What to do with grass clippings?

[Grumpla]

This is probably a really stupid question, but is there anything I can usefully do with my grass cuttings? I don't have a compost bin yet, just a heap of semi-composted crud from the people who moved out (assume they took the bin with them!)

Last time I mowed the lawn I just piled clippings on top of heap, so now have large quantities of dried grass just sat there. Semi-composted crud now seems quite broken down (lots of worms!)

Can I use clippings as a sort of mulch? Spread it around my fruit bushes etc to keep the weeds down? Or shall I just chuck in the green bin?

I'm off to mow the lawn NOW so let me know what you think!

As you have realised, you can compost grass cuttings.
It's possible that your predecessors never had a compost bin, composting works perfectly well in a heap, it just doesn't look as neat.
It takes several months for it all to compost down and the middle/bottom of the heap composts the best where it is warm, dark and damp.
You can use a fork to turn your heap and help it to compost more evenly if you want.
It'd let it compost down first before spreading it on the garden. It will be better and more effective.

Should i water the heap? We have had very little rain here and the grass from last time has just dried out.

With turning, am I aiming to mix the whole heap up evenly or literally just turn the top layers over?

Get an off-cut of carpet to cover it with, keeps the heap warm and rots down quicker also keeps the moisture in. I know it sounds grim, but wee helps it as well - not every day but once a month or so works a treat.