Compost "Cakes" for Pumpkins

We’re trying something new that we saw on Gardener’s World called a compost cake.

The idea is to make a 2-metre circle and layer hay or straw between green and brown materials, building it up into the shape of a cake. We used branches around the outside to give it a clear structure so it looks intentional rather than just a loose compost pile.

We’re planning to use this as a planting space for some of our pumpkins next year.

I’ve attached a (work in progress!) picture. We’ve just taken on a new allotment plot so it’s all still a bit rough and ready, but it’s coming together.

Has anyone else tried this method before, or anything similar?