Spirit of the Soil

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.

Susan Carstairs, board member of Lochaber Environmental Group, said

“we are delighted to launch the release of The Spirit of the soil recently and I’d like to thank everyone who attended the launch. This book was originally produced to highlight the living habits of our ancestors and, 20 years later, we can see similarities between their values and the sustainability values we are so proud of in the Highlands. As food prices rise whilst food wasted costs not only people’s pockets, but the planet too, sustainable food production is as important as ever. I have no doubt this book will be an insightful and informative read for anyone who wishes to learn more about composting and soil fertility.”

The Spirit of the Soil retails for £5 from stockists or from LEG directly. Further information, including stockists, can be found further below.

Radio 4 programme on Spirit of the Soil.

At the end of June 2024 this year, 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.