Share Farming / Market Gardening (Now taken) Opportunity on 96 acres of meadow & woods in Exeter City Devon

 

Collaborative  possibilities –

Husbandry / horticulture farm share plus “cottage industry” potential to nurture an oasis of alternative ideas, culture and to offer fresh healthy food to the city. Long list of possibilities all of which can be synergistically enriched in collaborative endeavour.

 

 

 

Greetings All,  I’m John Yates Goffin’s custodian and one of the growing breed of ancient farmers. However, I’m one who made a political decision to acquire farm land rather that being born into country life and farming as the way to earn a living. I’m a strong believer in the absolute necessity for free people to be free through control of as much as possible of their own food produced sustainably and heathily – plus energy, water and appropriate technology.

In pursuit of these ideas I have the good fortune to be co-operating with Dan Powell founder of Landbase. See Facebook: @landbaseuk We are both concerned by the pressures being levelled on grazing livestock farmers in part endorsed by producers of non meat alternatives and the vegan movement coming from the animal welfare lobby. We seek to establish a share farm enterprise that underpins and strengthens the argument for keeping gazing animals within a holistic farming system that benefits the land via building carbon and conserving soils and habitats. Rare breeds maybe very appropriate for Goffin Land conditions and current infrastructure (no winter stock sheds) and also produce a prestige product for hotels and restaurants in the local Devon area.

My aim is to be part of a collaborative endeavour to create an oasis from the despotic reality of the corporate money and mind control world. As the land owner and enabler I seek to earn a living with people not out of them on the basis of the outlines below and “Working relationship” framework. It will be hard work to establish the individual elements listed below but tenacity and creativity will reward those that succeed with good income and enriching way of life. The thought is for Goffin Land to host an enjoyable socially enlightening experience opening the door to another world of relationships with countryside, wildlife and ourselves.

I propose offering farm share agreements plus openings for co-operation on complimentary enterprises. 

Land Management and Production systems

Regenerative land management / horticulture exploring the ideas of Richard Perkins, Joel Salatin, Elaine Ingam et al. for carbon positive, high health & welfare animal rearing. Traditional breeds as appropriate. Plus chemical free horticulture production for local supply. Sheep and cattle work nicely together in leader-follower for field grazing. Throw chickens in the mix and we’ve got a recipe for success in building top soil. It will be instructive if it works.

Potential enterprises 

Beef, lamb, goats, poultry, pigs, small scale fodder crops & cereals

Innovative soil management. Carbon capture.Woodland, short rotation forestry, agro forestry, biochar, bees / honey

Market gardening informed by Curtis Stone, Richard Perkins et al. Small scale multi enterprise on permaculture /regenerative principles. Focus on the most profitable / lowest labour costs crops. This offer has been taken

Flavia Bigiarini is now setting up her Living Soils Garden on Clover Field and we all look forward to tasting some fresh salad and veg in the summer.

More & Marketing

Fresh and healthy real food hub.

Potential sales to restaurants, hotels and box schemes to local folks as well as investing in the emerging market for “meal planner” boxes .

Food canteen “of the woods” with barn back-up in poor weather.

In house catering for weddings and party events, small festivals etc.

Butchery, charcuterie, preserving and pickling, drying

Local market, REKO marketing in which Goffin Land could be a hub.

Further enterprise openings ……..

Kitchen garden

Fruit production for processing into transportable and more durable (longer shelf life) juices, sorbets, ice cream or “home made” jams.

Mushroom production – rarer mushrooms

Canteen / banquet kitchen

Charcuterie

Tempeh making

To make alcohol / biogas for fuel naturally with in our authorities legal restrictions. To experiment and build wind turbines

To develop biochar making facilities and workshops

In process:

Events & wedding venue

Glamping / camping venue

Creating a magical nature trail with physical and mental puzzles, obstacles and collaborative challenges as per fitness / bootcamp events. Creating tranquil spaces in the woods and edges of meadows for gatherings and wild woods pizza and soup kitchen events plus wild camping.

