Some reflections

It is a funny old thing when it comes time to move on - as I will do today. One is tempted to do some deep and meaningful reflections on the value of ones work.

So here goes: I came to this work just over two years ago with more background in working with communities than on climate change. But it didn't take long to gather in the facts and see that this was a real phenomena with real evidence to substantiate the facts.

I also came neutral on the issue of wind farms - vaguely thinking that if it somehow made things better in the long run, a bit of impairment on the horizon for the greater good was an acceptable sacrifice. Today, the go ahead has been given to Calliachar Wind farm in Highland Perthshire. This will sit alongside Griffin Wind farm providing an industrial landscape where previously there was little.

My views are different now and I harbour thoughts of ill will towards inappropriate development as I imagine it delivering little and damaging much. Small scale turbines appropriately sited for communities are a different matter.......as with other renewables, appropriately sited.

Ill thoughts now harboured - I can move on.

Seriously though, this blog was set up as a way for various communities associated with the John Muir Trust to share their experiences of moving towards a more sustainable futures. It soon became clear that a number of communities - primarily those that own land were moving well in that direction - and aretapping into a range of resources. They provide inspiration to many others and I hope that these pages have helped in sharing information. From production of fuel from recycled oil in North Harris, a low carbon lunch in Galson, community garden at Knoydart, energy audits in Assynt and Eigg's big green challenge I have certainly been inspired.

It has also been great to hear from other communities who have shared what they are about - for instance Sleat - who have worked on carbon foot printing and Glen Lyon who are exploring wood fuel options and have some innovative ideas around drying wood (ring barking) - check out Tom Beel's blog just released on this issue. An informative read.

I have enjoyed - for the most part - reporting on the work I have been undertaking - most recently on Skye. This has been two-fold: Looking at the long-term viability of a wood fuel supply for the Elgol peninsula and helping the Trust to lead by example, showing what is possible to do with an energy inefficient house (on Skye) that leaks heat etc. by insulating it and coverting it from oil to wood for heat. Thanks to support from Andrew Campbell, Head of Land Management( and soon to move on too) and to Helen McDade, Head of Policy this looks likely to proceed.

For me the connection between this work with communities on energy related issues and wild land has been obvious:

Wild land, which is intrinsically linked to the quality of the ecosystems upon which our lives depend, is under threat. The biggest threat is from our energy demands/needs. All the evidence seems to suggest the more we have the more we want. As appliances become more efficient we want more of them and so it spirals on. Like many aspects of modern day life we have lost our connection with where things come from and our connection to consequence is also lost.

Now, it is a flick of the switch - who cares where it comes from...In some communities the connection is stronger and, as has been illustrated through these pages, small scale schemes can provide some answers for smaller rural communities.

The real challenge however is how the majority live more sustainably. Some people just don't want to hear what needs to be done.

Perhaps with a little imagination we can get by without all the things we think we need....

It is difficult to avoid being santimonious at times. On a personal level I vary from feeling smug, suffering the resultant repetitive strain injury as I wander around my house switching off the many appliances left on by my family to dreaming of zooming off around the globe to far flung corners- probably only accessible by plane. A gal has gotta live, and dream.

This will be the last post for some time to this blog - and perhaps for good. The project funding for this work, like many things, has been affected by the recession and this work does not fit into the recent restructure within the John Muir Trust so, it remains for me to thank people for visiting this site and take the chance to reflect a little on the past couple of years.

I hope to do a final couple of blogs to update people what happens there so this is more, in the words of Fagan, a case of cheerio but be back soon....

Meantime if anyone has deep and meaningful comments about what makes for a sustainable community - feel free to comment.