If you have sited your compost bin / heap on top of concrete or paving stones, the creatures that turn your waste into compost may not be able to get into it. You should move the compost heap / bin to a well-drained area of bare soil which, if possible, gets some sunlight.

If this is not possible, you could ‘seed’ your compost with a few handfuls of good garden soil or some ready-made compost.

You can also insulate your compost with some old carpet or fleece to help maintain the high temperature that the beneficial micro-organisms require.