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THE
1999 SCHUMACHER AWARD RECIPIENT
Steve
Manchee
Earth
Balance
Earth
Balance was conceived by Steve Manchee in 1989. It took four
years to become operational and a further three years before
it was opened to the public. Steve was at the time a forester
working with Northumberland County Council, reclaiming and
replanting land polluted by colliery dereliction and spoil
resulting from pit closures. Although the cleaning, renewing
and greening of over 1500 hectares of derelict land was a
satisfying achievement, he was aware of the need to regenerate
the devastated local communities: to create meaningful jobs
and to provide people with new skills and a new vision, and
to help to restore the natural balance between people and
the environment. The project was based on the concepts of
regeneration, sustainability and community empowerment, involving
the whole community including those with disabilities.
Steve
brought together a team of people including a social worker,
a businessman committed to innovative methods, a scientist,
a farmer, a baker and a brewer. Backed by Northumberland County
Council and a local council with some spare land, the Earth
Balance Project began on a 257-acre farm within the urban
fringe of Bedlington in the south-east of Northumberland.
Supporters of the ethos of Earth Balance went on to form ‘Friends
of Earth Balance’ to drive the project forward and discuss
ideas. The main projects were based on organic farming, renewable
energy generation and the encouragement of small businesses
which would function in a sustainable manner. All architecture
was designed to require minimal energy use and all processes
to minimise waste and pollution.
The
first phase of the project was to open a training unit catering
for local people with disabilities who were interested in
acquiring horticultural and other skills. Soon afterwards
an organic bakery started trading and, after the organic conversion
of the land in 1994, organic crops were grown and a box scheme
set up for the local community by one of the new businesses.
The second phase was the design of an integrated renewable
energy system including wind and water turbines and solar
water heating, photovoltaic panels, and a 33-acre willow coppice
to provide biogas. The aim is soon to be energy self-sufficient
with the help of Energy North. There is also a 3-pond reed
bed treatment system for wastewater and sewage.
In
the third phase, seven small businesses have taken off, including
a café, a brewery, textile recycling business, a trout
fishery and an organic vegetable co-operative. An exciting
initiative is to develop ‘social firms’ run by people
with disabilities. Footpaths and bridleways and a cycle track
(Sustrans) have been established and are open to the public.
Earth Balance has also set up an educational resource used
by schools, colleges and local universities. Steve hopes that
everyone who comes into contact with the project will leave
with a clearer vision of sustainability and the notion that
small, non-destructive businesses and projects working in
harmony together can regenerate communities and the environment.
Given
that Fritz Schumacher worked from 1950 to 1970 with the National
Coal Board, struggling in vain against pit closures and arguing
that the social and community costs could not be discounted
in the eco-balance, we feel this is a particularly appropriate
award from the Schumacher Society in celebrating its 21st
Anniversary.
CONTACT
DETAILS
Earth
Balance
West Sleekburn Farm, Bomarsund, Bedlington, Northumberland
NE22 7AD
Tel: 01670 821000
Fax: 01670 821026
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