'Waterkeepers' became a labour of love in winter 20222 - during a 10 day water fast brought that brought a series of intuitions and visions of the future; including one of a water cut in the local area; catalysing a flow of creativity and bringing forth a series of 'streams' of activity for 'waterkeeping' in the region; that would have the community becoming more independent - ideally sovereign in the tending of water sources, supplies, safety and sustainability - and transition from dependency on municipal and institutional infrastructures and services.

External engagement gave way for a while after the transition to 'giving freely' in community had my own resources run dry. It later came to light that my limits had been casused by real-life consequences of spring, tap and river water contamination; taking me out of action for some time; and powering the call to action even further.

With so much water contamination - an eco-system approach seems to be required; it is clear that there is much to do for us to be 'on course' in addressing our precarious position with regards to water. It is so clear that to do this, a partnership approach is required. My recovery limited my capacity to move it forward; my efforts to engage the local council and friends of river group, made it clear that more weight and well-being was needed to form partnerships.

It inspired me to follow my heart and co-create this in this community; and make a difference to people whom I'd cared about; and bring 'home' my learnings and insights from 20 years of professional involvement in community and humanitarian projects, partnerships and platforms, campaigns and courses; conservation and community efforts; and along with those from water research and off-grid living.

My experiences of assisting fundraising teams will be helpful when teaming up to with partners in resourcing these water initiatives, the documentary and practical companion book - it will be so good to have these all coming fully to fruition.

Amazingly, there are waterkeepers at work every day - with phenomenal skill-sets and a deep care for water - having that work supported and sustained would be truly gamechanging; and is certainly one of the intentions of waterkeepers.

insights

a journey with water....