Info, news & debate
Year: 2019
Joining the dots of the climate crisis with Matthew Slater
Community currency engineer Matthew Slater shares his latest thoughts, joining the dots on the current climate crisis and what the near future may hold for human civilisation.
Come to our public event on the Open Credit Network, July 18th, London
As you know if you follow this blog, Lowimpact.org and the Open Co-op have partnered up to build a mutual credit network for the UK, the Open Credit Network (OCN), and that we have people on board who are working to develop the ‘credit commons’ – a way of linking together mutual credit schemes anywhere …
Decentralised collaboration, Paul Mason and more: see you at OPEN 2019 next week?
We hear from Oliver Sylvester-Bradley about exciting opportunities to collaborate at the OPEN 2019 Community Gathering, taking place in London next week.
Can you detox your plastic life and smash the MCS Plastic Challenge?
The Marine Conservation Society is challenging people to get through July single-use plastic free. Could you rise to the challenge? Clare Fischer explains how to take part.
The Mushroom Guide Part 7: preparing mushroom spawn (2)
Mushroom grower extraordinaire Benedict Noel explains how to prepare mushroom spawn using a pressure cooker, as his Mushroom Guide series continues.
Reflections on the CTRLshift gathering – an emergency summit for change
The stated aim of the annual CTRLshift gathering (that took place in Stoke-on-Trent recently) is to bring key people together to talk about practical steps to help shift power away from central government and multinational corporations, to communities and individuals. Well, you had me at ‘decentralisation’, so I went along.
Why farm hedge trimming needs to change
Destroyed habitats, blocked drains and that’s just for starters. After decades working to support farming and agriculture in various government agencies, Peter Hull shares his views on why farm hedge trimming needs to change.
In the meadow: rediscovering the extraordinary ordinary
As summertime nears, Nick Mann of Habitat Aid shares a snapshot of a Somerset meadow, rediscovering the extraordinary ordinary of the nature found within.
Getting started with fishing for food: Part 1 – Gear
Ever fancied fishing for your supper but don’t know where to begin? In Part 1 of her new fishing for food series, Jessie Watson Brown tackles the gear you’ll need to get started, with the help of Charlie Loram.
Develop skills at the Hillyfield barn-building project on Dartmoor this summer
Low-impact forestry hub and much more besides, the Hilliyfield are looking for volunteers to help with their barn-building project on Dartmoor this summer. Doug King-Smith tells us more.
The Mushroom Guide Part 6: preparing mushroom spawn
Benedict Noel shares how to scale up your mushroom production, preparing mushroom spawn using grain to then inoculate sawdust bags.
The Wool Journey Part 13: single versus plied yarn and the bulking of wool
The Wool Journey returns, as The Natural Fibre Company’s Sue Blacker explores the question of single versus plied yarn and an intriguingly named tool called the Bulkometer.
Community Wealth Building: Frances Northrop of the New Economics Foundation
Dave Darby explores the ‘Preston Model’ and Community Wealth Building in an interview with Frances Northrop of the New Economics Foundation.
The Mushroom Guide Part 5: inoculating fruiting substrate
Inoculating fruiting substrate: sounds a little daunting, no? Fear not – Benedict Noel explains all in Part 5 of his Mushroom Guide for beginners keen to grow their own shiitake mushrooms.
Introducing One Planet Cities: sustaining humanity within planetary limits
David Thorpe of One Planet Life shares the ideas and aspirations behind his new book One Planet Cities, outlining his vision for sustainable urban communities.
Revisioning postcapitalism: 10 questions for Paul Mason’s ‘clear bright future’
Eloïse Sentito of These Isles pens an open letter to Paul Mason, in which she poses 10 questions arising from his book ‘Postcapitalism: a Guide to our Future’, that she hopes will be addressed in his new book ‘Clear Bright Future’.
You’re invited to the Ecological Land Cooperative AGM 2019
Taking place in Arlington, East Sussex, on 29th June 2019, the Ecological Land Cooperative AGM 2019 is your chance to learn more about their important work – and check out their brand new barn! Lauren Simpson tells us more.
The Mushroom Guide Part 4: preparing fruiting substrate for shiitake mushrooms
In Part 4 of The Mushroom Guide with Benedict Noel, learn how to create your own bags of fruiting substrate for shiitake mushrooms, using sawdust, bran and a pressure cooker.
Fancy joining the Pentiddy Woods family on an immersive 9 month internship?
Here’s your chance! We hear from Ele and Anthony at Pentiddy Woods about a unique learning opportunity on offer from October 2019.
The Mushroom Guide Part 3: harvesting shiitake mushroom blocks
In Part 3 of The Mushroom Guide, Benedict Noel enjoys the fruits of his labour harvesting shiitake mushroom blocks, as he continues his step-by-step tutorial.