GARDENERS are being urged to pay tribute to the much-maligned stinging nettle.

This week's Be Nice to Nettles Week is a national campaign that aims to raise awareness of the prickly plant and the reasons why it is an important part of both rural and urban life.

Almost everyone is familiar with the nettle through its formidable sting, but few know about the important role it plays in the natural world.

"No garden should be without a nettle patch or two," according to Carol Trehearn, waste minimisation and promotions officer with Worcestershire County Council. "As well as being a nutritious plant food, it also has a lot to offer the resourceful composter."

She explained: "The nitrogen-rich leaves are a great addition to the heap or bin as they provide much-needed fuel for bacteria to break down some of the more woody materials.

Used regularly, the nettles will help provide quality garden compost that will help improve soil structure and encourage good plant growth."

Support of the Be Nice to Nettles Week is part of the county council's work to encourage households to cut the amount of kitchen and garden waste send to landfill by promoting home composting.

Reduced-price compost bins are available through the Mission ImPossible waste challenge and Everyone Loves a Rotter campaign from as little as £5 delivered.

As well as their important compost-creating role, nettles also provide excellent food for some butterflies and moths and are much-loved by ladybirds. Tea and dyer can also be made from their leaves and through their powerful sting they have an amazing power to protect.

Be Nice to Nettles Week is organised by Cramlington Organisation for Nature and the Environment which aims to help people reconnect with their environment and realise the health benefits, both physical and mental, of contact with wildlife and the natural world.

Further information is available from Carol Trehearn on the Mission ImPossible hotline 01905 766883.