Inception

Here in the Cumbrian Fells of northern England we are experimenting with ways of living more in harmony with our landscape. We moved to the uplands 18 months ago, to a small stone cottage in a steep valley, where the winds can be near-constant and furious - but when the sun does shine it is a truly incredible landscape to be in. For some time now my husband and I have been wanting to live more sustainably. I've been studying organic and permaculture principles and wanted to begin implementing them, particularly in the area of food growing. I'm also a writer and lay herbalist, so in addition to the more practical aspects of sustainable living, thoughts upon poetics and medicine gathering, art, landscape and folklore, will also make their way into these posts.

Some points to be taken into consideration regarding our land use:  

1) We are trying to do as much as possible for free, finding what we need on websites like Freecycle, and through second-hand or charity shops.

2) We try to supply as many of our needs as possible from what is already in the local environment i.e water, mulch material, wild foods, medicinal plants, and composts/fertilizers.

3) As we rent our cottage, we are somewhat proscribed in how we can alter the land, such as building structures, fences or windbreaks.

My hope is that these writings will be a way to share our experiences of living in this quite harsh, rugged and mostly deforested landscape, and that some of the information may be useful for others who are trying to grow and thrive in similar climates or conditions. 

Becoming a part of any place should increase our respect for, and our awe of, its unique characteristics. Through exploring this environment and sharing what I find, as well as revealing what has been lost, by trying to live here harmoniously and as sustainably as possible, by growing food and collecting medicine, I hope to deepen my connection to, and understanding of, the place where I am living.