What a summer

What a summer

As we come to Mabon –  the Autumn equinox, our busy season draws to a close, and the place has quietened down as our band of volunteers head off, and we host the last events before we take a break. Last weekend’s course – ‘Finding You – A...
Refugee crisis – how you can help

Refugee crisis – how you can help

Sometimes it is astonishing how a single moment defines a tipping point in our lives. This week it has surely been the heartbreaking image of the body of a three year old boy washed up on a beach as his family flee Syria.  That it took such a thing to happen is...
Small change

Small change

The last week I have despaired somewhat as I watch the government dismantle the renewables industry in the name of shaving a quid off people’s energy bills, whilst simultaneously propping up the oil and gas industry to the tune of £1 billion and shamelessly...
Autumn mists

Autumn mists

Today saw the first autumn mist, and the farm took on a magical quality that you only get at this time of year.   Such an incredibly abundant time, as fruits begin to ripen, and we are able to harvest from the garden and tunnels every day. Having a freezer for...
Permaculture Gathering 2015

Permaculture Gathering 2015

The weekend of August 7-9 saw the first visit of the All Ireland Permaculture Gathering to Northern Ireland – at Tubby’s Farm in Hillsborough, home of Sunflowerfest. Preparations have been going on for months leading up to the Gathering, mainly organising...
Wind power at the farm

Wind power at the farm

Solar power is wonderful but here in Northern Ireland sun is often in short supply, especially in winter when the days are short. Hence the need for an alternative – in this case a wind turbine. Bornay, who make this particular model have been building turbines...