121. From Allotment to Permaculture Design with John Metcalf

In episode 121, Cormac chats with John Metcalf from Sow and Grow Regenerative about How a Permaculture Designer Builds Gardens, Community, and Regenerative Projects from ScratchJohn is a permaculture designer, teacher, and regenerative practitioner with several years of experience. Their work includes designing gardens, teaching, and building community projects focused on growing food and working with nature.Early Exposure to Gardening and AllotmentsThe journey began through helping on an allotment and eventually getting a personal plot. The allotment provided a dedicated space for growing food and experimenting with different approaches.Allotments are described as allocated land spaces where individuals can grow food, often rented annually.Discovering Permaculture and EducationPermaculture was first encountered years earlier but only pursued later through a course.Studying permaculture provided a structured framework that made existing practices clearer and more intentional.Additional learning included soil-focused education and reading influential books.Designing for People FirstA key theme is designing gardens based on the person using them.Factors like available time, energy, age, and family situation influence how a garden is designed.The approach is described as contextual, adapting to each individual situation.Observing Nature and Plant HealthThe discussion explains how plants behave based on their environment.Weak plants are more likely to attract pests due to stress signals.This shifts perspective from fighting pests to understanding plant health and ecosystem balance.Rethinking Pests and EcosystemsInsects and animals are described as part of a natural system rather than enemies.They act as a “cleanup crew,” removing weaker plants.This perspective reduces frustration and encourages working with natural cycles.Small-Scale Growing and AccessibilityGrowing food is presented as accessible to everyone, regardless of space.Examples include balconies, windowsills, and small raised beds.Starting small is encouraged as a practical entry point.Community and Food SystemsThe conversation highlights the importance of local food systems and community.Historical examples of small holdings and shared growing are discussed.There is an emphasis on reconnecting people with food production and local relationships.From Personal Practice to Professional DesignThe guest describes moving from personal gardening to designing for others.Opportunities came through connections and community interactions.Projects expanded from small plots to larger spaces, including a one-acre site.The Walnut Project and Community SpaceA current project involves developing land into a permaculture-based space.It includes elements like a market garden, forest garden, and shared facilities.The goal is to create a community-focused growing space.Design Process: Digital vs Hand-DrawnBoth digital tools and hand-drawn designs are used.Hand drawing is described as a more tactile and connected process.Digital tools are useful for precision and larger-scale planning.Building Community Through PlatformsThe conversation explores building communities around shared interests.Online platforms are used to connect people interested in permaculture and nature.These spaces allow for sharing knowledge, courses, and collaboration.Future Plans and Regenerative ProjectsFuture plans include expanding projects and creating educational content.There is a focus on interviewing people involved in regenerative practices.The aim is to explore connections between soil, health, and environment.Final MessageListeners are encouraged to take action and start, even on a small scale.Trying something new is framed as low risk with potential benefits.The focus is on enjoying the process and engaging with the present moment.https://sowgrowregen.co.uk/https://www.skool.com/regenerative-co-creators-2504 Get full access to Cormac Harkin at cormacharkin.substack.com/subscribe