[Goosegirl]

At long last I have managed to find myself a decent, robust garden shredder (named Ethelshred) and I have shredded loads of twigs and branches. I now have about 1 1/2 compost bins full and want to compost it first before putting it on my shady fern and acer bed to avoid leaching any toxins from the wood into the soil. What is the best way to compost it?  :blink:

[celjaci]

It should heat up quite nicely on its own - large surface area once shredded 
You could help by turning the heap after 6 weeks if you have the energy.
 Should make a good mulch - not as long lasting as woodchip but presumably you will have more next year.

[Goosegirl]

Thanks for that. Wasn't sure if I needed to put it in chicken wire pen like when you compost leaves. I certainly will have more this year as well as next.