ECO-RESTORATION

Embercombe becomes first ecorestoration camp in the UK

EMBERCOMBE is delighted to is growing, we are thrilled to announce a new partnership with be connecting to many other Ecosystem Restoration Camps people aligned with the mission of (ERC), a global grassroots movement regeneration, and we are proud to that aspires to get people from all be part of a network of members walks of life volunteering, learning from over 30 countries around the and working together to restore and world. This worldwide network of rewild land around the world. regenerative communities has been The purpose of the collaboration is to rewild the Embercombe valley and become a pioneering site of inspiration here in the South West of the UK. And for people to be involved in the transformation playing a crucial role in ecosystem restoration for many years, the most notable example being the Loess Plateau, documented in a film titled Hope in a Changing Climate by director John Liu, ERC’s founder. of the land through a series of 4 “As the first and currently the only practical learning camps to match camp in the UK we are looking the seasons, weaving together forward to welcoming people from the strands of how to go about all walks of life to future camps we rewilding the land as well as rewilding the person. Since 2006 Embercombe has been delivering inspiring and innovative residential programmes on leadership, youth mentoring, nature connection and environmental education on the 50 acre site in Higher Ashton and this new partnership is a next step in their rewilding efforts that will explore the link between human and ecological communities and how best to contribute to a new regenerative culture together, one which benefits have planned in 2021, who will be helping us to rewild our land, and lead by example for other projects in the country to explore what it means for people to rewild themselves alongside their environment. Are you interested to come and work and learn on our land?” l Keep an eye out on Embercombe’s website for 2021 dates, and sign up to the mailing list to be first to know when you can join them to reimagine a better future for all species. https://embercombe.org/ both people and planet. Rachel Fleming, Director at Embercombe said: “This is a great opportunity to support and work with a network of similar places around the world, so we can do our bit to inspire people to rewild and restore as much land as possible. After the lock-down there will be people needing to get their hands and feet back on the land and we’d like to provide the opportunity to do this, whilst knowing there are others out there doing the same, from all kinds of backgrounds, traditions, beliefs and places – many that we can innovate and learn from. “As the network of ERC camps By Niusia Winczewska

Loess Plateau Restoration before and after, an area the size of Belgium Photograph from www.resilience.org

Evolution, Exeter's Holistic and Ethnic Shop will very soon be moving again or maybe already by the time you read this. It's only just across the road and down a bit to 157 Fore Street. We're making some changes and may include therapy rooms and a coffee shop eventually. Hope to see you there soon!

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Jeff with his improv group participants in Paignton

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T. 07837 003962 E. martinfoster4242@gmail.com Morning drama in Paignton

AS we reported in the last edition of Reconnect, after a short break at the start of the Coronavirus outbreak, our regular contributor, actor/ facilitator Jeff Sleeman, has been able to resume his Saturday morning drama improvisation classes over the summer by holding them outdoors and with appropriate social distancing. With the onset of autumn and the ongoing requirement to maintain suitable health precautions, Jeff has now come up with a means to continue the classes as the weather becomes more unsettled. Using a ‘pop up’ gazebo shelter and a wood fired chimenea he hopes that the participants will be able to carry on benefitting from the Saturday morning drop in sessions in comfort and safety over the coming months. Said Jeff: “Having a regular social activity which connects people, helps them to relax and have a good laugh together has been more important than ever since the virus struck. The outdoor sessions have worked really well and I’m pleased to have found a way to carry on running them in the open air which feels safe, while we stay warm and dry.” l The group meets every Saturday morning at 11am outside the Preston Sands Hotel in Paignton. For more details of the classes which are open to anyone - with or without performance experience - contact Jeff on 07977 272174 or email contact@jeffsleeman.com

Solar group-buying scheme

LOCAL householders have the chance to help the county become net-zero by joining Devon Climate Emergency’s (DCE) solar panel group-buying scheme. DCE is made up of Devon’s Image copyright of principle public and private Wayne Knight at sector organisations, and they Sunflower Electrical have joined forces to draw up a Carbon Plan, the county’s roadmap to carbon neutrality. The DCE’s latest project is Solar Together and, with group buying experts iChoosr Ltd, they are offering homeowners the chance pre-vetted suppliers will take place this autumn and the winning bid will be the most cost-effective one. l If you are interested, the first step is to register for free www. to buy high quality solar PV more solartogether.co.uk/devon/home – cheaply than if they were buying by registering, there is no obligation alone. A ‘reverse’ auction involving to install panels.

