This case study shows the preliminary concept design for a challenging garden with extreme slope in south western England. Existing retaining walls on a steep slope to the north and north east of the existing home are failing, insufficient and in poor repair. There are concerns that damage could occur to the home. Existing plantingContinue reading “Case Study: Terraced Forest Garden Permaculture Design”
Tag Archives: nature
Rewilding On A Range of Scales
When we talk about rewilding, we are often talking about doing so on a landscape scale – over broad areas. Large scale conservation, ecosystem restoration and rewildling are certainly important. But it is also important to consider smaller scale rewilding schemes on individual properties, and even in individual gardens. I’ve had a very busy startContinue reading “Rewilding On A Range of Scales”
Case Study: Oregon Permaculture Garden Design
This overview concept design is for a garden in the Pacific Northwest, around Eugene, Oregon. The garden is towards the south of the Willamette Valley, between the Coastal Range and the West Cascades, in zone 8b. The client was looking for a design that would allow them to grow as much food as possible, withContinue reading “Case Study: Oregon Permaculture Garden Design”
Giving Thanks
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”
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”
Gardening Helps Fight the Winter Blues
In winter, as the nights draw in, it is easy to feel despondent. You may sometimes get the feeling that things have stalled. Taking on a gardening project can help you avoid that slumped winter feeling – giving you purpose and a sense of drive over the coldest months. Even when plants in your gardenContinue reading “Gardening Helps Fight the Winter Blues”
Philosophy of Sustainability
As a philosophy graduate, I have a strong interest in the philosophical questions surrounding sustainability and the climate crisis. I did not pursue a path in academia, but I am strongly of the opinion that intellectual thought should not be the preserve of ivory towers. We should ask ourselves the big important questions in ourContinue reading “Philosophy of Sustainability”
Our Dumfries and Galloway Trip
We’ve just got back from our wonderful few days away in south western Scotland, in Galloway Forest Park and the surrounding area. We were staying here: And here are a few pictures of highlights of the trip, as we walked, relaxed and, on the last night, enjoyed a campfire under the stars.
EWSP Consultancy 