Enterprise openings

Running workshops and events to enlighten more folk of the benefits of all the above – alt energy, permaculture, regenerative farming, local growing of chemical free foods and rearing for local markets. If there are teachers of yoga, mindfulness, singing, pilates  etc. that wish to earn a living off the land coupled with passing on knowledge for love and additional income – then possibilities will exist here on the land.

The barn and catering facilities offer excellent potential for closing the loop on food production by selling  Goffin Land produce on & from the land. It affords a complementary income linked with growing and rearing healthy food.

There is potential for people to create their own income stream as long as the process is beneficial to the overall projects – Biophilia & Goffin Land.

So lots of potential – PICK & MIX basket of interests that could create both a money and goods income and desirable living environment. “Goods” are the food / accommodation / workspace and onsite selection of paid casual engagements

My personal interest lies in using food as way to engage in discussion with all comers. Whilst creating the new infrastructure on Goffin Land I started running workshops and events to enlighten more folk of the benefits of all the above – alt energy, permaculture, regenerative farming, local growing of chemical free foods and welfare husbandry rearing meat for local markets. Very keen to build up use of the land for enlightening engagement, education and training in food related issues.

Given time I want to arrange gatherings for conversation about broader key issues of our time from environmental, emotional/health concerns to economy/money system, media and war.

Collaborative  possibilities?

I hope the offers above are interesting. They are based on the “Working Relationship” outline below

The share offers are presented in collaboration with Dan Powell of Land Base (web site is offline being rebuilt)

See Facebook: @landbaseuk. My hope is that a successful outcome to share Goffin’s potential will help stimulate the Landbase journey to provide opportunities to those wishing to involve themselves and earn a living with land based activities.

 

John Yates ……………….  Custodian of Goffin Land / 19.12.2019

Please contact in first instance Dan Powell of Landbase   dan.landbase – at – gmail dot com

LandBase seeks to provide opportunities to those wishing to involve themselves in land based activities on a range of levels, and to close the gap between the growing interest in rural living and skills, and the lack of structured learning facilities for new entrants to small-scale food production in the UK. LandBase will provide experience led, affordable, long-and short-term courses for motivated land-workers, both current and aspiring.

.

 

Working relationship

Market Garden: My investment / commitment

1. Half an acre flat naturally fertilised fenced rabbit safe growing area.

    Further south facing acre potentially available. 

2. Space in a 20 x 7 metre barn.

3. Share of workshop.

4. Space alongside for covered area

5. Bore hole water and big tank for rain water

6. Share of Case 275 tractor

7. Possible share of Land Rover

8. Marketing and sales development

9. Metered electricity borehole maintainance

10. Greenhouse

Husbandry: My investment / commitment

1. 86 acres of meadow approx 50 sown with herb and legume rich swards all newly fenced and gated.

2. Water to middle of farm plus access to ponds and brook running water.

3. Maintained tracks

4. Maintained fencing

5. Shared use of a Case 4240

6. Possible share of Land Rover

Goffin Woods and Goyles

1. Approximately 10 acres of woods and tree lined water courses

2. Woodchipper 

Gray’s Barn & Grounds

 1. Agricultural barn available for workshops, conferences and gatherings on mutually agreeable terms

2. Commercial kitchen on wheels

3. Rocket stove piza oven

Follow-up?

I hope the offers are interesting. They are presented in collaboration with Dan Powell of Land Base (web site is offline being rebuilt) See Facebook: @landbaseuk. My hope is that a successful outcome to share Goffin’s potential will help stimulate the Landbase journey to provide opportunities to those wishing to involve themselves in land based activities.

