Kith 2.0

In the summer of 2019, I stood looking out on a grassy field, B asleep in a sling on my chest. This first sight of the field fuelled the dream of what has now become Kith, our dear little homestead.

The journey I've meandered along since has had more than its fair share of ups and downs but today, this story is to acknowledge the ebb and flow of homestead life and the natural cycles at play I naively underestimated on that day, and many years thereafter.

The first 3 months were purely about breaking ground. Making the vision a reality, however crudely crafted that might have been. Concrete roof tiles were turned into raised beds, old tyres became plant pots and roped together pallets became our humble compost bins. These makeshift structures, assembled with purpose, intent and hope, marked the beginning of our sustainable homestead living endeavour. Over the years, those bins quietly fulfilled their role, transforming kitchen scraps and garden waste into rich compost that has nurtured the soil and fed the plants. 

As I look back to pictures of those early days, it's clear that the compost bins, much like the rest of the structures of the homestead have weathered the passage of time. They've stood resilient through seasons of sun, rain, wind and snow, but now they stand as weathered relics of those initial efforts. Their once sturdy frames have begun to sag, their wooden slats showing the wear and tear of five years of faithful service. It’s a poignant reminder that even the most well-loved and well-used tools eventually need renewal. It also serves as a beautiful nod to how far it's all come, a warming nostalgia of the early struggles of homestead life. 

This year, as the compost bins’ decline became too apparent to ignore, I found myself reflecting on the broader state of the homestead. The yurt garden, the concrete tile-lined beds, the spiral, and the swamp—all these original projects from 2019—now bear the marks of time and the people who've beautifully left their mark with footfall and energy. It begs the question: Is five years the magic number for homestead renewal? Perhaps it is. It's certainly at a tipping point right now- the distinct need for refurbishment and innovation has lusciously entwined with the celebration of all that's been accomplished in so few years. 

So enters Kith 2.0, the ambitious vision for the next chapter of our beloved homestead. This year, plans have been brewing, ideas bubbling and conversations sparking with renewed fizzy energy. It feels as though we’re ahead of the proverbial seven-year itch, driven by a desire to evolve and improve rather than simply maintain. As ever, much of this revolves around the children. In five years they've passed out of the first phase of childhood. Their bodies have grown, their needs have grown, their ideas have certainly grown and for now the homestead is still serving them but it won't for much longer if we don't move with them. 

The concept of Kith 2.0 is more than just a physical overhaul; it’s a philosophical shift. It’s about recognising that birth, life, growth and senescence are inherent parts of any thriving ecosystem. Just as the plants require periodic pruning to encourage robust growth, our homestead too benefits from thoughtful renewal. We’re not just replacing the worn-out elements; we’re reimagining them, infusing them with the lessons learned over the past five years and organically growing with the community. 

As we tip toe into the Kith 2.0, we’re reminded yet again that homesteading is a dynamic and evolving endeavour. It’s about acknowledging that what served us well in the beginning may need to be rethought and rebuilt to continue serving us in the future. And most importantly, it’s about nurturing the spirit of innovation, enthusiasm, curiosity and resilience that has always been at the heart of Kith. Si has made a new set of compost bins which already are working their magic, the yurt garden has been beautifully reworked and renamed; the Spirit Garden, next up is the swamp and spiral. Slowly slowly we’re working it together, me, Si, Ben and the whole community.

So, is five years the magic number? Perhaps it is. But more than that, it’s a milestone that invites immense pride and celebration. As we move forward with Kith 2.0, we do so with gratitude for this wild journey so far and huge excitement for the imminent possibilities ahead. Here’s to flowing cycles of growth, learning, and thriving on our beloved homestead.