I have been digging a hole and placing a ‘thone’ above it: a large plastic plant pot, hole cut in the bottom and toilet seat mounted on it. At present it is shielded by a beach wind break, but I have plans for a tree-bog. What willow should I use?, there are so many of them.

My woodland came with a covenant that was VERY specific about what is permitted and what is not, and I don’t believe the 5 year rule would cut any ice if it was forbidden in the covenenant. I am permitted a ‘woodland store’ of a max size that must be a ‘temporary structure’ and not used as a dwelling. I have a tent for sl’eeping in through the summer, but it is fair to say once I have my woodland store’ (planned for easter), if it is absolutely tipping it down, I may be found huddled on the floor among my tools!

Good luck to you all in your projects.

Virginia

I’m thinking of buying a plastic water butt (of the kind they sell in garden centres) and rigging a tarp to collect rainwater to fill it.

The intention is that this will be for washing (ourselves and our dishes) but not drinking. Does anybody have experience of using plastic barrels for this purpose ?

Does the water go manky after a while ? I have seen quite a few videos on YouTube (mainly American) about creating a rainwater filter using pea gravel and sand, to clean the water on its way through the barrel.

It’s in semi-rural Hampshire. The air quality is probably OK but there will be dead leaves, insects and bird droppings to contend with.

Obviously keep well away from water courses / supply etc as with any toilet. We keep a bucket of ash by the toilet, and sprinkle a trowel full every visit. Ash adds carbon and improves composting, also neutralises urine. Generally, best to wee behind bushes wherever possible, as urine prevents composting.

A spade sized hole (approx 18 inches square, by around 2 feet deep) had fully composted in around 9 months and could be dug out and reused.

Good luck!

A great read and brilliant for any kind of composting toilet. The main idea is to use lots of sawdust, leaves or similar to prevent smell and encourage rapid composting.

I’ve used this style of toilet running camps for 50+ people for a week. No complaints over smell etc and they are jsut like using a normal loo. Only difference is you “flush” with sawdust!

Most planning restrictions are to do with establishing a permanent dwelling, so you should be ok. Of course, if you’re thinking of bringing groups of people into your woodland that has it’s own challenges – but you’re obviously thinking ahead, reading the toilets blog!