John Yates ……………….  Custodian of Goffin Land / 19.12.2019

Please contact in first instance Dan Powell of Landbase   dan.landbase – at – gmail dot com

LandBase seeks to provide opportunities to those wishing to involve themselves in land based activities on a range of levels, and to close the gap between the growing interest in rural living and skills, and the lack of structured learning facilities for new entrants to small-scale food production in the UK. LandBase will provide experience led, affordable, long-and short-term courses for motivated land-workers, both current and aspiring.

Facebook search: @landbaseuk

Latest mail first then back to snail mail to councillors 25.6.2018

 

E-mail 30.6.2018
LS1 / The relevance of the Local Plan to the Goffin Land Green Tourism Proposal

Dear Councillors,

Following my letter of last week

On the basis that LS1 policies of the Local Plan for the Goffin Land area are valued as a guide to the aspiration of the Exeter Labour Party.

I note key extracts and their relevance to the project which is to create environmentally responsible tree houses, cabins, lodges with welfare facilities for all year round availability in very sensitively located spaces on a working farm.

The green tourism facilities will be synergistically linked to the overall Goffin Land project which seeks to open the door to practical knowledge of wide ranging aspects of sustainable regenerative farming, woodland management, permaculture / organic growing, eco sanitation, green building, energy efficiency and renewables  all linked to healthy living and wellbeing.

There are 96 acres of meadow and woodland and the overall project is envisaged as low key with dispersed activity spread over the year. The intrinsic merit  of the gently rolling hills and the ecological integrity of the biosphere will enhanced not harmed. There will be extremely limited visual impart apart from an occasional tipi or marque.

The eco accommodation business will be a major financial input to the allied activities causually related to the attraction of Goffin Land as a green tourism destination. It will facilitate drawing people from UK and Europe to Exeter for third party organised educational / learning events that Goffin Land could host. These potentially range from specialist youth mindfulness teacher training courses, third age health and wellbeing courses, healthy food preparation / cooking courses to physical fitness and eco building techniques.

What will the eco visitor accommodation do for the overall project?

Create a stable corner stone, financially and philosophically, in the development of  the regenerative farming and auxiliary activities. Be a beacon in marketing the Goffin Land project and provide essential accommodation for educational, therapeutic and recreational activities. Provide additional income for local workers synergistically engaged in allied activities and events to be featured as attractions for the overall Goffin Land project. 

The opportunity for the last EU economic support grant for the South West is open and I have applied for the tourism infrastructure facility which offer 40% of capital cost to successful applicants. Naturally planning permission is essential.

Relevance to LS1

11.0 LANDSCAPE SETTING AND NATURE CONSERVATION

Biodiversity [11.18] [11.19]

Background notes for your information:

It should be noted that the land is hilly grade 3 agricultural with clay based soil that has been trashed by tenants over 30 years. It is not, as specified in the Structure Plan policy C014, “the best and most versatile agricultural land”. However the objective is to make the land as agriculturally / horticulturally productive through ecologically responsible permaculture inspired practices

Existing and projected Natural England grant support for Goffin Land is anchored on all points relating to the conservation of the natural environment in the Local Plan LS1 including:

* Chemical free farming, horticulture and market gardening combined with a long term regenerative farming strategy focused on rebuilding soil structure and nutrient content.

* Conservation and enrichment of field hedges, the meadows, woods and goyles of Goffin Land. In co-operation with Natural England a revitalisation of the swards is planned to create legume and herb rich grazing meadows. This provides for deep rooted growth that will offer support for birds and other wildlife.

Notes on heading at 11.20 follow describing existing and projected benefits related to the Goffin Land overall project.

LS1 states at 11.20

Nature conservation and the protection and creation of a healthy natural environment is beneficial in many ways. A diverse and healthy natural environment is good for people, local communities, social stability and the economy. Benefits include:

Scientific study;

Farming / horticulture.  Small farms need to be innovative in application of new and rediscovered techniques and processes plus use of new technology and equipment both in regeneration of soil and habitat and in adapting to climate change. All essential for the sustainability of the small farm sector. 

