A wide blue sky and very hot weather greeted us on the day of the Cambridgeshire County Show. Held at the Abbots Ripton Estate, this was the first outing of the Mobile Inspiration Hub, a tiny house created entirely out of materials grown in rewetted peatlands.

As part of a team of six from the Great Fen, we were delighted to attend and talk to the hundreds of visitors passing by the stand. We promoted our aspiration of demonstrating the growth of a range of crops in wetter peat soil, both at our test beds and the future field-scale trials of Peatland Progress. We shared how this can result in products that are not only profitable but sustainable, and a long-term solution towards cutting greenhouse gas emissions in the Fens. 

Visitors were particularly interested in the way the Mobile Inspiration Hub was constructed. Inside, panels have been left exposed by the designers Moor and More, to demonstrate the internal components. They were also amazed at the array of products that could be created from plants such as Typha (Bulrush) and common reed, both of which grow readily across the wetter areas of the Fen landscape. Comments included how it would be great as a place to stay by the coast or in a woodland setting. The ambient temperature inside the building remained constant and pleasant throughout the day, despite the soaring heat outside. A few visitors returned a few times throughout the day to shelter inside!

We were joined for the day by regenerative designer Lucy Mitchell. Lucy demonstrated the weaving of rushes into slippers using a plaiting technique, as well as displaying items she has made from a variety of different plants found in and around wetlands, as part of her MSc. project.

Children visiting the stand were invited to decorate ceramic tiles with their favourite wildlife using acrylic pens – a welcome relief to sit quietly out of the heat and be creative. 

We really enjoyed hearing the positive comments and the genuine interest of people who visited us. It's encouraging that so many wanted to learn more about how peatlands can be both protected and productive for the benefit of wildlife, people and the economy.

So, where next for the Mobile Inspiration Hub? Groundswell, on 1^st and 2^nd July 2026. This is the Regenerative Agriculture Festival where growers, farmers and industry come together to share ideas and learn about sustainable farming. We hope to see you there!