The Urban Co-operative - Loving the Land: As seen in the Feb–Mar Issue of Limerick Life

February brings us back to love with endless symbols of flowers, hearts and glistening gems. Springtime also awakens the positive as the light extends and the land yields forth the sustaining gift of grass for the new life emerging.

Leaves unfold in the woods producing the fantastical fractals that lift the spirits. We are drawn to nature naturally despite the smartness of urban life. Love is not just hearts, flowers and a yearly card though!

The concept of Biophilia is explored by Edward Wilson in his book from 1984. Philia -a Greek work for love or affection. Bio – living things. This hypothesis suggests that humans possess an innate tendency to seek connections with nature and other forms of life.

Whether it is our need to tend house plants and pets in an urban environment or a fully fledged farming set up our mental health and wellbeing is strongly linked with connections with nature. Recognising and nurturing this connection will fill our hearts with much needed sustenance.

Organic and regenerative agriculture is growing in recent years and at The Urban Co-op we are fortunate to bear witness to this trend. With an emphasis on valuing the resources we have locally the rise of appreciation for organic produce not just from the consumer but from the farming sector is encouraging.

Health is a driver of course but hope rises from the currents of connection that continue to be woven in the process. The love of farming is being rekindled as dependency on chemical inputs reduces albeit slowly.

Organic land area is at 5% currently. Bringing back life and love to the land is a process of recovery like the seasons evolving. From small to large projects along the way. The Urban Co-op are keen to foster the strength of connection.

The Bringing Organic Home and Mid West Biodistrict projects (funded by DAFM) are two dedicated projects for instance of organic promotion that have brought much joy and inspiration for human connection through nourishing food. Nurturing our way back to nature is the ultimate love!

The Urban Co-op continues to create a nourishing environment for conscious change.

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