Real dilemmas, real solutions – from our real-life superheroes. This month, Jane Scotter, founder of biodynamic farm Fern Verrow dreads feeding her pigs after a heavy snowfall and cooks a mean chicken stock with egg noodles
Q What makes you feel wild?
A My wilder days have possibly passed. Unfairness makes me upset. Creating beautiful things makes me feel passionate and energised.
Q What one thing are you currently doing to make the planet greener?
A I have been a practising biodynamic grower and farmer for over 20 years.
Q Where does your soul most happily reside: city, countryside, or sea?
A I walk my farm most Sunday mornings. It is my most soulful time.
Q The DJ fails to show up. What’s your go-to track to get everyone dancing?
A There are so many! How about Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies”? Always good fun.
Q Who is the hero or heroine you’d be tongue-tied to find yourself sitting next to at a dinner?
A I don’t think I have a hero as such, and I don’t think I would be tongue-tied. There is always something one can find in common.
Q The message to your younger self?
A Try to be more patient.
Q Which world conflict would you like to see resolved first and how would you do it?
A A very big question… I would be Prime Minister if I had the answers. I think if we were all much more compassionate to one another many conflicts would be solved.
Q You’re on a raft adrift in the ocean; the sharks are circling. Who is your companion to get you to shore safely? And who would you feed to the sharks?
A Someone stronger than myself to row the boat safely to shore. I would never feed anyone to the sharks.
Q What qualities would you look for in a deputy?
A Someone who wants to gets things just right and will always do everything they can to do so.
Q And what’s the key requirement for a lifetime partner of the romantic kind?
A Humour and kindness. Super handsome would be a plus!
Q What’s your favourite lazy-at-home dish to cook?
A Chicken stock with egg noodles.
Q What’s the retirement plan?
A Not to retire.
Q What’s your biggest bugbear about modern farming? hat things have got this far and correcting it is such an enormous task.
A That things have got this far and correcting it is such an enormous task.
Q And the thing you love about it the most?
A Things are changing and people are reconnecting with the land and recognising how incredibly important it is to take care of it.
Q What’s the easiest way to change to a healthier diet?
A Cook from scratch.
Q And the easiest way to update a kitchen cupboard?
A Chilli, garlic, ginger and good olive oil, and always lemons.
Q What’s the best advice for someone wanting to grow their own vegetable patch?
A Get your boots on and get out there.
Q Career high versus career low?
A High is definitely working closely with Skye Gyngell at Spring and florist Kitten Grayson at Heckfield Place. Lows – having to go out in three feet of snow to feed the pigs, while having proper grown-up flu. It took me three hours.
Q Career advice for the Jane wannabes?
A Never compromise when it comes to true quality and beauty.
Q What do you wish you had said to someone who has departed this earth?
A Nothing I regret not saying, so perhaps thank you and wish you were here.
Q The last time you prayed, who did you pray to, and were your prayers answered?
A To the heavens, and yes I am sure they have.
Q What superhero power would you most like to have and why?
A To never feel tired or bad-tempered.
Q Where do you get your therapy from?
A Her name is Paula.
Q Your book at bedtime?
A Sorry, Netflix.
Q Your epitaph?
A Dread to think, I’ll leave that to someone else!
Q What did you learn from the toughest time in your life?
A Time will pass and you will feel better.
Q And from the happiest?
A Don’t make important decisions whilst in a euphoric state.
Q You’re blowing out the candles on the birthday cake. What one thing do you wish for?
A If I tell you, it won’t come true.
