McNicklebee Farm

McNicklebee Farm was coined from the nickname “Dr Nic McNicklebee”, the nickname Nic is called by his friends in London. Many people dream of taking the big step, getting out of the city and starting over. The purpose of this blog is to chronicle that evolution.

The future is unknown, but if a dream exists, it would be a tragedy not to at the very least give it a whirl.

Nicholas grew up in suburban South Africa, enjoying summers swimming and winters playing in the forest. He had an adventurous childhood enjoying the great outdoors, gardening, hiking, mountain biking, climbing diving, the list goes on.

Living thought the changes of apartheid South Africa to its rebirth into the Rainbow Nation, his love of design and curiosity about the rest of the world led him to The UK.

With a unwaning interest in sustainable design, renewable energy, organic farming and always learning something new, the intention was always there, to pack in the hustle and bustle of the big city and find a nice piece of land to build a more wholesome life.

Plans began in mid 2011 with the option to buy a property in South Africa. The allure was clear, the opportunity to own his own land and put into action, plans he had been collecting and developing over the years. Added to that being closer to family, being able to have dogs again and a better quality of life, plans were put into action for his return.

Leaving his design job in London, Nic is returning to the land of his birth, to renovate and develop McNicklebee farm, to help his brother with his organics business in Nelspruit and to see what fresh new opportunities lie over the rainbow. Nic is very excited about getting involved with Davley Organics, the vermiculture company built and run by his brother David. In a fast changing world, many of those changes not being for the better, Davley Organics strive to be part of the solution to some of the problems we face. Nicholas is excited to contribute towards a company trying to change the world in its own small way and in time have a positive effect on the development, health and well-being of the wider community.

There are many idea’s to be tried and tested. Organic farming , renewable energy, eco building and community projects. With a lot of work to be done, there are sure to be many trials and tribulations ahead, watch this space.

The adventures will all be chronicled here at

McNicklebee Farm.