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south westerlies... This issue is the last of our transition period before we leave the EU. Scott is worried about shortages...

Farming in the tube station at midnight

THIS article was going to be unmanaged and overgrown. It’s about my fear of no deal Brexit predicted in 20 years 9 out of and fuel shortages and one of 10 people are expected to live our unsung heroes British inventor, in towns and cities and weaving Harold Bate. I found out about him food growing into the fabric of recently, he was a pig farmer from their urban lives would bring Totnes who in the 1950s found greenery and wildlife closer to using methane from farm animals’ home. Diversifying where and how poo would make his Hillman car we grow our food would also help run faster, cleaner, and better than spread the risk of disruption to petrol. Thanks to a homemade food supplies. small conversion unit he knocked up himself, his vehicle was also virtually pollution-free. We need a programme of urban farming helping whole communities boost the resilience His whole story is readable online - of their fresh fruit and vegetable bit.ly/3kseMx9 it’s fascinating that supplies, improve the health of had his idea taken root with just our kids and help them lead more manure and straw he could have sustainable lifestyles in the future. curbed vehicle pollution with his The report paints some rather methane alternative. grim statistics otherwise for our This article didn’t become that story future generation’s life chances. because I got emailed The Broken While eating well remains neither Plate report. This got me thinking affordable nor accessible for about food shortages. We are lucky everyone over half of children born to live in a rural community where this year will experience dietfood is fairly plentiful. related disease which will affect The report lifts the lid on our their quality of life. country’s food system revealing Over 10% of households in the metrics that clearly show England UK have no access to a garden has high levels of inequality but urban farming could see which are damaging our health rooftops, walls, empty offices, - and is published in line with even underground spaces, such footballer Marcus Rashford’s as abandoned tunnels or air #EndChildFoodPoverty campaign. raid shelters, used to expand The report highlights a continuing divergence between the cost of healthy and unhealthy foods - average cost of more healthy foods in 2019 being £7.68 (per 1000 kilocalories) compared to £2.48 for less than healthy food. food production in cities while creatively redeveloping the urban environment. Edible rooftops,and vertically planted walls could also help reduce flood risk, provide natural cooling for buildings and streets, and clean our air. That’s shocking! Healthy foods are three times as expensive as unhealthy food per kilocalorie. We need a plan to make homegrown healthy food so plentiful, that for those poorest 20% of UK households the fast food option is not the cheapest option. Growing crops indoors, vertically or underground would make them more resilient to extreme weather (climate breakdown) or pests. Indoor growing environments are easier to control than those in the field, and temperature and humidity is more stable underground. The report reveals that those 20% of households would have to spend 39% of their disposable income in order to eat a healthy diet (as defined by Government’s recommended Eatwell Guide). Growing food in towns and cities would boost the biodiversity of wildlife and pollinators, as well as protect their habitats. Barren inner city spaces could be converted into green and productive plots. This demonstrates a failing food system where the poorest simply cannot afford to feed their families a balanced and nutritious diet. Since lockdown, public interest in growing fruit and vegetables at home has soared. I did think it may be because of a fear of food shortages, but apparently most were motivated by the chance to relieve stress doing a wholesome family activity when they had more time on their hands at home. That would suggest this explosion in growing had happened dependent on economic background. Home-grown food in towns and cities isn’t so accessible to those most in need of healthy eating. Where there is growing space gardens are often concreted over for easy maintenance or Scott But it’s not just wildlife that would benefit. Urban farmers and their kids would be immersed in nature improving their mental health and fitness, and getting involved in urban food growing would lead to healthier diets. Urban food growing would change attitudes towards food, so that people place more value in produce that’s sustainable, healthy and ethically sourced. Government should be facilitating the scaling up food production in our towns in cities. The opportunity is here for urban planners and developers to bringing more fruit and veggies to those spaces urban landscapes could offer. We need to start thinking out of the (window) box. Read The broken plate report here: bit.ly/3kywEGP

The Reconnect herb walk

TORBAY herbalist Dawn Ireland of Green Wyse explains a little about medicinal uses of common seeds or herbs, taking us on a virtual Reconnect herb walk.

