The Hour

Pete took a journey to Pishwanton Wood in East Lothian this week, a community initiative that aims to reconnect people with nature.

Those of all ages and all walks of life come to the leafy space to enjoy the gardens and woodland, and find out more about the innovative eco-buildings, from schoolchildren to office workers.

Margaret Colquhon, who runs the project, explained a little more about how came to fruition.

She said: “It started when I was working with a German sculptor and we were looking for a place where we could teach people to look at the world as a scientist, and how it is to look at the world as an artist. And eventually we drove past here and saw this wood was for sale, and we came in here and had a look and it felt wonderful, like coming home.

“We try and help people to come into a connection with nature, to slow down and be peaceful and to ask the land what it wants rather than impose what they want to do with the land.”

She added: “People have come form all over the world to work here and they work with the local people with special needs and local volunteers.”

The project is run by various volunteers who all have a role  to play, from helping look after the land to building the structures – including the new herb production science centre.

Pishwanton Wood is going from strength to strength, and Margaret has big plans for its future.

She said: “I think in the immediate future we need to try and raise the money to finish this building and we need lots of volunteers to come and help in the garden.

“And eventually, I don’t know how long it’ll take, but we want to have a place for our family to live, and then we’d like to build some huts in the wood for people to come here on holiday.”

To find out more about Pishwanton Wood, visit www.pishwanton.com