Behind the scenes on how Woodford works beyond the Festival with Chris Shervey

"I love being surrounded by people that know about all this stuff - soil scientists, regen' people, and learning myself. That's how this place sort of works, isn't it? You get involved. You get pulled in."Harley sits down with Chris "Shervo' Shervey, Woodford's Site Manager, who oversees 500 acres with a team of five full-time staff and conservation land management trainees. It's a conversation about sustainability, slowing down and the surprising way a metalhead punk rock folky ended up finding purpose in his work at one of Australia's most ambitious environmental projects.Chris first came to Woodford as a patron in 1997 and returned as a volunteer before bringing his background in construction and bridge building to complement his passion for trees, plants, and regenerative land practices.He's the guy who can turn visionary dreams into timber, steel, and working infrastructure. His journey mirrors Woodford itself: someone who arrived for the music and stayed for the mission.This conversation digs into the philosophy behind a 500-year plan, the challenge of being patient when you want to fix everything at once, and why the best infrastructure is the lives on well after you.This episode is for:Anyone curious about what happens at Woodford when the festival isn't onPeople interested in regenerative land management and large-scale sustainability projectsFolks who wonder how festivals actually work behind the scenesAnyone considering volunteering or working at WoodfordDive in to hear about why:A 500-year plan makes more sense than trying to fix everything tomorrowThe best role isn't always being the visionary - sometimes it's being the person who can find the timberKids building three-story pallet forts with power tools is actually good parentingLeaving things better than you found them is part of the essence of WoodfordiaLearn more about what's on this year including hearing Chris on a sustainability panel: https://woodfordfolkfestival.com/programmeJag your tickets here: https://woodfordfolkfestival.com/tickets/ FOR MORE:Harley Breen: https://www.harleybreen.com.au/CREDITS:Host: Harley BreenGuest: Chris SherveyProducer: Benny WallingtonExecutive Producers: Cameron Scurrah & Bree Hickson-JamiesonVideo and audio: Coeur Visual Music by: The East PointersRecorded on Jinibara Country#RadioWoodfordia #WoodfordFolkFestival #Sustainability #RegenerativeLand #FestivalLife #SiteManagement #thankyouforyourshervice #shervology Join the Woodfordian Citizens:Perks -- Bi-Monthly emails sharing the ins and outs of the world of Woodfordia and the people who keep the heart beating.- Special invites to special events on site at Woodfordia. Super special.- Bonus podcast content- Early early bird access to Woodford Folk Festival tickets- Early access to workshop bookings at Woodford Folk FestivalVisit: woodfordia.org/woodfordia/become-a-citizenMore information at www.woodfordia.orgFor the festival: www.woodfordfolkfestival.comFor Harley: https://www.harleybreen.com.au/Credits:Host: Harley BreenExecutive Producers: Bree Hickson-Jamieson, Josh Weier, Benny WallingtonAudio mastering: Kieron AtkinsonMusic by: The East Pointers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.