THE ALLOTMENT

There's no point living in an energy self-sufficient house if you then buy food that comes from the other side of the world. Consequently, we do whatever we can to source food locally and reduce our 'food miles'.

Our allotment is a key part of this strategy. It's been hard work turning a neglected patch of brambles, bindweed and couch grass into a productive kitchen garden, but the rewards are tremendous. We have yet to master the art of keeping the produce flowing all year, but gardening is all about patience and we will get there.

When the allotment is quiet, we get a local organic box from Abel & Cole, based in South London.