I've always enjoyed making and fixing things, and I've written about a fair number of them over the years in Make Magazine, Craft Magazine, Hackspace Magazine, and in the Guardian and Observer newspaper. I've also presented to the public on topics ranging from 3D printing and scanning to Python and Archaeology.

Cooking is something else that I've always been interested in and written about. I'm particlarly interested in the preservation of meats, fruits, and vegetables. I'm also a fan of slow food, and using local, seasonal ingredients wherever possible.

Chickens are a new project for me, and I have to say that I enjoy getting eggs (and eventually meat) from a source that I know has been well looked after. In fact, I think it's fair to say that our chickens are pretty much spoiled with treats and a nicely sized run where they can stretch their legs.

I'd love to be entirely self sufficient, but in reality there will always a few concessions when it comes to the practicalities of living from a small piece of land. Experimenting in the garden with new methods and varieties is a rewarding way to spend time.