The History of the SEER Centre.
The SEER Centre Trust was established as a charitable trust in 1997, following 13 years of pioneering work by co-founders Cameron and Moira Thomson on the use of rockdust in building soil fertility and reducing atmospheric carbon (largely responsible for global climate change).
The SEER Centre Garden project
lies on an infertile upland site in Strathardle, subject to cold winds and severe winters. But by combining municipal composts with SEER Rockdust, the Thomson's have designed and created a spectacular demonstration garden, producing heavy crops of tasty fruit and vegetables and bright flowers.
Organic methods are used exclusively in cultivation to demonstrate sustainable land management in an ecologically-diverse environment.
Since 1997, the SEER Centre has:
- Developed 4 acres of attractive Demonstration Gardens of deep remineralised terraces edged with natural stone and set in lush lawns, growing a wide range of mineral-rich edible crops and ornamental plants
- Completely enclosed the Garden Project Site within protective deer and rabbit-proof fencing
- Established essential windbreaks using native trees and shrubs to site perimeter, creating important wildlife corridors and habitats - a haven
- Equipped Centre with essential machinery, tools and secure storage facilities
- Established a fully fenced Free Range Enclosure with pond and meandering stream for visitors to enjoy the goats and geese which are part of a sustainable farming system
- Carried out groundworks including drainage, car park and path construction on Project Site
- Creation of Pond and habitat features in perimeter woodland upper Project Site
- Erected Greenhouses and large polytunnel to demonstrate all-year-round and tender horticultural crops
- Purchased on-site caravans for staff, volunteer and student use
- Erected a small farm shop in the carpark
- Created seating areas in beautiful surroundings so everyone can enjoy the scenery and wildlife and relax or read about the different experiments the Thomson's have established.
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