After 10 years of working with the South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) and building community support for our project, Dangstein Conservancy is under threat. Over 10 years we have helped hundreds of people, provided valuable rural employment in traditional crafts and enhanced the woodland ecology of which we are guardians. We are community-led, un-incorporated and not-for-profit organisation.
Shelter built by craftsmen at the Conservancy for a nearby community group for use by local schools
In April 2019 a Planning Appeal by way of Inquiry will decide the fate of the Conservancy and determine whether we can continue our work. Please support our innovative project as we make our case and try to win this appeal.
Our case could act as a landmark in UK planning – winning could encourage the better care of small woodlands, help rural communities and encourage traditional crafts. Losing puts that at risk.
Please consider making a contribution and support Dangstein Conservancy in this fight.
A three day Inquiry includes hearings, evidence, questioning and cross-examination. To fight effectively we ideally would engage barristers and professional planning advice but we can’t do that without support. Defending this planning appeal is a lengthy and costly affair for a not-for-profit organisation to sustain.
An additional £2,500 will enable us to fight for Dangstein Conservancy’s future. The generosity of the Friends of Dangstein Conservancy has enabled us to get this far but we still face a funding gap that must be closed by April 2019. With professional assistance we will boost our chance of succeeding at appeal.
We sought planning permission ion 2016 to secure the long-term future of our model environmental project. However, immense pressure was put on the South Downs National Park by others which led to our application being refused. If we lose our appeal Dangstein Conservancy will face closure and the work we do will be at risk.
About Dangstein Conservancy:
Dangstein Conservancy’s purpose is to demonstrate in very practical ways in which communities and individuals can lower their negative impacts on the environment. We share our woodland, our knowledge and our resources within the community, run woodcraft training courses and encourage local forest school, holiday-time junior bushcraft and scout camping on our land, as well as supporting field archery in the woods.
Local timber and local craftsmen used in making this shelter for the National Trust
Dangstein Conservancy is based in 30 acres of woodland/heathland near Petersfield in the South Downs National Park. We protect the ecology of the woodland and support the responsible use of timber harvested from local woods – for small buildings, community projects, household objects and, in the last resort, as fuel to cook and heat with.
Please would you consider making a contribution...