Soil Health and Fungal Ecology

A lot of people have been talking about fungi recently – some introduced to the topic by a recent documentary film. Fungi are amazing organisms and we should pay them more attention – for a range of reasons. Fungal ecology is important in a garden, but it is an element which is often overlooked. AContinue reading “Soil Health and Fungal Ecology”

Where Leadership Fails in Our Climate Crisis, We Must Hold Them To Account

News stories this month reporting the UK government’s decision to potentially give the green light to new drilling in the North Sea, at the Cambo Oil Field, and Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon failure to outright condemn the move – saying merely that it should be reconsidered – are yet more disappointing signs when itContinue reading “Where Leadership Fails in Our Climate Crisis, We Must Hold Them To Account”

Perseverance is Important in Permaculture and Sustainable Living

I am certain that I am not unique in having tried a lot of new things in my determination to live in a more sustainable, self reliant and eco-friendly way. Skill building and learning is an important part of making progress in this arena, no matter exactly what path we are on. In the pursuitContinue reading “Perseverance is Important in Permaculture and Sustainable Living”

Sustainable Living Tips: Living Lightly on The Land

Living lightly on the land is one of my key priorities, both in my own personal situation and in my design work. Everything I do is designed to limit imposition and maximise synergy and harmony with natural systems. Living lightly on the land of course involves thinking about many different things – from where yourContinue reading “Sustainable Living Tips: Living Lightly on The Land”

Barn Conversion – Getting a Cast Iron Bath Upstairs

Today has been an eventful day on our barn conversion project. This morning I was working on the top clay plaster layer in what will be the bathroom. And this afternoon we hit rather a big milestone – getting our big cast iron bath upstairs. We had to think carefully about how this was toContinue reading “Barn Conversion – Getting a Cast Iron Bath Upstairs”

Complacency Among the Privileged Curbs Sustainable Progress

Many parts of the world are, quite literally on fire. We are living in a time of almost unimaginable suffering and injustice. And as usual it is the least well off and the most disadvantaged who bear the brunt of our climate crisis and social injustices. For the wealthy and privileged, life can often continueContinue reading “Complacency Among the Privileged Curbs Sustainable Progress”

Sustainable Zero Waste Tips for Gardeners

Many people are thinking about zero waste these days, but all too often, the progress made does not extend from the home into the garden. If you are someone who want to make sure that your garden is as low waste as your home, here are a few simple tips or suggestions: Make sure youContinue reading “Sustainable Zero Waste Tips for Gardeners”

Tips for Sourcing New Plants For Your Garden in a Sustainable Way

Now, while the summer season is in full swing, you should be making plans for your garden over the months to come. You might be thinking about ordering trees and shrubs to plant over the dormant period, buying seeds for winter cover crops, or even buying seeds in for next year. But while you mayContinue reading “Tips for Sourcing New Plants For Your Garden in a Sustainable Way”

Tips for Choosing Fruit Trees for Your Garden

As I wait for the fruit to ripen on the plum and apple trees in my own garden, I thought this would be a good time to share a few simple tips for choosing fruit trees for your own garden. Think about which fruits you actually like to eat. (I am not a particular fanContinue reading “Tips for Choosing Fruit Trees for Your Garden”

Working Remotely on Permaculture Designs

From home, I work on permaculture designs for clients all over the world. Of course, permaculture has a strong emphasis on practicality, and there is no real substitute for actual observation and implementation on the ground. Some people are confused about exactly what a remote permaculture design can offer. But this way of working isContinue reading “Working Remotely on Permaculture Designs”