What does it mean to really listen to a place?
Dr Paul Clarke lives and works locally, growing food, restoring woodland and running gatherings on a small piece of land near Mossdale. He directs Naturally Smart Group CIC, which works in partnership with the World Ecological Civilization Community Foundation (WECCF), exploring ecological civilization in modern life: peace and harmony with oneself, among people, and with nature.
In this relaxed afternoon conversation, Paul talks about what he does and how he does it. His approach is shaped by permaculture, the practice of designing with nature rather than against it, and by the simple habit of paying close attention to one patch of ground, season after season.
Expect plain talk, practical examples and a few surprises: how a garden teaches patience, why waste is a design mistake, and what a woodland can tell you if you sit still long enough. No prior knowledge needed. Come with questions. There will be plenty of time for open discussion, and Paul is as interested in your experience of this landscape as he is in sharing his own.