* The overall project is linking with  Landbase [http://landbase.org.uk] in this area including research into water management, sward enrichment for biodiversity and sustainability along with a wide range of related issues. 

* Professor Shepherd at Exeter University is a specialist in soil studies and is interested to co-operate to further his scientific research as well as sharing the knowledge in educational events on Goffin including sustainable methods of regeneration and enrichment of the structure and nutrient value of the soil on Goffin Land.

* Potential educational links are developing with Greenpeace Exeter University Research Unit related to the above.

* Greenpeace Research Exeter University for monitoring  pesticides in air, water quality from Pin Brook and potentially bee research from hives in process of being established on Goffin Land.

* Possibilities of linking with other Exeter University departments for social, therapeutic, psychological study of utilising outdoor activity as an alternative to pharmaceutical and office based counselling. In the immediate term this depends on funding not yet sought.

Community access;

* Under the umbrella of the Biophilia Community Association, Muddy Mums and Dangerous Dad forest school events were trialed in 2017. Funding is required with respect to the local Mincing Lake  catchment area. Understanding of the benefits of forest school activity and location proved a barrier.  Co-operation with Eastern Fields to open doors is a potential but this is long term as is similar potential with Devon Wildlife Trust.

* Educational, recreational and therapeutic activities are planned including scouts and a permaculture course set for October. Engaging the residents of Beacon Heath / Pinhoe / Whipton has proved difficult and needs adequate funding as it is non commercial activity. Trials are planned for activity events including fitness, yoga etc.

It is envisaged that co-operators with the Biophilia Community Ass. will be available to assist in non commercial activities targeting those in need of a helping hand in the neighbourhoods just below Goffin Land.

Light but targeted footfall for specific activities is envisaged.

Educational use;

* A major objective is to share knowledge gained in researching and applying new and rediscovered practices to regenerate the soil and meadows on Goffin. I am working with Landbase who’s principle organiser is currently the manager at River Cottage Farm Axminster. 

* It is planned to develop an ongoing co-operative research and development relationship both regards farming / husbandry and horticulture as the basis for courses and workshops to be held on Goffin.

* The Biophilia Community Association is focused on potential to engage with local people, the young, single parents and ex service personnel in particular. “Education” in the sense of engaging people in therapeutic, heuristic activity across the board is a major goal of the overall journey on Goffin Land. Funding for early stage physical and mental health support has been cut to be bone over recent years but is very much part of the overall identity of the project.  (This is separate from the eco accommodation enterprise but will receive support from  the commercial activity)

* Engagement with local schools is again separate from the eco accommodation enterprise. I’d be pleased to discuss with councillors potential to engage with schools / youth and have been encouraged by academics at Exeter University including Greenpeace who express interest in “taking the massage out there”. This however is low key engagement but all part of the learning experience.

Improving the character of the area;

* The land is now home to a large number of insects and bird life. Five years ago it was largely devoid of this life. The core objective to make the land a beautiful bio-diverse oasis for nature and to share that with people within the farm / countryside rural setting i.e. not to create a theme park thus in fitting with the next LS1 requirement

Enjoyment by the general public of nature conservation sites (except where access would be detrimental to key wildlife interests);

* This will be a major aspect of sharing knowledge and encouraging people to align more closely with nature – the biophila relationship.

Non-participatory benefit 

* It is envisaged that knowledge of the ethos and activities on Goffin Land will stimulate awareness and interest in idea of biophilia and the related healthy food, permaculture, therapeutic, wellbeing aspects of the Goffin Land journey. It is hoped longer term to develop small food box schemes for delivery in Exeter. This activity will rely on knowledge and approval of the efforts on the land.

* With Exeter forecast to be one of UK’s fastest growing cities (Gross value added) the eco lodge / green tourism project can highlight “value added” of a broader social / ecological significance.

*Goffin Land can positively contribute to the image of Exeter as a forward thinking city with an attractive environment coupled to a budding social eco – economic framework.

