It seemed to come apon us very quickly, our public inquiry and appeal against the decision of the National Park Authority. Three days later and six thousand pounds left owing, it was all over. Almost everyone who attended seemed to think we would win but only time would tell. Our latest newsletter, mostly written already, would have to await the decision before we could send it to the printers.

We had loads of visitors again throughout August, including Suzanne and her son Michael who have been with us for over a month now. We enjoyed some of the fruits of our labours with plenty of salad produce from the gardens. However summer appeared to have given up and by the end of the month it was clear the colder weather was returning and that autumn is here already.

Preparations for Moreton's carnival week saw us preparing the glade, erecting a marquee, and organising food etc. Ben vanished for a few days to weld a bunch of bikes together to create the 'quad', the centre piece of our carnival float.

The summer fair proved to be a rather wet experience but we set up a demonstration bender within which people could shelter from the damp. They warmed up around the burner while having a chat, looking at photos and leaflets, and drinking free cups of tea.

Later in the week, around fifty people enjoyed our campfire music evening, despite yet more rain, with free food and plenty of music and songs. Carnival day itself saw us all on the road in the procession with our DIY quad, a trike, a tandom and a tiger striped bicycle. We won first prize in our class and had a great time in silly costumes dancing the evening away.

The final week of August should have bought the appeal decision but we were kept waiting and uncertain of our future. Pete's birthday party (which we had hoped would be a double celebration) quietly ended yet another month at the woods.

September 2001