The NCDT board has unanimously agreed that we should explore the possibility of acquiring some land to operate as a community farm. We believe that there are many potential benefits for the community, including:
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- Community recreation
- Local economy and jobs
- Food production
- Environment
- Education and research
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See below for details.
Register your support for the project by filling in a short form
Community recreation
West Mains offers huge potential to improve recreational facilities for the community.
John’s Path, which runs from Blyth Bridge, along the Tarth to Grantshall is in need of maintenance. The path could also be extended into Big Field and beyond.
Improvement of existing access to Gallowberry Wood and the rest of the Hill area could provide many walking routes, viewpoints and picnic sites.
Creation of an enclosed space in Big Field could allow owners to let their dogs off the lead.
Local economy
Diversifying and growing the local economy is an important part of this acquisition.
We envisage land-based and woodland craft businesses centred on West Mains’ outbuilding.
There may also be opprtunities for Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), woodland crofts, and allotments.
Big Field could be suitable for eco-tourism accommodation (subject to planning) providing local, well-paid jobs.
Education and research
The improved grazing along the Tarth may be suitable for demonstration farms and specialist courses.
The outbuildings could provide an educational resource for schools and community groups to visit.
The hill and wetland areas are of particular interest to universities researching the impact of land use on the climate.
Environment
Our community can make a significant contribution to the environment.
Through natural regeneration of native woodlands (not uniform rows of non-native forestry) we can capture carbon from the atmosphere.
Along with protecting Gallowberry Wood, this would contribute to improved biodiversity.
And over time we would hope to work with other local landowners to create nature corridors that promote a healthy ecosystem.
Register your support for the project by filling in a short form