Name:
Suzi Silva Cumiskey
Position:
Volunteer
About Suzi:
Living in Norwich in the late 1990’s a friend did a weekend permaculture course and shared her experience with me, the first time I heard of permaculture design.
I did the Intro and gardening courses with Brighton Permaculture Trust a good few years before doing the Permaculture design course in 2014. Supporting courses is always a pleasure, meeting lovely people and continuing to be inspired.
Wassail is my favourite evening of the year. I love the orchards and it is an honour to be involved in the organisation especially as my main role is to invite the faeries.
Name your permaculture hero? Why them?
Charlie Mgee of The Formidable Vegetable Soundsystem, for making the principles so much fun and what a great way to introduce the principles to new folk!
Which permaculture principle do you have to remind yourself of the most?
Obtain a yield: it’s good to look at things from differing angles and then finding so much more is there.
Which permaculture principle is always popping up in unlikely places?
Use and value the marginal: grassroots action, valuing diversity – many people want the world to be a fairer place for all and there are many great people and projects out there.
Best example of permaculture in action?
I was fortunate to be chosen as a customer judge for the Lush Spring Prize and read 50+ incredible entries from regenerative projects around the world.
A few years ago I visited Alara Muesli, 10 minutes from London Kings Cross station. There is a forest garden around the warehouse, quite a small area but planted with love and care, including space for the local apple project to grow their trees and compost is provided for free for local people on the nearby housing estate, and hosts an annual Wassail.
Anything else we should know about you?
I collect Alison Uttley books, volunteer with Same Sky collecting money during Burning The Clocks (it’s not council funded like many people think!) and Brighton Museums, enjoy yoga, am learning to play the Irish flute and am studying herbal lore. I love watching birds, learning to identify trees and hearing faerie tales.