Creating a Forest Garden in North Cornwall

Aim

We have been moved by the current climate crisis to do more to protect our environment and wildlife and we'd really appretiate your help!

Nearly four years ago we were fortunate enough to be able to purchase a smallholding in North Cornwall. Ever since, we have been working to turn what was essentially a windswept field into beautiful productive gardens (whilst also holding down the day jobs). You can see our progress @theoldgranarygardens on Instagram.

Recent events have inspired us to do more. Whilst we don't have enough land to truly 'wild' Isabella Tree style, we do have about an acre (picture above) that we can turn into a forest garden. We have drawn up a plan in line with Martin Crawford's principles, and can provide the labour (with a little help from some friends), tools and tree protection. We just need your help to purchase the young trees and shrubs!

We estimate that the total cost of the canopy and shrub layers will be around £300 and will involve 18 different species (mainly fruit and nut bearing and/or nitrogen fixing). 38 trees and shrubs to be purchased in total which, together with those we have managed to plant already (including a small conventional orchard) will mean a huge diversity of species in a relatively small area. We will purchase the trees from sustainable sources such as the Agroforestery Research Trust, a carbon negative organisation.

If we are successful in raising funds for this project you will be able to monitor our progress and that of the trees and wildlife @theoldgranarygardens.  If we are successful, we will also start thinking about what else we can do with our bit of land for the benefit of the climate, environment, wildlife and all! 

If you contribute to this project we hope you will gain satisfaction from knowing you have helped to benefit the environment in some small way, and pleasure from watching the project grow. Thank you!

This project successfully funded on 2nd February 2020