17 April 2008
We're busy working on the outside planting at the moment and will soon by installing the residual technology.
We've also had some media interest from the Guardian Media group who are planning to publish an article on the project next month, while we'll be live from the house tomorrow night on Radio 3CR Melbourne, Australia featuring on their "Beyond Zero" programme.
The year so far...
"It has been an interesting year and we've had alot of requests from all over the world for information on the project. We know of several students who are incorporating the concept into their Masters degrees. In fact, I was sent a very interesting essay from one of them the other day. It is so good that I'm going to ask him if we can upload it to the website so watch this space. It discusses the concept of zero carbon and sustainability.
"We've had alot of rain over the past few weeks and this is, I am sure, due to climate change.
Landscaping...
"The landscaping work on the first half of the garden has begun - making it ready for planting in the spring. An order has just been placed with one of our sponsors, Thompson & Morgan, for an array of seeds. I came across a consumer article last year which gave them the highest germination rate of any seed company.
Dry stone walling...
"Dry stone walling using our own stone excavated from the site (approx 100 tons) has been used to build a dry stone wall at the front of the property - see the photograph. This looks like a Viking dyle and is sealed with soil and clay. A capping of turf is laid on top of the wall and we are going to watch with great interest to see which plants populate the wall.
"Work has just started on a new harbour for Uyeasound and we are due a few loads of top soil for the gardens. This only requres a 200 yard shipment.
Project profile...
"I was very pleased to receive a copy of a hardback book published last month by Harper Collins. 'Green Homes - new ideas for sustainable living' has been published for sale in Canada, the United States and the EU and features our project!
"Another hardback book is being published in Ireland this month - and we feature again in it.
"In fact, we'll shortly be starting work on our own book covering the project. And, as we have been filming the whole development a DVD will be included in the jacket of the book. I'll have to travel to do the editing and we have a National Theatre actor lined up to do the voice over. My oldest son Dougal is a composer and I've asked him to write the music for this.
"We're not too far off getting the completion certificate from Shetland Islands Council building control department. The few issues outstanding should be completed this month subject to good weather.
Horticultural developments...
"Another exciting development is our good working relationship with the Scottish Crop Research Est at the University of Dundee and the Duchy College in Cornwall - we're going to work together on phase 2, which is the horticultural project.
"This is becoming more relevant with the world wide warnings being communicated about food shortages and the possibility of famine in parts of the world due to overpopulation and climate change, as well as growing crops for fuel.
"We'll be using technology to grow food in a controlled environment using hydroponics and LEDs to extend the growing season. This can be carried out at domestic, community or commercial level.
"We have and continue to work on community schemes for food production and energy. Our partners in this are ESD and my old friend Duncan Price in their London office.
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