QR Composting Solutions was first established in 2008, as a composting education business, primarily to spread the word about the ‘Quick Return’ (QR) method of composting with promotion through literature, talks, workshops and courses.
The QR compost system was developed in 1935 by Maye E. Bruce as a method for gardeners and farmers to make fertile compost in a matter of weeks, without turning the heap and without manure. Over the decades, the method became very popular with thousands of people all over the world in many countries using the method which is hinged upon the use of a herbal activator.
The business has evolved to include courses on organic growing and sustainable growing practices and operates from Buttercup Meadow, at Hallington Mill, in south west Northumberland. From 2016 a long term rewilding project called the ‘Biodiversity Project’ was started at the meadow.
The business also offers organic gardening and wildlife gardening services.
From 2014 , the business ran an organic plant nursery under the trading name of ‘Gardener’s Cottage Plants’. The nursery was closed down in 2023.