Composting creatures

  

  

A compost heap isn't just a heap of dead stuff; it's a hotbed of biological activity.  A whole range of creatures feed on the decaying matter, as well as each other, to survive, making up the complex food web found within a compost bin.

Many of the species that live in your heap or bin actively contribute to the composting process, while others such as ground beetles and centipedes, will use it as a temporary refuge as they hunt for a meal. A compost heap can also provide temporary shelter for small animals such as slow worms and hedgehogs, which in turn eat slugs and snails, common pests in many gardens.

Select the + icons below to explore the different food web levels and the creatures that inhabit them.


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