As the clouds billow up from the valley below, I am putting off donning my boiler suit and brandishing the strimmer. We have recently expanded Col di Lavacchio by 6 acres, much of it bramble and old man’s beard. “A carbon sink!” I hear you cry. But one that is ugly and sterile and devoid of life. So the clean up begins with only a little thought as to the future. More olives? Highly likely. Hemp? Quite possibly. Hardwoods? Most probably. Having enjoyed the richness and variety in our wild flower meadow last year, more of the same is a highly attractive proposition. The farming year is never static and events (Spring) may overtake us and lead to a postponement of development. That’s fine, no harm will come. More time to contemplate: what is responsible, organic and sustainable?