A EuPN member portrait – permaculture educator Barbara Scheltus

While I run the first peer review for the EuPN PermaHub I had the chance to talk with Barbara Scheltus. I had the opportunity to listen to her journey into sustainable living and permaculture.

Barbara, who has a profound passion for fermentation, shared her journey into the realm of permaculture, emphasizing the transformative impact it had on her life.

The Discovery of Permaculture

Barbara's journey began with a moment of revelation similar to discovering the internet. For her, hearing about permaculture for the first time was a mind-blowing experience. Introduced to the concept by a Croatian acquaintance Armano Jeričević, she was captivated by the idea of sustainable and self-sufficient living. This initial exposure led her to delve deeper into the subject, consuming books, documentaries, and other resources to gain a comprehensive understanding.

Foraging and Urban Gardening

Living in the city centre of Leiden in the Netherlands, Barbara began her practical exploration of permaculture through urban foraging. She started a blog to document her experiences, long before urban foraging became trendy. Her efforts highlight the cyclical nature of cultural trends and the increasing popularity of sustainable practices in recent years. Barbara observes how platforms like TikTok and Facebook are now filled with people showcasing foraging, gardening, and other sustainable living skills.

Barbara Scheltus - van den Berg

Barbara has a PDC, a TPT and will soon finish her Diploma in Applied Permaculture Design.

Her homestead is called Bogata Šuma

Relocating to Croatia

A significant turning point in Barbara's journey was her relocation from the Netherlands to Croatia. Initially sceptical about living in nature, she was persuaded by her husband's desire for a more natural lifestyle. The decision was somewhat impulsive, with Croatia chosen almost randomly. However, it turned out to be a serendipitous choice. The move allowed her to fully immerse herself in a simpler, self-sufficient lifestyle, free from the constraints of urban living and free to take full responsibility for Life.

Building a Sustainable Home

Barbara faced considerable challenges in transforming an abandoned ruin into a habitable, sustainable home. The property had been neglected for 15 years following the Yugoslavian War, and nature had reclaimed much of it. With perseverance and innovative use of materials like straw bales, they managed to rebuild the house, ensuring it was in harmony with the surrounding environment.

Insights on Permaculture

A key lesson from my conversation with Barbara is the importance of observation in permaculture. She emphasizes that permaculture is more about being than doing—it's about observing the environment, understanding its needs, and working with nature rather than against it. This involves logical, common-sense thinking and a willingness to adapt and learn continuously.

The Nine Forms of Capital

One of the intriguing concepts Barbara discussed is the nine forms of capital (originally 8 - link to PDF). This holistic approach goes beyond financial resources, considering various forms of wealth, including social, cultural, experiential, and spiritual capital. She highlights how this broader perspective can lead to a more balanced and fulfilling life, especially in the context of sustainable living.

Collaboration and Community Building

Barbara also emphasized the value of collaboration and community. Recognizing the limitations of managing a large property alone, she and her family decided to foster a village community. This approach not only distributes the workload but also brings together like-minded individuals, creating a supportive and enriching environment.

The last design for her permaculture diploma is called "Thriving harmoniously into the future". It is a practical design about ethics and decision making for a sustainable life.