Charlie has carried out research projects with Southern Cross University, University of Western Sydney, Regional Initiative Social Innovation & Research, Great Eastern Ranges Initiative, Jaliigirr Biodiversity Alliance, Clarence Valley Council, Ngara Institute, Resilient Byron, Coffs Harbour Community Farm, The Innovation Fund, The Forensic Hospital/Long Bay Jail and for a wide range of private projects and consultations. 

​

'I am passionate about using methodologies that are qualitative, innovative and inclusive to explore and better understand areas of research including design, conservation, sustainability, resilience, sense of place, horticultural therapy, ecopsychology, ethics, social exclusion/poverty, Permaculture, social ecology, the sacred & regenerative practices in general'.

​

Charlie and collaborators, weave theory, research, and inspirational texts with putting these into action in real-life practical projects - environmental, social, personal. This is 'praxis' in which theory and action inform each other. This is experiential learning that then ideally leads to improved practices, projects, outcomes and understandings.

​

In 2011 Charlie was awarded a PhD for research into putting sustainability ideas, ideals, designs and targets into practice. ‘Situating Place-Practice: Critical Reflections on Conservation, Sustainability & Environmental Education' - School of Social Ecology, Western Sydney University. 

​

He combines practical knowledge with the ability to ask important, and sometimes tough, critical questions. 'My care, attention and expertise is carried out at the intersections of practice and theory and community and environment. Practical disciplined work learnt through tradesmanship and project organising is combined with cutting edge innovative approaches. These have come, in part through being educated at the United World College movement, through Permaculture and Social Ecology'. 

​

Travelling widely, Charlie visits and participates in projects, education centres and conferences in many countries. Through attending and presenting at conferences, running workshops and visiting sustainability projects and places he inspires and is inspired by projects around the world.

​