… but not in the Dr Who sense.

There’s been a lot of focus on regenerative agriculture over the last few years. Even regenerative living. A move from “sustainability” and “sustaining” to regenerating and giving something back. Part of the cycle of life.

Regeneration can also apply to places. According to the UK Green Building Council, it’s about how we retrofit and reimagine our homes and communities so that the transition to net zero has a positive impact on people, planet and place. If you don’t mind a bit of corporate speak and a few buzzwords, you can check out their video here.

What about real life examples? There are probably lots of examples across the UK where community groups and non-profits have regenerated land and buildings. There is also an initiative in South West England going one step further – embracing the concept of Regenerative Settlement – with a proposed “regenerative village”.

The project just outside of Totnes seeks to create a regenerative village and opportunities for nature recovery and regenerative farming on 123 acres of land. According to their website, “A regenerative village is different from just building houses. The village will have at its core regenerative living practices”. For more, check out: Bowden Pillars Future

A few other things to mention:

• Regenerative Community Farm – Staying on the subject of regenerative places, this group are also looking to set up an intentional community in Devon or elsewhere in South West England – following the cohousing model.
• Big Wood Cabin (Wales) – This website has info about the off-grid eco-home that recently featured on Grand Designs. It was built under Welsh OPD policy (land-based businesses = bespoke timber products and mushroom cultivation).
• Share your dream – Last chance to complete the Wildhousing survey. Thank you to everyone who has already partaken. Results in the new year.

Featured image: Devon Wildlife Trust volunteers plant trees at Bowden Pillars (Image: Devon Wildlife Trust / SWNS)

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