Latest news
Here at Lackan Cottage Farm people often say we are living the good life. We grow our own food and wood fuel, generate our own electricity, take responsibility for our own waste, harvest rainwater and are using natural building techniques. Additionally we help other people to do the same, and welcome visitors and volunteers here to the farm to stay and learn about what we have to offer.
No guilt? Just kidding
Today I am including a caveat to my 'All the benefits without the guilt', as a way to show how easy it is to fall into a particular mindset. My previous post made it all sound so simple. Why do all that work when a simple device can make your life easier?...
All the benefits without the guilt
Something I am starting to understand about generating your own energy is that in the same way that you have to watch when there is little sun and no wind (which is pretty rare), you also have to find ways to use power when it is available. Here we cook, heat water...
Northern Ireland Community Energy
Well, it has been a busy old time, with all manner of works happening, both here on the farm and out in the world. Having left the world of making websites behind, I have made a little foray back into the business to produce a site for Northern Ireland Community...
Last few Green woodworking places left
We have just 2 places left on each of our Introduction to Green Woodworking courses with Steve Ryan. The first course is on 25th April, 10am - 6pm, and is £65 including materials and lunch. The second course is on May 23rd, , 10am - 6pm, and is £65 including materials...
Month of Mud
Thanks to the amazing generosity of both our crowdfunding backers, and a small army of volunteers, we have made great progress with our classroom space over the winter, and now we are on the home stretch, with the aim of completing it this summer. The majority of the...
Green woodworking is proving popular
Places on the green woodworking courses are going fast - so fast that we are likely to put on a second 'Introduction to Green Woodworking course', to cater for the interest. There are just a couple of places left now on the 'Make a stool from a log course'. It's great...
Green woodworking courses
We are pleased to be able to offer two green woodworking courses, with Steve Ryan, of Green Woodwork Ireland. Steve is an incredibly talented green woodworker who teaches extensively, and is passionate about his craft. Come and join him here in the woods at Lackan...
Could spring really be on the way?
Well, Imbolc is upon us, and Steph came to cut some rushes to make St.Brigit's crosses with. Surely one of the older surviving traditions from the dawn of Christianity and beyond. One thing we aren't short of is rushes, and it looks like we'll get another bumper crop...
Enjoying the many benefits of winter sun
On a day like today when the wind is bitingly cold, but the skies are clear, and we enjoy some winter sunshine, it is great to be able to celebrate the fact that for once, everything is working, and we are able to take a moment to marvel at the fact that we have all...
Could you retire early?
A friend recently introduced me to the excellent website of the strangely named Mr Money Mustache, and I have to say that despite my initial apprehension about it all being rather money driven, it is actually a very helpful and interesting blog. The gist of it...
Connecting it all together
Someone asked how we get the data about our power generation and usage to the side of our website. Well here is as concise an answer as I can manage. Here's a schematic - Power comes from our PV Panel Arrays (shown top). The big array (centre) is wired as 4 groups of...
What to do in winter
This is the time of year when despite our recent obsession with all things solar, we need to get outside and start to prepare for the year ahead. All the the veg beds that don't have anything in them need dressing with manure - both outside, and in the polytunnels....
Energy – a learning curve
As we continue to grapple with our growing solar PV power station, we're learning how to manage within our means, power wise (or not on occasion); and get it all running smoothly. Although we have batteries as a buffer, there are some things better done on a sunny...
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...
Volunteer highlights – Food glorious food
One of the best things about being volunteer hosts is that every visitor brings with them a new approach to food, and this year we had some amazing meals. It didn't take a lot of deliberation to come up with a highlight of the year, which came with Samanta and...
From our shop
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Red Russian Kale - 200g
£1.50
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Onions - yellow - 1kg
£1.00
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Rainbow Chard - 200g
£1.50
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Gift Voucher
£15.00 – £100.00
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Accommodation Gift Voucher
£25.00 – £100.00