Category Archives: Culture
Spirals on the beach
A few weeks ago Carina and I were walking along the beach near Muasdale when we met up with a local aquaintance, who was delighted to tell us he’d seen a rock uncovered by the tide with spirals carved into
Spirals on the beach
A few weeks ago Carina and I were walking along the beach near Muasdale when we met up with a local aquaintance, who was delighted to tell us he’d seen a rock uncovered by the tide with spirals carved into
Rock Art: Ancient acts of bioregioning
Here is one of the many ancient rock carvings found around the Kintyre peninsula. Some archaeologists think that they are located at transition points between lowland and upland, perhaps as waymarkers at what were then regarded as liminal spaces (more
Rock Art: Ancient acts of bioregioning
Here is one of the many ancient rock carvings found around the Kintyre peninsula. Some archaeologists think that they are located at transition points between lowland and upland, perhaps as waymarkers at what were then regarded as liminal spaces (more
Grain revival
I have been much heartened by what our farming neighbours in West Kintyre have been up to. The Jones of South Muasdale farm have recently harvested crops of oats and barley. The Scottish climate is ideally suited to these grains.
Grain revival
I have been much heartened by what our farming neighbours in West Kintyre have been up to. The Jones of South Muasdale farm have recently harvested crops of oats and barley. The Scottish climate is ideally suited to these grains.
New Paradigm – part 3
The third dimension of a new paradigm for the landscapes of the north and west of Scotland is the return of people to the land. Areas like Argyll are currently depopulating, but the tide can turn for our small, scattered
New Paradigm – part 3
The third dimension of a new paradigm for the landscapes of the north and west of Scotland is the return of people to the land. Areas like Argyll are currently depopulating, but the tide can turn for our small, scattered
Which way bioregioning?
Recently I read a review by Mike Small about the exchange of letters between the pioneer urban and environmental planner Patrick Geddes, a Scot, and Lewis Mumford, his USA disciple, who went on to set up the Regional Planning Association.
Which way bioregioning?
Recently I read a review by Mike Small about the exchange of letters between the pioneer urban and environmental planner Patrick Geddes, a Scot, and Lewis Mumford, his USA disciple, who went on to set up the Regional Planning Association.
Glen Orchy: Caledonian Pinewood Reserve
On our way back from Crianlarich Youth Hostel we paused in beautiful Glen Orchy, following in the footsteps of Steven and Carlisle, who – back in the 1950’s – alerted the world to one of Scotland’s unique ecosystems: the Caledonian Pinewoods. A
Glen Orchy: Caledonian Pinewood Reserve
On our way back from Crianlarich Youth Hostel we paused in beautiful Glen Orchy, following in the footsteps of Steven and Carlisle, who – back in the 1950’s – alerted the world to one of Scotland’s unique ecosystems: the Caledonian Pinewoods. A
Aspen – help it thrive
On Saturday Carina went on an Aspen workshop run by Peter Livingstone of Eadha (Gaelic for Aspen). She was so inspired that the next day we went to a stand near Ferry Wood and took some root cuttings, which she
Aspen – help it thrive
On Saturday Carina went on an Aspen workshop run by Peter Livingstone of Eadha (Gaelic for Aspen). She was so inspired that the next day we went to a stand near Ferry Wood and took some root cuttings, which she
RL4 – Bracken
Bracken is abundant in the Highlands. It is seen as a scourge, since sheep, cattle and horses won’t eat it. Let’s look at the ecological niche it naturally occupies. Surprisingly perhaps, it is a woodland plant, yet can only grow
RL4 – Bracken
Bracken is abundant in the Highlands. It is seen as a scourge, since sheep, cattle and horses won’t eat it. Let’s look at the ecological niche it naturally occupies. Surprisingly perhaps, it is a woodland plant, yet can only grow
RL3 – Atlantic Woodland
The West Coast of Scotland, being wet and relatively warm all year thanks to the influence of the Atlantic, is home to Celtic Rainforest (so-named because it is also found on the west coast of Ireland and other ocean-facing coasts
RL3 – Atlantic Woodland
The West Coast of Scotland, being wet and relatively warm all year thanks to the influence of the Atlantic, is home to Celtic Rainforest (so-named because it is also found on the west coast of Ireland and other ocean-facing coasts
Defining your home region
The “bioregion” as is currently defined is too big. It is possible to conceive of “meta” regions based on river catchments/watershed boundaries (essential for ecosystem management purposes) but an individual’s lived experience is of a much smaller, “sub-region” within the
Defining your home region
The “bioregion” as is currently defined is too big. It is possible to conceive of “meta” regions based on river catchments/watershed boundaries (essential for ecosystem management purposes) but an individual’s lived experience is of a much smaller, “sub-region” within the
bioregioning 