Birch Cottage has a new website of its own
Visit the Birch Cottage website to bookWelcome to Lackan Cottage Farm
We’re Steve and Claire Golemboski-Byrne, we live here off grid with our daughter, our dog, cats and horses. We make all our own energy using wind and solar, grow as much of our own food as we can (it varies widely) and have used permaculture design principles to help us create a great place to live.
Here on the website you’ll find stories about the projects we’ve undertaken – what works, what doesn’t. You can come stay in our guest cottage – Birch Cottage and we will show you round, or maybe you just want to find out how to do some of this stuff. Either way, welcome.
Sycamore no more
Today was a day of mixed emotions, as we had to take down the big sycamore tree that stands over our stables. The recent high winds tore one side of the tree off, revealing really significant rot in the centre of the tree at its base. Often this isn't a worry,...
Lackan Cottage Farm does hi-tech too!
Here at Lackan Cottage Farm we like to experiment with technology, some of it very simple, such as our composting toilets and strawbale insulation, and some of it high-tech such as our solar pv arrays. We started off with just a couple of panels, and this has grown to...
Their power comes from our obedience
I had a conversation with a younger colleague today that serves as an example of why it is so important to question authority. We were talking about how there are times when I think it would be good to video or record 'officials' when they come to our property....
The rock
Looking out at the wonderful sunny, still day, it is easy to forget what the weather can bring. Last night for instance, as I lay in bed, the wind got up, and I realised I could hear flapping plastic. Above me. Which is where flapping plastic ought not to be....
A frosty morning
The year is coming to an end with mercifully dry and cold weather, the horses are sporting their thick winter coats, and we are enjoying some amazing views across to the mountains. Last night we were officially the coldest spot in the UK, with the thermometer...
Blessings to you all this midwinter
To all our friends and supporters - blessings to you this midwinter, however you celebrate it - have a wonderful Yule, a happy Christmas, and a great time. Our heartfelt thanks to all those who helped us in this last year, it means a great deal. We look forward...