Rekke

Walkers Reserve is located in St. Andrew. Originally the home of Walkers Savannah, a sand quarry, owned and operated by the McNeel family for decades. As well as producing silica sand, an important component of cement, the McNeel family were responsible for stewarding of one of the largest native beach-side forests on the island. When production ceased and left with the scarred landscape, Ian McNeel asked the question ‘How do you restore a sand quarry, build habitats, create ecosystems and increase biodiversity?’

The answer lies in the subsequent research carried out by Ian McNeel; to cultivate skills into ways of building habitats and increasing the biodiversity of this broad acre degraded landscapes. His vision for the Walkers site was as a holding space with a holistic and interconnected purpose; to create regenerative spaces rich in biodiversity where individuals can connect and reconnect to the environment, while building more resilient economies, ecosystems, and communities.

Ultimately, Ian landed on the idea of regenerative agroforestry, a system which utilizes permaculture design principles as the framework. In 2010 a team of local and international experts was assembled to explore the potential for using these regenerative design principles to restore the quarry’s landscape ecology. Their preliminary findings indicated that these techniques opened up the potential for businesses and communities to co-create meaningful livelihoods, steward nature-based economies, and actively build a model for climate adaptation and resilience for Barbados and the world. The Walkers Institute for Regenerative Research and Design (WIRRED) was born.

WIRRED is founded on the whole-systems thinking approach of permaculture in which care for people, the earth and fair share guide their daily operations. Their belief is that this planet is bountiful and abundance comes from us doing our part to increase soil fertility, nurture biodiversity, protect watersheds, and connect us to our food sources and the environment.

Today, WIRRED brings solutions to complex problems by creating disruptive design systems that increase biodiversity, enhance ecosystem services, and improve the well-being of individuals and communities. Disruptive design positively intervenes and disrupts the status quo of any problem to create effective, equitable, and sustainable outcomes. ‘By exploring the edges of our systems, we open ourselves to seeing the non-obvious opportunities that can generate profound, innovative ways to leverage change.’

Walkers Reserve starts with the low-lying land on the coast and gradually rises as it comes inland, covering over three hundred acres. There are both natural and manmade landscapes within this expanse of forest, dunes, hills as well as various bodies of water. Some areas have been thoughtfully cultivated to harvest an array of organically raised plants. There are over eighteen thousand varieties of plants, including food crops such as; bananas, cashews, pineapples, coconuts and tamarinds as well as other plants, including pillow cotton and the Florida tassel flower. The cultivation of these food crops will help to reduce the food import bill, support local farmers and the economy and contribute to soil health and sustainability of the land.

Through ongoing research, education, design, and community partnerships WIRRED creates regenerative spaces in which individuals can connect/reconnect to the environment, while building more resilient economies, ecosystems and communities.

Their mission; to bring a holistic approach to the transformation of degraded lands through regenerative research, education, and design. WIRRED are committed to environmental stewardship, the economic wellbeing of all communities, and to increase biodiversity to support a climate-resilient planet. WIRRED also came up with an exciting way to boost community participation, getting the general public involved in their efforts and bring awareness to the dire need for sustainable practices through monetary donations, volunteering, tree planting and monthly tours of the reserve.

These principles have guided the transformation of the quarry into the thriving nature reserve and eco agro-tourism destination it is today – Walkers Quarry becomes Walkers Reserve!

There is an educational element to WIRRED; teaching Barbados and the world by extension how to be good environmental stewards which is one of the many attractions that accompany the multitude of flora and fauna which find sanctuary there. Exploring Walkers reserve is an excellent way to appreciate the precious natural resources we are blessed with while learning how to actively pursue a healthier earth.

The ideal way to experience the magic of Walkers Reserve is to book a tour. Depending on how much time you have and your interests, you can choose from a coastal hike, taking in the sea views or a more strenuous soil to sea nature hike.

Perhaps observing the bird life is for you; delve into the wonders of the avian world, gaining a deeper appreciation for the importance of conservation and the need to protect these fascinating avian species and their habitats. If you are a bee enthusiast, then experiencing the buzzing world of honeybees is for you, either at a distance or get suited up for a much closer look at these fascinating and vitally important creatures.

Or you can be driven along the nature trails as WIRRED guides share the story of regeneration, delving into the historic journey of transforming Walkers Sand Quarry into Walkers Reserve. Experience this biodiverse landscape that is filled with a variety of plants and wildlife including migratory birds, green monkeys, bees and other pollinators, mongooses and the elusive hare!