Interview with Rakesh, permaculture teacher & designer

We had the pleasure of hosting Rakesh in November, for a workshop on forest gardens!

Jérôme: Hello everyone! I’m Jérôme from Äerdschëff, and today I’m delighted to welcome Rakesh, who joined us from the UK. He recently led a fantastic workshop on forest gardening here at Äerdschëff. Welcome, Rakesh! For those who don’t know you, could you tell us a little bit about yourself, your background, and what you do?
Rakesh: Sure! Hi, I’m Rakesh. I was born and raised in England in a modest family, which meant we had to learn to be very self-reliant. We grew our own food, repaired broken things, and even made our own furniture. That’s where my hands-on, practical background comes from.
When I eventually took a permaculture course, I found that most of the ideas and concepts taught were things I had already been doing. The other students told me they learned as much from my practical experience as they did from the teachers. Even the teachers were impressed and said, “You know more about permaculture than many instructors!” So, teaching permaculture came naturally to me—it was just part of who I am.
In addition to permaculture, I teach forest gardening, focusing on designing biodiverse, food-rich systems. I have a particular interest in community forest gardens, which combine environmental impact with a social dimension by bringing people together. I also teach sociocracy, practice as a qualified homeopath, and work extensively in naturopathy to address physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. And, when I’m not doing all that, I’m a reggae DJ!
Jérôme: That’s a fascinating journey! Let’s talk about the workshop you just led at Äerdschëff. We had participants from very different backgrounds—some with gardening experience, some without. What’s your impression of the event, and how do you see a project like Äerdschëff contributing to communities, society, and biodiversity?
Rakesh: The workshop was amazing. As you said, the participants had diverse backgrounds—some were expert gardeners, others were beginners, and some were simply experimenting with ideas for their own backyards. That diversity made it truly special.
My teaching style is different—I don’t “teach” in the conventional sense. Instead, I help people discover things for themselves. I tell stories, ask questions, and plant seeds of thought so participants can find their own solutions. It was wonderful to see even experienced gardeners have moments of discovery and excitement. It’s proof that this approach works for everyone because it taps into people’s imagination.
The feedback was fantastic. Participants left with practical ideas they could immediately implement. I simplify forest gardening by breaking it down into manageable steps. Instead of overwhelming people with the idea of designing an entire space, we focus on small, compartmentalized areas that they can visualize and work on. This makes the process more accessible and rewarding.
A project like Äerdschëff is exceptional. Its location in a public space, close to a school, gives it immense potential. In addressing challenges like biodiversity loss, food forests can play a transformative role. By involving community members in designing and creating these spaces, we foster a sense of ownership and pride. Such spaces can also serve as educational hubs, empowering people with actionable solutions to global challenges.
Jérôme: At Äerdschëff, we’re also developing an intercultural living-together project. It aims to bring people from diverse cultural backgrounds together here in Luxembourg, celebrating their multiple identities, cultural roots, and ecological engagement. What are your thoughts on such a project?
Rakesh: I find this incredibly exciting—it’s the kind of initiative I truly live for. Too often, society divides people into “us” and “them,” creating fear and distrust. These divisions lead to exploitation—of people, resources, and the planet.
But when we take the time to get to know each other, those divisions disappear. Personally, I’ve been treated differently because of the color of my skin, but once people got to know me, their perceptions changed. They realized I wasn’t so different after all.
Projects like yours create spaces for these encounters. By focusing on what unites us—our shared values, desires, and dreams—we can break down stereotypes. At the same time, we can celebrate our differences, recognizing that they enrich our communities and make humanity vibrant and unique.
These projects have the power to bring people together, helping them see, trust, and connect with one another. They’re not just about fostering unity—they’re about transforming society and creating a richer, more inclusive world for everyone.
Jérôme: Thank you, Rakesh. That was truly inspiring! We hope to welcome you back to Luxembourg soon for more workshops and collaborations.
Rakesh: Thank you!