Hello All
About
Us – Steward Community Woodland is a low impact, sustainable project
based in a woodland near Moreton. We are a community of 11 adults and 8
children, living in self-built dwellings constructed with materials
from the woodland and reused/recycled materials. We generate our own
power from renewable means, grow organic food and manage the woodland
using permaculture principles. We contribute to the local community
through our involvement in groups such as breastfeeding peer
counselling, MAGS, running computer courses, and community care work.
Our
Environmental Record – An independent audit has calculated our carbon
footprint to be 34% of the national average. We calculate that we met
78% of our basic needs in 2008 from our activities on site (both cash
earning and subsistence activities) and thus in an eco friendly
fashion. We are a working model of sustainability and positive action
for the benefit of people, animals and the Earth.
Our
Current Situation – Unfortunately, despite the urgency of finding
solutions to climate change and overwhelming support for the project,
the Dartmoor National Park Authority refused us planning permission to
continue our sustainable way of life. We appealed the decision to the
Planning Inspectorate resulting in the Public Inquiry about to be held.
The
Public Inquiry – The Inquiry is open to members of the public, and it
would be great if you would like to come along and support us. Although
you do not have a legal right to speak, the Inspector will normally
allow people to do so if they wish.
Donations
– We still need donations to help pay for the solicitor's costs and
witness expenses (about £20,000 in total). Please, if you value what we
are doing, consider contributing to our Appeal Fund (cheques payable to
'Affinity Woodland Workers Co-op' to the address below).
All
our planning statements and evidence are available for viewing on our
website. Also if you wish to visit us in the woods, you'd be most
welcome (please call to arrange).
Hot off the press- We won our appeal! Please visit our site for more details www.stewardwood.org
