“If you’re not having fun, there’s something wrong with the design.”

I can’t remember where or when I heard that, but I’ve always recognised it as true when applied to developing permaculture properties both large and small. Regenerative land management is hard work and burn out is a real possibility. Pacing oneself, enjoying the work, laughing and playing are hugely important. We embrace all of it at Kaitiaki Farm.

Back in September when we were planting hundreds of native trees along our stream we had to cut back some willows. We could have discarded them but that would have been no fun. We planted them instead to form a bridge for the children involved in the Kaitiaki Forest Preschool Programme.

Not much later they came to life.

Not much later branches were growing.

And growing.

And growing.

And growing.

Once the branches were long enough, I pruned out most of them and wove the rest together.

The chief engineer turned up to do some strength testing.

When work is play it’s effortless.

Peace, Estwing