Resilience and wisdom to stay happy in the years ahead
In August 2023, I left my family roots in Dorset after 20 happy years there, and relocated to Wales, which feels like a different planet in terms of the positive political atmosphere, and practical actions on climate change, food security and lots more. In this section, I share my impressions and explorations as a newcomer.
In August 2023, I left my family roots in Dorset after 20 happy years there, and relocated to Wales, which feels like a different planet in terms of the positive political atmosphere, and practical actions on climate change, food security and lots more. In this section, I share my impressions and explorations as a newcomer.
A Government that listens and adjusts In 2024, there were widespread, strongly felt protests by Welsh farmers against the Welsh Government’s proposed Sustainable Farming Scheme. What happened then? This is a heartening example of genuine dialogue and mutual adjustment, which has led to major revisions in the SFS. The Farmers’ Union of Wales said the … Read more
Innovation taking root in mid-Wales Across the UK, people are asking how we can build more secure, resilient food systems. Wouldn’t it be great to grow more food near to where it’s needed, whilst creating opportunities for young growers, and regenerating the land. At Sarn, in mid-Wales, this vision is becoming reality. Our Food Trust … Read more
Another pioneering project in Wales Black Mountains College (BMC) is an exciting new project, which only started teaching in 2020. Whilst a lot of educational institutions are large, formal, and focussed on content which is abstract and past-based, this one is the opposite. The vision which Chief Executive Ben Rawlence and his team are manifesting … Read more
Lots of history, but here and now can be elusive Forming spiritual roots with the land where I’m living is important to me, so this is a progress report after two years in Wales. Wales does have ancient sacred sites: stone circles like Gors Fawr, and henges called cromlech. However, they seem less well known … Read more
Sustainable land use by learning from the past This is the most exciting, informative, encouraging book that I’ve read for some time. It’s a brilliant evocation of the deep interplay between people and nature which for centuries gave Wales landscapes that were productive, sustainable, and abundant in biodiversity. As Carwyn explains “the key to understanding … Read more
An Easter retreat on Caldey island I marked Easter with a five-day retreat at Caldey Abbey, a Cistercian monastery on a small island off the Pembrokeshire coast. It’s hard to evoke the depth of devotional atmosphere on an island with a monastic focus for 1500 years, and in an Abbey with several services daily for … Read more
A town of eccentrics, for eccentrics My wife and I spent eight months looking hard for a house in north-west Herefordshire, and researching the area. Having failed to find one, we took a snap decision to buy across the border in Wales. We knew little about Hay-on-Wye, but two years in, we’re loving it. Hay … Read more
Politically, it’s a different planet!Mae Cymru yn wleidyddol yn blaned arall Probably many of you reading this who live in the UK share my gloom about Whitehall politics, and the prospect of sensible, positive action on carbon emissions, food security, affordable housing, and more. Since early 2022, I’ve moved from vague impressions that things were … Read more
Is an inspiring, visionary and down-to-earth plan to get 1200 acres of land in South-East Wales dedicated to growing vegetables and fruit for local markets. The benefits include reducing the current extreme vulnerability to imports, boosting the local economy (far more value added per acre), and substantially reducing carbon emissions. See more here on Our … Read more
I celebrated last Winter Solstice in a group of 40 people atop a 1000-foot-high hill, with 50mph gales, in a fiery sunset amid storm clouds. The scene felt symbolic of the blowing-down of familiar stability, but there was joy facing it in a community. This group celebrates all the Celtic festivals with a mix of … Read more