Economic investment

* The project requires significant investment. The SW Growth Grant will be a significant contribution. It will create jobs and better paid ones if the RPA grant application is successful along with planning approval from ECC. However it is hoped that the project engages / co-operates with local residents where ever possible

Green tourism

* The project is to create environmentally responsible tree houses, cabins, lodges with welfare facilities for all year round availability in very sensitively located spaces on a working farm.

* The green tourism facilities will be synergistically linked to the overall Goffin Land project which seeks to open the door to practical knowledge of wide ranging aspects of sustainable regenerative farming, woodland management, permaculture / organic growing, eco sanitation, green building, energy efficiency and renewables  all linked to healthy living and wellbeing.

 

 [28.06.2018] 38 St Leonards Avenue Exeter EX2 4DL
jwhy17@yahoo.co.uk  – Tel 07985 065224

Proposal for Change for 96 acres of farm land at EX4 inline with aspirations expressed in ECC Local Plan LS1

Dear  Cllr

Briefly, as I know you have little time to read kilos of documents:

I’m advised by ECC Planners to approach ECC politicians regarding a pre app for a “green tourism” project auxiliary to a farm/educational enterprise I’m developing on Goffin Land EX4

An introduction follows to overall project which echos the aspirations of the Labour Party Local Plan. I trust it will be of interest. Attached details of eco tourism proposal  re SW Growth grant application.

As political representatives it seems appropriate to refer you to issues that are core concerns & motivations for my activity on Goffin Land.

Small farmer food production in UK is shrinking due to corporate market control and cheap imports. Cheap is measured by UK price tag not the heath and wellbeing of British consumers eating nutritionally poor foods filled with sugar, fat, salt  and chemicals. Cheap is measured by price tag not by the effects on indigenous peoples of Africa, S America or Asia where toxic chemicals and employment laws are lax. Or the loss of UK local jobs and livelihoods. Or the environmental expense of transportation including the much publicised effects relating to climate change. 

Not trying to teach my grandmother to suck eggs – I know the Labour Party, locally and nationally has policies on these enormous issues. Think globally act locally is a theme I’ve adopted as you have in serving the local communities to the best of your abilities within the system, seemingly structured, to make your lives and Labour Party policies as difficult as possible.

Goffin Land and my aspirations for it, offer sound possibilities for acting locally in relation to the issues outlined above. My base project, small scale regenerative farming is challenging in light of the above mentioned corporate control of food. A therapeutic “care farm”  with forest school arena is virtually impossible without grant funding.

Therefore I seek to create synergistic allied activities to stimulate and support social, research and educational aspects of the overall project.

I seek support related to planning permission for the project.  I’ve applied for the 40% SW Tourism Infrastructure Grant. If available along with planning consent, it will give an unrepeatable lift to the overall project on Goffin Land.

I recognise the weighty effect of history for councillors being approached by a stranger seeking support re planning issues. I’ve sought to use the planning system and the power of the Local Plan to get approval for various permissions necessary for the project’s success. However I’m advised by ECC Planners that Local Plans are intended as a barrier to development rather than a guide. I’m advised to seek political support in the first instance and thus this missive. 

I’m not a natural lobbyist and wanted to avoid the relationship of seeking political support but am advised that I must seek your active approval. I’m someone who believes that “another world is possible” and committed to “act locally” as best I see able to open the door to routes towards that other more enlightened world.

I hope you will have a look at the project to understand the potential. 

I’m going to e-mail details of planning requirements with some notes from LS1 as it relates to Goffin Land.  I trust these will explain the benefit to Exeter of the charted course I’ve set for the land.  Naturally I will be delighted if you have questions and or would like to visit Goffin Land to see for yourself.

Kind regards

Attached to above:

Green Tourism Project details incl grant application outline 

The project is to create environmentally responsible tree houses, cabins and lodges with welfare facilities for all year round availability in very sensitively located spaces on a working farm.

