Spirit of the Soil – a potted history.
The Spirit of the Soil, written by John Wombell, was originally published in 2003, and focuses on how our ancestors managed when self-reliance was a matter of survival. John drew on a lifetime’s work as a professional market gardener and a fascination with Highland archaeology for his research and writing.
The booklet looks at traditional practices in Lochaber to enhance soil fertility and was based on interviews with a number of crofters and professional gardeners across the area. For more information about The Spirit of the Soil, including stockists, please visit our publications page.
Lochaber Environmental Group (LEG) were very pleased to release the second edition of The Spirit of the Soil on Friday 31st March 2023, with a gathering at the Highland Bookshop in Fort William. The book, written by John Wombell was originally published in 2003, and focuses on how our ancestors managed when self-reliance was a matter of survival.
The Spirit of the Soil retails for £5 and is available from the following retailers.
Food Lochaber (online Shop)
Lochaber Environmental Group, An Drochaid, ClaggaLochaber Environmental Group, An Drochaid, Claggan, Fort William, PH33 6PH
Glenuig Community Shop, Glenuig, PH33 4NB
Land, Sea and Islands Centre, Arisaig, PH39 4NJ
Moidart History House, Glenuig, PH33 4NB
Oakwood Tourism and Crafts, Oakwood Centre, Strontian, PH36 4HZ
The Highland Bookshop, 60 High Street, Fort William, PH33 6AH
The Wildcat Café, 21 High Street, Fort William, PH33 6DH
West Ardnamurchan Community Garden, Sonachan, Kilchoan, PH36 4NL
West Coast Crafts & Gift Shop, Pier Road, Kilchoan, PH36 4LJ
The New Broom, 28 Argyle Street, Ullapool, IV26 2UB
Lairg & District Learning Centre, Schoolhouse, Lairg, IV27 4DD
Radio 4 programme on Spirit of the Soil.
At the end of June 2024, Kathleen Carragher and John Deering, Ardnamurchan based programme makers for Radio 4 Farming Today visited Craigdhu croft in Banavie to find out about Food Lochaber, growing foods locally and maintaining soil health and, a booklet called The Spirit of the Soil which draws on interviews with local crofters and gardeners to look at traditional methods for enhancing the health of the soil in the challenging conditions of the West Highlands.
Kathleen and John met crofters Marian Austin and Andy Rogers to talk about the challenges of food growing in the Lochaber climate and attended one of the composting classes that Marian was running for Lochaber Environmental Group (LEG). They also talked with Susan Carstairs, who along with Marian are 2 of the Directors for LEG, and Becky Dacre from Sheilfoot who was on hand representing West Lochaber. Kathleen and John also interviewed John Wombell, inspiring author and horticulturalist, who carried out the original research and history across Lochaber to enable him to write the book, who appears in the broadcast.
Listen to the programme by clicking on the play button below.
Waste reduction partnerships.
A short snippet showing some of the waste reduction partnership work Lochaber Environmental Group is doing. This was was filmed over the Summer of 2023 for the Highlands & Islands Climate Hub film “Climate Action Highlands & Islands”. The longer film tells the story of a selection of the Highlands and Islands Climate Hub’s inspiring members as they showcase why the region is such a special place for taking action on climate change and can be viewed here.
