Aiding our wellbeing through Nature contact has become a truism, but as life keeps getting more uncertain and demanding, we truly need to deepen with the Earth, for both emotional and physical health. That's what this blog explores. Read more.

Tim is a Professor of Food Policy at City University London, and one of the most clear-thinking analysts of Britain's tangled food systems. His 2020 book, Feeding Britain, is a great overview, but a heavy read at 567 pages. Here's a blog about the book, written for Bridport Food Matters by Caroline Walker.

Alan writes:

Every month brings fresh news of crop failures, food shortages, and price rises. It's clear that the UK Government's strategy of 'leave it to the markets' is failing: so what can local communities do to grow their own food security? I started the Bridport Food Matters project to explore this, and this blog shares what has worked, and what hasn't, hoping that others can learn from our experience. Read more here.

As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, it’s becoming increasingly clear that we need to find new ways of farming that are more sustainable and regenerative. That’s where regenerative agriculture comes in – a way of farming that focuses on improving the health of the soil, increasing biodiversity, and creating a more resilient and sustainable food system. Read more.

In his Deep Adaptation approach to climate change, Jem Bendell has consistently highlighted food shortages as a major driver of the societal disruption he foresees in the next few years. Now for the first time he has issued a well-researched, detailed 24-page report on the food security outlook. To download it, click here. 



And if you're wondering where the UK Government is in all this, here is a clue: the official scrutineer of Government actions on the environment is The Office for Environmental Protection. They reviewed twenty-three measures where the Government had committed to take action, and reported demonstrable progress on none. You could try writing to your MP...

To support the launch of his new book, Alan would like to train and work with a few Advocates: your main roles would be to deliver short workshops and talks on the Natural Happiness approach, in person or online, and outreach to find groups to work with. This is paid work, with training provided: see more details here.

The Natural Happiness model is highly relevant for professionals of many kinds, including managers, coaches, hospital doctors, and consultants. Alan can deliver sessions from half a day to 2 days, tailored to your needs. Read more.

The Sufi Garden is a monthly online meditation/singing group co-led by Alan Heeks and Karim Hadden. The sessions offer meditation, chants, poetry, and simple movement practices known as Dances of Universal Peace, drawing on the Sufi, Buddhist, Christian and other traditions. No previous experience needed, open to all. Free of charge.



Next sessions: Wednesday June 7 and July 5, 7.30-9.00pm. To reserve a place or for more info, email [email protected].

Natural Happiness Online:

Small groups and coaching

Alan Heeks writes: linked to the upcoming publication of my Natural Happiness book, I am offering two formats for online groups (or in person in Dorset):

Small groups: a mini-workshop of 1-2 hours, using Natural Happiness approaches, tailored to the group's wishes.

Coaching: one-to-one sessions of 1.5 hours, drawing on Natural Happiness processes.



All sessions will be experiential and highly participative. Timings and cost negotiable. If you're interested, contact Alan: [email protected].

The book cover has been agreed, and publication is due in March 2024. Read more.