I was genuinely shocked by this news. It is nothing short of cultural vandalism. The thought of the destruction of a body of work that has been developed over decades, that would be impossible to replace, and which holds knowledge which is more important now than ever is unfathomable.
It is interesting to learn more details on the topic. Given that a food forest is a life long endeavour and the text above suggest previous tensions with the landlords, I wonder if any steps were taken in the past to plan for the eventual / potential / almost certain end of the lease in that place? What plans are there in case the ART site is about to be demolished? Is there a network of volunteers ready to take cuttings, scions, plants, seeds, to save some of the unique genetics of the site? Is there a contingency plan to buy another site and restart there with no external pressures?
Not knowing details about your relationship with the Trust, the natural attitude towards landlords should always be cautious and preferably include from the get-go either a lifetime lease, a gradual buy-out option where part of the rent installments go towards final ownership of the land, or a diversification strategy - using another site to "duplicate" the diversity, not all eggs in a basket type of behaviour.
This is very upsetting to read, I can't imagine the emotional stress you are experiencing.
I came across you 8 years ago on you tube, and it inspired me to relocate to Wales, but 2 acres of land and develop a food forest. This has become my life, my passion, my purpose and it is what keeps me going each day, through global chronic pain and a myriad of disabilities.
I bought the majority of my tree and plant stock from you and they have been the best quality that I have purchased anywhere.
My heart is sad for you.
But there is hope too.
Good luck with your fight.
Shared, signed and telling anyone who will listen.
I've just emailed all three of the addresses provided. Signing petitions is one thing, a good thing, but I'm a firm believer in direct communication where possible. I think if we all take the time to send all three addresses provided an email we stand even more of a chance of making beneficial and meaningful strides.
"Good morning
I hope this email finds you well. Please take the time and care to read the below link. I am in full agreement with the post.
Please reconsider your actions. I, and many others, feel that it is deeply unethical to give notice on something that has severed and benefitted the community, and continues to do so, for decades now. Not only does the food forest serve the community it also serves the overall wellbeing of the environment which as we all know is of critical importance. To end the 31-year lease on such a thing seems like a very shortsighted and not particularly wise thing to do.
Thank you for taking the time to read this email and the included link.
I'm shocked by this news. Hopefully, in a worst case, the ART owns the other patches of land mentioned from time to time, e.g. the one in use for the walnut orchard, etc, etc.
FWIW I've never trusted landlords and became an owner-occupier as and when I could, i.e. I didn't remain a tenant longer than necessary. This advice I got from an older generation and it served me well.
Shocking news and shows the importance of secure long term leases or site ownership for such projects. I hope they change their minds. Your work there Martin has been incredible
I was genuinely shocked by this news. It is nothing short of cultural vandalism. The thought of the destruction of a body of work that has been developed over decades, that would be impossible to replace, and which holds knowledge which is more important now than ever is unfathomable.
Is there anything a non-local can do to help? This is unbelievably sad news and clear short-sightness
That is sad news indeed!
It is interesting to learn more details on the topic. Given that a food forest is a life long endeavour and the text above suggest previous tensions with the landlords, I wonder if any steps were taken in the past to plan for the eventual / potential / almost certain end of the lease in that place? What plans are there in case the ART site is about to be demolished? Is there a network of volunteers ready to take cuttings, scions, plants, seeds, to save some of the unique genetics of the site? Is there a contingency plan to buy another site and restart there with no external pressures?
Not knowing details about your relationship with the Trust, the natural attitude towards landlords should always be cautious and preferably include from the get-go either a lifetime lease, a gradual buy-out option where part of the rent installments go towards final ownership of the land, or a diversification strategy - using another site to "duplicate" the diversity, not all eggs in a basket type of behaviour.
This is very upsetting to read, I can't imagine the emotional stress you are experiencing.
I came across you 8 years ago on you tube, and it inspired me to relocate to Wales, but 2 acres of land and develop a food forest. This has become my life, my passion, my purpose and it is what keeps me going each day, through global chronic pain and a myriad of disabilities.
I bought the majority of my tree and plant stock from you and they have been the best quality that I have purchased anywhere.
My heart is sad for you.
But there is hope too.
Good luck with your fight.
Shared, signed and telling anyone who will listen.
xx
This really makes my blood boil.
So sorry to hear about this, Martin. I've been sharing the petition (my mum also just gave your funder some money). I've just posted a couple of bits of writing about my time at Dartington here https://tomcox.substack.com/p/where-i-am-where-ive-been-and-where and here https://tomcox.substack.com/p/the-lion-the-witch-and-the-dress-593, and it's so sad to think about what has happened since then.
Thanks Tom. I'm almost tempted to say "Its not like it was ...." !
I'm kinda amazed that you two know each other. I was not expecting that!
We have never met in real life! This is our first conversation, I think. Which is strange since I lived at Dartington for four years.
Small world is so, so small.
This is very sad; and so contrary to the ethos of the DHT.
Delinquent behaviour.
Could the forest land be bought from the DHT?
This is now our aim Anthony!
I've just emailed all three of the addresses provided. Signing petitions is one thing, a good thing, but I'm a firm believer in direct communication where possible. I think if we all take the time to send all three addresses provided an email we stand even more of a chance of making beneficial and meaningful strides.
"Good morning
I hope this email finds you well. Please take the time and care to read the below link. I am in full agreement with the post.
https://open.substack.com/pub/martincrawford/p/art-given-notice-to-quit-31-year?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=38123b
Please reconsider your actions. I, and many others, feel that it is deeply unethical to give notice on something that has severed and benefitted the community, and continues to do so, for decades now. Not only does the food forest serve the community it also serves the overall wellbeing of the environment which as we all know is of critical importance. To end the 31-year lease on such a thing seems like a very shortsighted and not particularly wise thing to do.
Thank you for taking the time to read this email and the included link.
Kind regards,
Regan"
Signed & shared, with heavy heart
I'm shocked by this news. Hopefully, in a worst case, the ART owns the other patches of land mentioned from time to time, e.g. the one in use for the walnut orchard, etc, etc.
FWIW I've never trusted landlords and became an owner-occupier as and when I could, i.e. I didn't remain a tenant longer than necessary. This advice I got from an older generation and it served me well.
I'll write to the DHT.
Shocking news and shows the importance of secure long term leases or site ownership for such projects. I hope they change their minds. Your work there Martin has been incredible