Ireland is a beautiful country.
Rich in natural resources.
Plenty of clean, fresh rain.
Few people; lots of land.
However, there is a disconnect between the land and the people, in that much of what is eaten in Ireland is produced elsewhere.
Everywhere one drives, one sees new houses with green lawns around them and beyond the green lawn lie fields of rushes and a lot of untended land.
I once spoke with a Dutch man who informed me that Ireland could feed most of Europe!
He affirmed that the land was good enough, here in the west, to produce huge quantities of valuable crops!
At the time I was sceptical to say the least! However, as I write, this is my 8th year at Bealtaine and I now know better!
Those of you who doubt this can visit ‘About’ Bealtaine Cottage and see the proof for yourself!
Part of the onion crop drying off in the sun on the veranda at Bealtaine.
Heavy machinery has taken over the land in the west of Ireland.
There are few instances of people, feet on the ground, walking the land here as they work.
Now, as the land is wet for most of the year, heavy machinery is very damaging as it compacts the earth and compacts the problem of poor draining soil.
This was precisely the problem I encountered when first creating Bealtaine Smallholding. Monocultured, wet, poorly drained, ill-fed soil!
The very productive polytunnel, surrounded by vegetable beds, orchards and much more!
Many people who venture out on the land are raised some 6 feet above it as they sit atop a very large tractor!
One sees very few people actually walking the land…and this is one of the cornerstones of permaculture…addressing this disconnect.
Many of the problems relating to food and the importing of food has to do with this disconnect from the land.
I was assured that little could be grown on this land I bought back in 2004. North-facing, no drainage, poor topsoil…indeed none in places, just bare rock…etc.!
However, walking the land and getting to know all aspects of it gave me lots of ideas!
And so, Bealtaine emerged, along with Bees, Birds, Frogs, Newts, Insects, Mammals…all waiting for the conductor…for that is what I feel I am!
Flowers carpet the ground in the orchards here at Bealtaine, ensuring plenty of food for the most welcome bees!
I recently applied to the Roscommon Enterprise Board for some help to get an information Road-show established for schools and colleges here in the West of Ireland and was prepared to organize and structure it all, using my skills base as a qualified teacher…but, alas, to no avail!
I was told, that as I had no money to put up, then I could not avail of funding! The “catch-22,” syndrome!
Few people grow the vegetables and fruit they need to have as part of a healthy diet. This can be addressed adequately with good information and encouragement!
Just one of the 27 fruit trees planted here at Bealtaine…absolutely laden with fruit…but the powers that be are not interested in this approach to farming…
It is worrying to note that in the event of any world crisis that impinged upon the importation of food to Ireland, there could well be a Famine…
The west of Ireland is hilly and in some cases mountainous. Indeed this is the case here at Bealtaine. I have used a form of terracing to keep the goodness in the soil and prevent erosion…this is simple to do and easy to work!
At present, much of the land on hilly areas is leached by heavy rain, then spread with chemical feed that is washed into river systems, causing problem in lower areas.
However, I am a voice in the wilderness… a woman with many ideas and, thankfully, much energy…I carry on!
I am in awe of what you appear to have done in bringing forth so much abundance from the “poor” land typical of so many run-down old farms throughout the country. You inspire me to learn to make better use of my own small garden plot.
Thanks Rich…Permaculture has changed all aspects of my gardening and is, without doubt, a way of healing the Earth and bringing forth abundance!
Colx
I was told, that as I had no money to put up, then I could not avail of funding! The “catch-22,” syndrome! ~ I too suffer from this syndrome. Keep pushing forward, your hard work and determination may prove invaluable to some!
J
Thank you…I certainly intend to!
Colx
Permaculture is so new to South Dakota in America, too, and we’re gorged more and more, everyday, with vast fields of monoculture. In Western South Dakota, much of the land is not tillable, saving it hopefully, for a better day and permaculturists to conduct a natural way. What’s really exciting is some tribal people are getting involved in learning and applying permaculture here.
I’m enjoying your blog a lot, and I guess I just wanted to leave a note that you’re not alone in your hopes–many of us, even landless writers like me, are dreaming those same dreams.
Thank you for your support and I’m happy that this small effort helps inspire more good people like yourself!
Colx
An interesting read to see what can be achived. “Monocultured, wet, poorly drained, ill-fed soil!” it’s scary what agri-business do to the land.
And we who love the Earth will continue to help her, for she is our mother indeed!
Colx
Same sad story here in the U.S.–governments are in the business of controlling the people, NOT in helping to make them independent.
Keep writing–people are reading and learning!
Thank you for your words of encouragement!
Colx