Building the past and dreaming of the impossible

Words from Samika, our junior action researcher at the Triangle 

I was 14 when I first joined the Youth leadership programmes at Global Generation. Returning to the place where my journey began feels surreal. When I first arrived at the Triangle Site, I had the same feeling I did when I first set foot in the Skip Garden: I thought I had come to the wrong place. How could one small space bursting with life, creativity and potential, be surrounded by such tall buildings, construction work, roads, traffic, noise?

Knowing that the Triangle Site was practically across the street from the old Skip Garden only added to the surreal feeling—it was like coming home after a long journey. 

When I finally gathered my bearings and stepped onto the new, permanent site of Global Generation, I was struck—shocked, even—and a little awed. Despite being told so many times that the site was still under construction, despite mentally preparing myself to document the building process, I had envisioned something different. I imagined more piles of building materials and frames for what would one day become the kitchen.

In my mind, I had pictured the buildings sprouting from the ground fully formed, like the goddess Athena. Perhaps that’s because when I joined Global Generation, the Skip Garden was already established, and I never had the chance to see the Story Garden take shape, since I was away at university. So, every time I experienced one of Global Generation’s gardens, it was already there, fully formed.

This is a first for me—being here from the very beginning. It’s beautiful. I can’t wait to see the space grow, and I’m looking forward to getting used to the sound of the trains in the distance.

At the site, I had the pleasure of meeting Nadire and the trainees who are learning to work with special building materials and techniques to bring the space to life. It was inspiring to see their enthusiasm as they absorbed everything they could about the materials and processes that will shape the site’s future. I also had the chance to meet Glen and Nick, the resident experts in earth building and woodworking.

To be honest, I was initially nervous about walking into a space filled with people I hadn’t met—especially when they all seemed to be so much more knowledgeable than me. But from the moment I arrived, they made me feel welcome. Each one of them has such a vibrant, sparkling personality, and they were all eager to let me get to know them.

What struck me most about the group was their deep passion—not just for the environment and conservation, but for each other. They are truly dedicated to their work and to their community. Whether they're mixing cob or jotting down new ideas and formulas for the building process, their energy never falters. It’s clear that they are driven by a genuine commitment to making a positive impact

I love that much of the knowledge the trainees are gaining can be attributed to Glen, who has no hesitation in testing their knowledge and engaging in friendly banter. His presence really makes the space feel welcoming. He’s incredibly patient and generous with his expertise, even when he pretends not to be. And when situations like this arise, they use them as valuable learning opportunities, deciding what can be streamlined for future processes.

The idea of building the structures on-site using cob—earth building, in English—strikes me as a brilliant one. It brings ancient methods into the modern world, breathing new life into traditional craftsmanship. I was mesmerized by the cob's rich, jet-black color when I first saw it. It had an almost ethereal quality. Although the color changes to brown as it dries, I’m fascinated by the transformation.

Reviving ancient building techniques feels like the perfect fit for Global Generation’s permanent site. It captures some of the company’s core values so beautifully—bringing sustainable, time-tested methods into the light. And it’s just as effective, if not more so, than many contemporary building methods, with far less environmental impact.

I’m excited to see where my journey at the Triangle Site takes me, and I look forward to sharing many more updates. I can’t wait to see how everyone at the site grows, and how the space continues to develop in the future.

WHAT WE HAVE NAMED IMPOSSIBLE

Yes the ice caps are melting

And temperatures are rising. 

Floods and storms are becoming a norm

Things are bad- I won’t lie to you 

But still every morning 

The doe and her fawn arrive through the mist 

And the magpies dance carefree across the sky 

The willow near the lake sways gently 

And when I go to the seaside

The seagulls squawk and bully us all

For food equally 

As if to say 

It is only impossible if you don’t fight to be alive 

The sea never stops wearing the rocks down 

And they may be smoother now, but they survive 

Nikita Gill 

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Notes from the Garden