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Things
have been pretty hectic in the couple of months since our
last article in the News In Moreton. Cybersurfers might have
been following events on our web-site but those who live in
the real world might appreciate this update.
During
Moreton carnival week we had a stall at the Summer fair, providing
information, demonstrating the use of a pole lathe and shaving
horse, showing rag rugs being made, plus providing free Internet
access on a cycle powered laptop. Later in the week we organised
a camp fire music evening.
Inspired
by the summer fair we got involved in other events during
the summer. We provided cycle powered 'edutainment' and green
woodworking demonstrations for Oxfams fair in Exeter, and
one in Tavistock.
At
the wood we have been busy; showing people around, dealing
with the media, arranging insurance for visitors and volunteers,
dealing with Health & Safety issues, clearing paths, growing
food, taking photos and surveying wildlife. Despite
all this going on, we managed to produce our first newsletter
(contact us for a copy).
We've
already had offers to buy some of our Larch trees but had
to say no because we have not completed our twelve month survey
of the woodland and it's wildlife, and as yet have no felling
license.
Our
planning application for change of use was submitted on the
7th July. If granted, resident workers could live in tents
and tent like structures within a small area of the woodland.
Any further development would require an additional planning
application.
When
the planning committee met on the 1st Sept. to consider our
application there was a significant amount of support from
the members. If put to a vote, it appeared that permission
would be given, but they decided that they should visit the
woodland and deferred the decision until November.
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It seems
that our planning application, the Betton Way development,
and the news about the Thompsons site, have made planning
the hot issue in Moreton.
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Some
local concerns about our planning
Numbers
of people
There are currently ten of us. We have set aside a large
part of the woodland as a low intervention wildlife
zone. We consider 20 to be the maximum number of people
viable for this project and have proposed that it be
made a condition for any planning permission granted.
It's a woodland of conservation importance
Some people claim that the project will have a
negative impact on the wildlife but the opposite is
true. The woodland is a heavily thinned conifer plantation
that is currently overwhelmed with Sycamore. Human presence
will reduce deer damage while conservation management
will encourage natural regeneration and significantly
increase the woodlands biodiversity.
Mass
exodus back to the land
If
this project is considered laudable then the precedent
that it sets for future sustainable development is a
good one. This is not the first project of it's kind
and will not create a flood woodland dwellers. Any projects
of a similar nature would have to be examined on their
own merits.
But
what about traffic
We are not proposing hundreds of new houses or building
a new road. Contrary to popular opinion, we are not
asking for 50 parking spaces either. Our application
is simply for change of use. The Highways Agency has
no objections and should an application ever be made
for a visitors center, traffic implications would be
considered at that time.
Yet
more competition for local businesses
Producing crafts and organic food is no threat to
local business. Local hurdle makers are not concerned
and neither should other traders. Demand for organic
food exceeds supply yet only 3% of this countries agricultural
land is currently organic and imports account for 70%
of organic sales. It is the dominance of supermarkets,
and the increased mobility of Moreton residents that
represents the real threat to local business.
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We are
keen to encourage local involvement in the project. If you
would like to find out how you can get involved, would like
more information, or have any concerns about the project,
please get in touch - you are welcome to arrange a visit to
talk about the project and take look around.
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Affinity
Woodland Workers Cooperative : Dan, Merlin, Clare, Pete, Katrina,
Lee, Beccy, Ben and Devin. Steward Community Woodland, Moretonhampstead,
Newton Abbot, Devon. TQ13 8SD Tel: 01647 440233 ~ www. stewardwood.
org ~
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