Originally from the Scarborough, North Yorkshire, in the north of England I have been living in Kent since 2002. I have maintained an interest in the natural world from a young age starting personal studies in Ethnobotany and Permaculture in my late teens. My academic background is in Sociology and Social Anthropology. My Undergraduate Dissertation concerned the rites of passage and liminal states of subcultures, particularly of the free forest party scene.

My interest in permaculture was originally sparked by my experience as a vegetarian and vegan. My dietary and ethical choices led me to research food production and to consider natural resource use and biodiversity issues. I spent years working in the Slow and local food sectors as a worker/manager in farmers markets, a baker, a wine merchant and in agriculture on Biodynamic and 'regular' farms. I have worked with stakeholders and producers throughout the food chain from cattle farmers to cheese makers, goat dairies to beekeepers, chefs and foragers. I have had the unique contrasting experiences of both working in a wholefood co op and later on selling wild meat for game dealers. My varied work experience has enabled me to appreciate the complex web of food production, distribution and consumption from a variety of ethical and moral standpoints. I also have a background in community projects and social activism. This experience, my studies in anthropology and my awareness of permaculture has led me to focus on development, food sovereignty and security, sustainable and user led Architectural design. I first designed and implemented my own garden system in 2005 which I managed for three years. A tragic life changing event in 2008 spurred me on to seek the experience of a teacher in Patrick Whitefield and I completed my PDC in June of that year. The course was both informative and transformational. A high quality learning environment was complemented by the company of inspirational fellow students all of whom have formed our own group who meet several times a year helping out at each others property and enjoying each others company. Since the course I have held some interesting and challenging project coordination roles. Helping to create the 'A Walk Around Britain' Project - http://www.awalkaroundbritain.com/ and working with Tribal Networks and the Permaculture Research Institute of Australia to organise and co teach the first permaculture design course in Morocco -

http://alexmetcalfe.wordpress.com/

http://www.facebook.com/tribenet?sk=app_2309869772

http://permaculture.org.au/2010/07/21/morocco-observations-past-present-and-future-part-i/

I am a registered student of the U.K diploma in Applied Permaculture Design as of February 2011. I have been working on a permaculture centred social enterprise since 2009 with a pilot community project in the works pending funding.

My intentions as of April 2011 are:

To organise and run 'Introduction to Permaculture' Courses in Southern Spain.

Designing my Action Learning Pathway and treading the Diploma path steadily and productively. Advertising for design clients.

To keep skilling up through training, courses and internships/volunteering on perma projects and supporting courses.

Networking in my local area after finally 'stopping' after a year living out of a backpack whilst working as an itinerant fund-raiser for the RSPB, a wildlife/conservation charity.

I am registered to finally start my Msc Architecture: Advanced Environmental & Energy Studies at the Centre for Alternative Technology in Wales in September.

Working on my social enterprise 'Growing Awareness' in between everything else.