I know that many in the United States will be celebrating with family and friends, and I hope that celebrations will go well. Of course, not everyone feels that this holiday is an occasion for celebration. It is important not to be blind to the historical realities behind the polite fictions that are a partContinue reading “Giving Thanks”
Tag Archives: natural world
Ecosystem Restoration – Avoiding Mistakes, Doing No Harm
I recently wrote an article for Treehugger about the Lessons I’ve Learned Through Ecosystem Restoration. In this article, I try to put to rest some of the common misconceptions about ecosystem restoration, and highlight some of the common mistakes that are made. I talk about the vital importance of designing for a specific site, andContinue reading “Ecosystem Restoration – Avoiding Mistakes, Doing No Harm”
Taking a Bird’s Eye View
Whether literally enjoying a bird’s eye view with the modern technology of a drone, honing in with online mapping, or simply using the imagination, taking a bird’s eye view of a site can help us see the bigger picture. It can help us to filter out some of the detail that might confuse us whenContinue reading “Taking a Bird’s Eye View”
Never Stop Learning in Life
Whether we are talking about learning more about the natural world or sustainability, or gaining the skills we need to live better, we should never stop learning in life. All too often, we think about education as something which ends when we leave school, college or university. But the life-long pursuit of knowledge, and keepingContinue reading “Never Stop Learning in Life”
The Importance of Seasonal Connection
In the modern world, it is all too easy for us to lose our connection to the natural world and to feel adrift from the natural shifts in the seasons. One of the most important things in living in a healthier and more sustainable way is rediscovering that sense of connection. We all need toContinue reading “The Importance of Seasonal Connection”
Fragile Systems Hamper Sustainability
One need only look at the issues relating to the energy supply, and fuel supplies here in the UK at the moment to recognise that fragile systems are an issue for any society which aims for true sustainability. I have spoken quite a lot about the importance of building resilience and reducing fragility at allContinue reading “Fragile Systems Hamper Sustainability”
Building Natural Capital
When you think about how wealthy you are, you might think about bricks and mortar property, possessions, and money in the bank. But it is important to understand that wealth comes also from the natural world around us. Whether on your own property, in your community, or in your broader environment, building natural capital isContinue reading “Building Natural Capital”
The Benefits of Forest Bathing
Today was the last day of my two week break from work. This morning we finished the latest project on our barn conversion – putting the first coat of clay plaster on the flat ceilings and sloping sides of the upstairs rooms. I cleaned out the rescue hens, and did a little work in theContinue reading “The Benefits of Forest Bathing”
The Cycle of Good Health
One thing that I thought it would be good to talk about more is the cycle of good health that ties us to the natural world around us. Sometimes, it is the simplest facts which are overlooked. And here is one of the simplest: Healthy soil grows healthy plants. Healthy people eat healthy plants. HealthyContinue reading “The Cycle of Good Health”
Signs in Nature
Where we live, the spring sunshine has given way to a bit of a grey gloom for the past couple of days, and it looks like we still have a few more days of this grey and rainy weather to come. But in spite of the grey skies, spring is still all around – fromContinue reading “Signs in Nature”