Wildfires are, unfortunately, becoming an increasingly common danger in many parts of the world. And permaculture designs need to factor in wildlife preparedness and consider how the to mitigate wildfire risks as well as considering other factors relating to the sectors acting on the site. When looking at wildfire, one key thing to look atContinue reading “Wildfire Preparedness in Permaculture Design”
Author Archives: Elizabeth Waddington
Glyphosate – Enough is Enough
With the recent news that Bayer will stop selling glyphosate-based weedkillers to domestic buyers (though not to professionals and for agricultural use) in 2023, and the substance up for review in the EU next year, now seems a good time to ask ourselves whether we can really put up with Roundup and other herbicides andContinue reading “Glyphosate – Enough is Enough”
Grow More Fruit in Less Space
As you may have gathered from previous posts, I love to grow plenty of fruit in my garden. In my forest garden, I have many fruit producing plants – from trees, to shrubs – even fruiting ground cover plants. And I have plans to add even more. I recently purchased a few extra additions (includingContinue reading “Grow More Fruit in Less Space”
The IPCC Report – A Stark Warning
The latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is stark and alarming. Though the science and conclusions certainly come as no surprise, this is a reminder to us all of the dire consequences of inaction. Climate change is an existential threat, and burying our heads in the sand will not help. AsContinue reading “The IPCC Report – A Stark Warning”
Scaling Up Sustainable Solutions
Many of the solutions that have the power to combat our climate crisis are commonly practiced on a small scale in gardens, in smallholdings, on homesteads and small farms. Many of these solutions, involving taking care of the soil and managing water well, for example, will likely already be well known to many with anContinue reading “Scaling Up Sustainable Solutions”
Fragrant Phacelia
The farm estate fields just across the road from our property are blooming beautifully at the moment with a cover crop including Phacelia. These look wonderful, and of course also bring benefits for bees and other pollinators. Phacelia is a wonderful plant for bees. The plants themselves seem to buzz loudly on a sunny day.Continue reading “Fragrant Phacelia”
Case Study: Turkey Permaculture Plan
This plan outlines an approach for a planned goose farm in the vicinity of Digor, in Eastern Anatolia in Turkey. This area experiences winters equivalent to USDA zone 5. I have suggested an agroforestry approach, for the pasturing of meat birds for 7 months each year between climate and soil appropriate fruit trees and otherContinue reading “Case Study: Turkey Permaculture Plan”
Freezing Fresh Herbs for Later Use
Some herbs can be dried, but others are at their best when fresh. Fortunately, if you have a freezer, you can freeze fresh herbs in ice cube trays for later use. I like to do this in summer, while the annual herbs are still at their best, so I can pop out the herb iceContinue reading “Freezing Fresh Herbs for Later Use”
Fireweed – A Useful Summer ‘Weed’
In various parts of my property, and along the roadsides close by, one of the most noticeable and abundant weeds at this time of year is Epilobium angustifolium or Chamaenerion angustifolium, known in the UK as rosebay willowherb or bombweed and in the US as fireweed. I welcome this weed into my forest garden andContinue reading “Fireweed – A Useful Summer ‘Weed’”
Tips for a More Sustainable Van Life
Speaking to a friend recently, we were discussing the growing trend for a more nomadic and less settled lifestyle. We were talking about how ‘van life’ can more than just pay lip service to sustainability. Obviously, those who decide to live in a van already negate all the emissions associated with a permanent abode. ButContinue reading “Tips for a More Sustainable Van Life”
EWSP Consultancy 