Film-maker, Marley lives on a three acre farm, designs permaculture, and specialises in community supported agriculture (CSA). Marley also co-runs a community cooperative cafe in Colchester. He’s been commissioned by Culture Essex to make a film for Extraordinary Essex with the working title ‘Don’t Fight The Land That Feeds You’ about the people of Essex and the land that nourishes them. Marley is interviewing people ranging from farmers with hectares of land to small growers with allotments. In CSA people can pay a share towards harvest by subscribing to seasonal veg boxes, or volunteer on the farm in exchange for produce. Nick’s had enough of chervil and celeriac in his OddBox! Importance of diversity in crops and seasonality in food. Community Growing Spaces in Essex for people with mental health issues, feeling the therapeutic benefits of working outside and eating the food they produce. When Marley grew up he concentrated on sports and football, not creativity. Creative subjects at school didn’t interest him. But then he started using his friend Drew’s camera and making edits, and making beats with his brother, and fell in love with creativity. Turning making films as a hobby into paid commissions. Getting young people out of towns and cities to expose them to rural Essex and growing food. Creating a community buzz on the farm with volunteers and group events. Shout out to Essex Salad WhatsApp group! Applying for funding. Permaculture is designing agriculture for the future. Colchester creativity is bubbling up right now. Marley’s wife Laura run Wyrd Flora, organising wild craft and nature walks. How long would Sangita survive in a post-apocalyptic scenario? Tips for young people getting into film-making - start with what you’ve got, then level up. Marley’s film will premiere at The Commons Cafe in Colchester in March 2025. Nick reveals that Chelmsford Museum have a stuffed bear to warn real bears away from their honey.

Culture Essex - Extraordinary Essex
Cuckoo Farm Studios
Wyrd Flora

Are You Creative? backup was recorded by Marley (thanks!) at City Sound Chelmsford
Edited by Nick Hearne
Artwork by Alpaca Antenna

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Thanks to NGDA, City Sound and Essex County Council for their support

Recorded in Chelmsford, Essex, UK