Today we put up the wind generator – a huge thank you is due to all those who very kindly gave us something towards it – with any luck that gift will keep on helping to make power for us for a long time to come. Thanks also to Sinead, who unwittingly came...
It’s been a busy month to say the least, but more of that later. Last week we were in Wales, and spent a few days at the PontYGafel farmhouse plotting the building of our empire, and exploring all the local towns. The Tir Teg group is getting well established...
Doesn’t it look fabulous? So pleased to see the Community Hub building finally nearing completion, and can’t wait to see it again in a fortnight. Spending time on the build, and having a part in its construction is something I’m really proud to have...
A common accusation that I’ve seen made to those who live off grid seems to be ‘you’re off grid and living self sufficiently, but you’ll be quick enough to use the NHS when you get sick, and you’re using a laptop that couldn’t be...
Lets face it, installing 1000 litre rainwater storage tank was always going to guarantee us some sunshine, and so it was that we had a week of glorious weather.All good things come to an end of course, and so it was that today we got some serious rain, and a nice,...
A COUPLE living an “off-grid” lifestyle say they face prison unless they move from their own land in Willand and return to an existence in the benefits trap. Stig and Dinah Mason bought Muxbeare Orchard after a sudden windfall allowed them to quit their impoverished...
Soapnuts are the dried nuts from the soapberry tree, and you use them as a detergent, in place of regular washing powder. We tried them for the first time today, and they work really well – you simply put a few nuts in a little fabric bag and put in with the...
Its a beautiful morning, but I have to have a quick rant and get it over with. Listening to Evan Davies and Sarah Montague on the Today radio programme this morning, they mentioned that the last Blue Peter programme is broadcasting from London for the last time. Not...
Just 12 weeks on, and our little veg plot is coming on really well. We’re getting a feel for what will grow where, and enjoying the fruits (literally, we have strawberries) of our labour. A second succession of onions, beans, peas, salads, and all manner of...
Today I got a sharp reminder of the difference between ‘us’ and ‘them’. Although Northern Ireland already has more than enough tribal troubles, the fact is that there is a huge tribe out there of people who don’t want to be part of the...
Behold, the heart of my new rainwater harvesting system. This 1000 litre food grade container cost just £30, and will hold enough water to supply the truck for about a fortnight. Thus I’ll be using less than a quarter of the average person’s water...
Behold, the heart of my new rainwater harvesting system. This 1000 litre food grade container cost just £30, and will hold enough water to supply the truck for about a fortnight. Thus I’ll be using less than a quarter of the average person’s water...
