Elizabeth Waddington

We Must Lobby As Hard For Climate Action as Some Do Against It

If you have not yet seen this story, then I urge you to read it. As politicians gear up for COP26, an expose of leaked documents reveals just how hard it will be to change the status quo. Brazil, Argentina, Australia, Japan, Saudi Arabia and OPEC have pressed to water down a key UN scientificContinue reading “We Must Lobby As Hard For Climate Action as Some Do Against It”

Plant Spring Bulbs Around Fruit Trees

Spring bulbs are a wonderful option for fruit tree guilds in many temperate zones. Today, I thought I would share with you some of the reasons why you should consider planting spring bulbs around fruit trees in your garden: Spring Bulbs Help Suppress Grass Growth Grass can be overly competitive with shallow tree roots, andContinue reading “Plant Spring Bulbs Around Fruit Trees”

Adapt and Thrive: Are You A Climate Conscious Gardener?

Many of the approaches I take in my garden and in my daily life are all about mitigating the impacts of climate change. But adaptation is also extremely important. As well as doing my best to reduce carbon emissions and increase sequestration, I am also very aware of the need to adapt to the inevitableContinue reading “Adapt and Thrive: Are You A Climate Conscious Gardener?”

Storing Root Vegetables for Winter

Before you harvest some of the last crops of the year, you might want to consider where to store root vegetables for winter so here are a few simple tips: Some vegetables, like leeks, brassicas and root vegetables, for example, can be left in the growing areas (with a little protection) and harvested as andContinue reading “Storing Root Vegetables for Winter”

Choosing Sustainable Flooring For Your Home

Throughout much of our barn conversion we plan to install reclaimed timber flooring. Today, I thought I would briefly write about how you might go about choosing sustainable flooring for your home. First of all, reuse is something to consider. Choosing reclaimed materials rather than buying new can often be a sustainable choice. This isContinue reading “Choosing Sustainable Flooring For Your Home”

Our Experience In Our Barn Renovation So Far

Reclaiming and restoring old agricultural or industrial buildings can reduce the need for new materials, and provide sustainable places to live. Rescuing old buildings that are no longer utilised for their original purpose can sometimes be a green option. I would certainly suggest that it is a great option to look into – though itContinue reading “Our Experience In Our Barn Renovation So Far”

Case Study: Aiming for Self-Sufficiency

This is a design for a smallholding for a couple with this fairly modest piece of land in SE Scotland who are aiming for as much self-sufficiency as possible. The couple already grows some fruits and vegetables but wished to create a design which would allow them to increase their resilience and self-reliance. The coupleContinue reading “Case Study: Aiming for Self-Sufficiency”

The Run Up To COP26

As the pivotal climate change conference draws closer, Scotland is ramping up to host visitors and dignitaries from all over the world. Though I do not plan to go through to Glasgow for events, I will be keeping a close eye on happenings, and will certainly be checking out plenty of fringe events online. ThereContinue reading “The Run Up To COP26”

Identifying Future Potential in Sustainable Agriculture

Agriculture is entering a period of massive disruption – whether farmers like it or not. There is an urgent need for reform within the farming sector and mitigation and adaptation are both crucial not just for farmer’s profits, but for the future of us all. This may be an extremely worrying time for many farmersContinue reading “Identifying Future Potential in Sustainable Agriculture”

Sustainability in Communities

Building a stronger sense of community is crucial for the transition to a more sustainable way of life. In the past, everyone belonged to strong local communities – everyone knew one another and it was normal to know all your neighbours. Few of us are lucky enough to be in the same position today. ThoughContinue reading “Sustainability in Communities”