The SW Growth application includes 3 tree houses. 5 two person and 5 four person timber cabins. These will be to mobile / caravan specification not fixed to the ground or connected to sewage systems. They will be build of durable local timber by local craftsmen/women to a high ecologically responsible standard.

It is also desired to build a reciprocal framed round house with 50% cordwood / bottle walls – i.e. half the wall space open to the elements.

There will be need for shower / washing-up dishes facilities of timber, possibly log construction.

Examples of the style of construction are posted on the Goffin Land web site. There is also an example of a stone age dwelling posted however this would be a future phase dependent on the economy both locally and nationally.

The green tourism facilities will be synergistically linked to the overall Goffin Land project which seeks to open the door to practical knowledge of wide ranging aspects of sustainable regenerative farming, woodland management, permaculture / organic growing, eco sanitation, green building, energy efficiency and renewables  all linked to healthy living and wellbeing.

What will the eco accommodation do for the overall project?

Create a stable corner stone, financially and philosophically, in the development of  the regenerative farming and auxiliary activities. Be a beacon in marketing the Goffin Land project and provide essential accommodation for educational, therapeutic and recreational activities. Provide additional income for local workers synergistically engaged in allied activities and events to be featured as attractions for the overall Goffin Land project. 

Some examples of desired style of tree houses and lodges

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hello Unique Visitor,

Thanks for your interest in the advert.

It’s early days for this project which I’ve always seen as a way of exploring the realities of co-operation. Permaculture is a corner stone of the overall project. I believe the basic frame work of permaculture can be harnessed to nurture an evolving co-operative structure.

With 96 acres of meadow and woodland inside the Exeter City boundaries there are a host of ways to develop income bearing activities – to share knowledge about practical ways to live on the land – earn sufficient income to purchase necessities from the commercial world – raise families – open doors to the young so they might build their own “owner’s manual” to their body and mind – have fun – gain greater enlightenment etc.

Some of my dreams  ……

Aquaculture, biochar, bees/honey, mushrooms, maybe Black Soldier Fly etc. these would have a synergistic relationship to market gardening – chickens, pigs and recreational and therapeutic projects.

All the food related activities have a synergistic relationship to the potential for “wild wood feasts” for income and to “share the surplus” with local fellow citizens.

The Off Grid Festival I hope will become a regular event. There is potential for running the bar, selling food and beverages to augment income from market gardening and allied activities mentioned above.

In the few years I’ve been setting up the basic infrastructure on Goffin I’ve spent endless hours listening to dreamers but not come across too many diggers i.e. striking an agreement and getting stuck in. Most have been seeking a slice of a countryside dream for themselves and whether conscious or subconscious there has been an underlying opportunist “gaming” for engagement here.

I’m seeking fair and just mutually beneficial co-operation. Involvement on Goffin will depend on skills, commitment, outlook – and of course a solid contract.

I’m a very angry old man that believes this world does not have to be like it is for coming generations. I believe we live in extremely dangerous times.  However, human knowledge has reached a level where we have mastered technology to provide all we need. We do have to live more gently on the Earth and then there is space for a fulfilling, creative, enriching life – even though we are 7 / 8 billion.

I believe we belong to the Earth – the Earth doesn’t belongs to us.

Give me a ring. I may have to phone you back on Skype as the signal is poor on parts of Goffin.

John Yates  17.7.17

Advert

Evolving 96 acre experimental care farm on course as oasis from dystopian world via permaculture principles. Needs experienced singles or couple for horticulture, poultry perhaps goats, pigs. Space to run income generating courses. Permaculture qualified would be big benefit. Money / work exchange depends on skills / social ethics / motivation. Potential “cottage industry” courses / workshops  linked to NHS social prescribing for stressed, depressed, single mums, teenagers. Contract carpentry / ground work possible additional income.  Initially statics available or camper space.  John / Goffin Land:  www.biophilia.org.uk 07985065224