Project Maya is an environmental Community Interest Company (CIC) born from a radical vision: to establish a global network of permaculture nature reserves that are run by—and for—the community.
Founded by a collective of conservation scientists, Project Maya moves away from the "look but don't touch" model of traditional conservation. Instead, we create holistic spaces where people and nature exist in harmony. Our approach isn't just idealistic; it is deeply rooted in best-practice research and my own academic work into public participation in conservation.
A Sustainable Engine for Change
We believe that the most resilient conservation projects are those fueled by sustainable enterprise rather than a reliance on traditional grants. This "Enterprise-First" model allows us to scale our impact through several key branches:
Seedball: Our multi-award-winning wildflower gardening product. By simplifying the way we grow wildflowers, Seedball empowers thousands of people to restore vital habitats for bees, butterflies, and wildlife right in their own backyards.
The Maya Academy: Our educational hub, where we facilitate knowledge exchange and teach courses on permaculture and sustainability. (Our research impact work has since evolved into the spin-out company, Fast Track Impact).
Strategic Business Support: To ensure the long-term growth of our reserves, a proportion of income from our wider commercial property and business ventures is dedicated directly to Project Maya, creating a circular economy where enterprise funds the earth.
Collective Impact
Conservation is a team sport. While I now lead the daily operations and strategic direction of the project, our history is built on collaboration. We run major environmental campaigns alongside industry giants and non-profits such as the RSPB, Plantlife, Friends of the Earth, Scottish Wildlife Trust, and Ecotricity.
Our mission has been championed by global thought leaders and advocates, including Vivienne Westwood, Simon King OBE, Stephen Moss, Helen Browning OBE, Dale Vince OBE, Marian Spain, and Gordon Sebright.
The Proof in the Soil
Our vision is already a reality. We currently own and manage a flagship nature reserve on the Devon/Cornwall border—a living laboratory where permaculture principles and community participation will work to restore the landscape.
