
Bettering communities and the planet

Our aims and vision
Soil Squad sees a world where food is never wasted; we see it as a superpower for the planet. By turning food scraps into rich, microbe-packed compost, we’re not just feeding the soil, we’re feeding a future where communities, plants and people can thrive together. A world where every bit of peel, tear of crust and someone’s leftover lunch, can fuel something beautiful.
We’re on a mission to make composting second nature. Through our Compost Hubs in communities and schools, we’re turning food waste into lovely, rich compost, closing the loop and keeping nutrients where they belong – in the soil. We champion Circular Economy principles by offering hands-on workshops, expert consultancy, and education programmes that don’t just teach but inspire action. We’re growing a greener, healthier and much happier city.

Meet the team


Vicky Gutteridge, Founder & Director
With a background in education and mental health, I saw how deeply soil, people and the planet connect. As a teacher, I started a gardening club and later a community allotment, reinforcing my belief that hands-on connection with the earth can be truly transformative. Learning how soil health affects gut health, mental well-being, and climate resilience was also a turning point. Soil health is about so much more than growing food; it’s about regenerating ecosystems and nourishing communities. So now, I’m all about creating compost, healing local soils, growing nutrient-rich plants and helping the next generation become more self-sufficient in an ever changing climate.
Karin Stub, Director
I’ve been in love with making compost for over 25 years—collecting grass clippings from friends, coffee grounds from cafés, cardboard from the community and turning waste into something wonderful. Having met Vicky at the local nursery gates, our shared love of allotments and compost sparked endless chats and ideas for community composting. I’m so pleased to be able to help Soil Squad bring people together, connect them with nature and above all, help build a greener, thriving future.


Suzelie Gundry, Director
I joined Soil Squad as an advocate for Health and Wellbeing, bringing my experience as a public health nurse working with children and families. I focus on the connection between environmental, physical, and mental health to promote healthier communities. Currently reviewing the evidence on improving children’s health and wellbeing through regenerative growing, I plan to incorporate this knowledge into Soil Squad’s work, helping to promote healthier lives through community engagement and education.
Feriha Hassan, Director
I’m passionate about living within planetary boundaries and believe every choice we make, big or small, can positively impact the planet. Volunteering with Soil Squad allows me to support practical, community-driven solutions that turn food waste into a resource, regenerating our soils and ecosystems. I’m excited to be part of a team making sustainability accessible and actionable while bringing my experience in finance and strategy to support Soil Squad’s mission.


Kevin Burgess, Volunteer
I’ve been putting my practical skills to good use at Soil Squad, helping develop the infrastructure for the Community Composting Hub. I love finding creative ways to repurpose and recycle materials—there’s always a way to turn something old into something useful! Getting involved in this project is a great way to give back, spend time outdoors, and be part of something that benefits the whole community. Composting isn’t just about waste, it’s about renewal, and I’m proud to play a part.
Community Contributors
We’re grateful for the support of our amazing community and excited to be working alongside them in St Albans. Our Community Composting Hub at Sandridge Road Allotments and this website, were made possible thanks to funding from the St Albans Greener Together Net Zero Fund.
We champion the vital work of St Albans Community Pantry, transforming their food waste into living compost for their community allotment. A huge thank you to St Albans Tree and Garden Services for donating woodchip, the perfect partner to food waste in our hot composter!
We’re immensely grateful to the talented and generous Blackbird Brands and Mud Island for their invaluable support in helping us to bring the Soil Squad brand and website to life.
A heartfelt thank you to Stephanie Belton for beautifully capturing the spirit of our composting community through her photographs.