Horseradish – Armoracia rusticana This edible root is well known as a condiment, most often made into a hot pungent sauce, blended with dairy or plant style cream or vinegar. Like many traditional sauces the origins come from a use for aiding digestion, reducing spoilage of food before modern refrigeration, and to add flavour to more bland foods. The heat produced as the root is chopped or crushed result from the broken cell structure of the isothiocyanate constituents. Studies support traditional use of horseradish for improving digestion, combatting bacteria in the digestive system and respiratory system, reducing fungal skin complaints such as athletes foot and showing activity against oral bacteria. (Horseradish mouthwash anyone?) This useful plant can be seen occasionally in the wild, with large green leaves similar to dock but thicker and with toothed leaf edges. You need the land owner’s permission to harvest any plants from the wild, and then must never take more than about a third of the plant, allowing enough to regrow and maintain stocks. The odour produced when a leaf is crushed makes it unmistakable. The leaf can be used, however, the root is much stronger and traditionally this is used in our kitchens and herbal dispensaries. A word of caution when preparing, if you think onions make your eyes water, multiply that by ten for horseradish. The fumes from the plant are very strong, and it’s advisable to prepare it outdoors if you can or use an electric processor and close the lid and leave the room! Once you have your nicely ground plant material you can preserve it by keeping in a jar topped up with vinegar and kept in the fridge. Use a small amount on food, or in salad dressings. For medicinal use traditionally the root is made into a cough syrup by chopping roughly and boiling in sugar water. The usual 50/50 blend of water/sugar works well. Valerian – Valeriana officinalis Not to be confused with the very commonly seen wall valerian which flowers in profusion in red, pink or flowers in profusion in red, pink or

Valerian Horseradish

white, feeds our bees and white, feeds our bees and brightens forgotten corners, medicinal Valerian has toothed leaves, smaller clusters of white flower than the dome shaped wall valerian and has an intoxicating perfume from the blossoms. The roots are usually used for medicinal purposes and although it is occasionally seen in the wild, it’s a rarity, perhaps from overharvesting in days gone by. Once the roots are used, the plant is gone, highlighting the importance of never taking more than a third of any plant. It is however, very easy to grow in a garden, or a pot, and will spread seed happily. To process it, dig up the roots in Autumn, clean off, and either chop to use dry for teas, or you can make a tincture using any spirit alcohol or vinegar. Cover the chopped herb with the fluid in a jar. Shake daily and keep for approximately a month or two. Strain off and keep the fluid for use at a teaspoon or two diluted in water dosed once or twice in 24 hours. The flowers may smell divine, but the same can’t be said for the roots which have a unique odour some say is reminiscent of old socks and very musty! Some people don’t mind the smell, and you do get used to it when you gain the benefits it offers. If not, then it’s available in capsule form too. Cats however, will go daft over it the same way they do with cat mint. I’ve known a cat hook it’s claw round a valerian teabag and drag it from a mug of hot water to drag around and then when cool enough, rip it to bits. Used by doctors during WW1 to try and ease the shell shock suffered by soldiers, Valerian has sedative, antianxiety and anti-spasmodic effects. anxiety and anti-spasmodic effects.

Research shows the constituents Research shows the constituents attach to benzodiazepine attach to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain. Useful receptors in the brain. Useful to help sleep when the brain to help sleep when the brain won’t stop whirring, acting like won’t stop whirring, acting like a soothing velvet curtain to cut a soothing velvet curtain to cut off the chatter. However, very off the chatter. However, very occasionally there are people occasionally there are people who find it doesn’t do that but who find it doesn’t do that but acts in an opposite way, a bit like acts in an opposite way, a bit like caffeine might. The only way to caffeine might. The only way to be sure is to try it and find out. be sure is to try it and find out.

As with many herbal medicines, As with many herbal medicines, they should not be mixed with they should not be mixed with orthodox medication unless you orthodox medication unless you have professional advice to avoid have professional advice to avoid interactions. Stay well! interactions. Stay well! l Find out more about herbalism and Dawn at www.torbayherbalist.co.uk