Ernst is a real Mollison-like character, both in intellect and by way of a challenging personality. He is about 60 or so and works from 4am to sunset every day. As I tagged along, he would philosophise and explain his approach to land management while he harvested cassava, pruned agroforestry systems and fixed a leaking water supply. Only occasionally would he let me help as he is so particular about how everything should be done.
Many local species come up, encouraged by strips of secondary forest left on the borders.
At about 1-1.5 metres many birds and animals are moving through the system, planting local species as they go. The result is an enriched forest in what Ernst calls an ' abundancia system '. An impressive amount of mulch develops and allows very little 'weed' growth. In this system, the soil improves rapidly. Plants naturally build soil fertility, according to Ernst.