Set up in 2020 in reaction to both global and local crises Ro Dama Farm provides unique environmental services and experiences for both local populace and those coming from further afield. Using the social vehicle of gardening and heritage skillshare we create an inclusive environment that sets our visitors at ease. We practice a non-hierarchical structure encouraging all to move past the notions of 'helper' and 'helpee'. Transplanting Permaculture techniques from an environmental philosophy into a more anthropological model we lead with a solution based approach to universal problems faced by many in society today. Food sovereignty, equal opportunities, mindfulness, social cohesion, artisan preservation and carbon neutrality all combine within an inclusive ethos.
Central to our mission is the application of permaculture principles and rewilding strategies to regenerate the land into a thriving ecosystem, thereby bolstering biodiversity and environmental resilience. Additionally, we prioritize skill development through our innovative Heritage Skillshare Programme. This initiative provides community members with access to hands-on training in traditional building and crafting techniques, utilizing natural materials and heritage methods. By preserving cultural practices and imparting practical skills, the programme not only enhances participants' employability but also fosters personal growth and a sense of empowerment.
With some seed funding from The Cornwall Community Foundation we hosted a four week program of heritage skillshare workshops, collaborating together to build a healing space that has come to be known as The Shepherds Temple, or Temple an Vugeledh in Kernewic.
Over one month we hosted some incredible tradespeople who patiently demonstrated their skills and instructed all manner of folk in the techniques of stonework, strawbale building, traditional timber framing, lime rendering and thatching. People from all walks of life attended our sessions, young children and pensioners alike shared in the co-creation process.
The tactile nature of the locally sourced carbon neutral materials such as green larch, natural lime, straw and Cornish granite lend themselves to well being, interacting with these elemental products is therapeutic in itself.
We now seek a final £3,500 to finish the build.