Stewards Community Woodland

In contrast to Karuna, Stewards Community Woodland is a more established permaculture project in Dartmoor National Park in Devon. The trees are more commanding and fill every space in the sky. I have nothing but admiration for this project, all the dwellings are built from timber sourced from the woods, all the electricity comes from solar and hydroelectric energy. I learnt so much here, loved every moment of it and it was the first place that treated me like a human being and not just a girl fit only for cleaning caravans. The work was hard but the generosity and kindness of all the people that lived there made it all worthwhile.

A Meditation on Tree Felling.

Gigantic pines standing strong in the fight

Against the hungry cross cut saw

But never a sight to be seen as the saw wins once more.

Weaving a dance through the fallen giants

With a robin on my shoulder, blessing each with the scent of white sage

In and out, round and round and back again,

To the waterfall, that holds all the power.

Identifying a wild strawberry plant and

Almost making fire by friction.

The robin pops in to say hello.

A reality, a woodland community, an aspiration.

Trees so tall, so commanding and healing

In and out, round and round and back again,

I’ll follow the tunnel through the web of blackthorn,

Past the jurassic ashes,

And sit in a birds nest with you

To take in the breathtaking view.