunity to manage their own business.

To encourage people to compost their waste at home the trust is currently selling subsidised home composting bins that range in price from £5 to £15. For more information call 0845 7300 123.