Left BBC's Planet Earth to start dream family homestead (full tour)
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Published 2022-10-26
[For the "fairylands" reference by the Swarbricks go to 11:48 within video]
Using a no-dig method that relies on good composting practices, the couple began using permaculture principles of regenerative farming to restore the soil health of the vegetable beds. Today, on just one acre, they can provide produce for 100 families.
On the remainder of the property, they began planting trees to convert pastures into savannah grasslands, or what Matt calls “the most productive ecosystems on earth.” Relying on agroforestry techniques of maximizing highly productive “woodland edges,” they divided the pastures into 35 fields lined with fruit and nut trees. This not only produces a crop but it provides smaller spaces for the rotational grazing of their cows, sheep, and chickens, which in turn improves soil fertility with minimal input.
With a big loan to pay, the couple decided to create a campsite on their property for extra money. Their first small shelter is an affordable take on the traditional Celtic roundhouse. Using cob, straw bale, and lime for walls and sod from the fields for the roof, the circular structure resembles something out of Tolkien's Middle Earth, and they have nicknamed it the hobbit/fairy/witch house.
Inspired by the Viking boats that used to populate the Irish sea (just 2 miles from the property), the couple’s second build, erected in just 6 weeks, is a turf-covered cabin that is “a blend of Viking longhouse and underground hobbit hideaway.”
Despite having to take out a large loan to buy their dream property, the couple said that every venture- the farm, the pastures, the overnight rentals- all pay for themselves. And this is important since one of their goals is to show others that this type of life, and method of farming, is a viable option.
www.henbant.org/
www.instagram.com/henbant_permaculture/
/ @henbant
On *faircompanies: faircompanies.com/videos/left-planet-earth-series-…
All Comments (21)
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I was part of the team that helped build the long house earlier this year, and I can attest to Matt's creative and vibrant energy and both his and jenny's (and the farm teams!!!) hard work. Staying there for 5 weeks has definitely been something that will stay with me for a lifetime and I feel may well have altered my life's path in the best of ways. Here's to people following their dreams to create magic in this world!! ❤️🌅
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I just love this guy's enthusiasm and energy! What a great productive small farm, established in just 10yrs.
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THIS is EXACTLY what I want to be doing for the rest of my life.
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Kirsten, this is one of my favourite pieces of yours! It incorporates so many principles of natural living :) Loved it!
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I would be great to see a revisit video in 5-10 years, especially to see how the buildings have held up and to how the ‚tree lanes‘ have grown into little forests. This is a great episode thanks¨̮
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Quite possibly the loveliest person in the world. Probably gives life altering, soul elevating hugs to boot. All reflected within one incredible manifestation of magic.
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This is not just farming.......it’s earth healing ❤❤❤❤❤❤
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WOW, WOW, wow, wow..... this guy is something else. His energy, enthusiasm and knowledge is amazing. Wales, UK and the whole world is lucky to have human like this. What he is doing is phenomenal!!!!
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Bravo to all concerned and thanks for making the world a better place.
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I cannot get over his general disposition. Wow. I feel so refreshed and hopeful after watching this. I also kind of want to live in a fairy land :)
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Loved everything about this one Kirsten. The reason for doing this, the landscapes, and his genuine, passionate enthusiasm, as well as wealth of knowledge was truly captivating. It would be a great place to intern if one were interested in learning about this way of life.
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That fella really has a way of life that most people should try to live. just Awesome homestead. :yt:🙂🙂💯✌✌✌
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You need to visit this guy every year...wow. Amazing homestead, and such a beautiful man.
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that garden is gigantic
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This is what my Hubby n me are working towards living!! We are having to wait for Ages for his small inheritance to come in,,,,as son as we have it,,,it will be All Systems Go!! Permaculture and working With Nature not Fighting Against her!! Thank You so much for showing how its possible!! And, Thank you for showing that it IS possible!! Andrea and Critters. ...XxX...
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I have never in my life wanted to live somewhere so bad !
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I love his whole attitude toward his farm. They obviously love what they are doing.
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I've had the privilege of camping at Henbant since their first year & it's amazing to see how the farm has progressed from those scruffy fields, tumbledown barns and a derelict house to what we can see on this video. It's one of my favourite places - I might try and get back there for a few nights before the winter comes in.
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Brilliant! Permaculture is the answer to saving the planet. Beautiful farm, May they prosper as they teach
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"I've got quite a big bum" had me LOL'ing for real! What a wonderful soul! Thank you Kirsten for spotlighting this homestead! What a treat to see and GOALS MY FRIENDS GOOOOOAAAAALSSS!! Much Love & Light to all who read this! <3 <3 <3
