Despite Our Success, We Face Challenges …
Yes we have a beautiful farm in an idyllic location in Rutland, but for the past three years we have been facing constant challenges to put up barns, visitor facilities and suitable accommodation for our cow herds. In fact the few shelters we do have will soon have to be taken down. We have been fighting hard to establish proper facilities, hoping against hope that we would eventually secure the permissions we need. Last year it finally became clear that that was not going to happen and we therefore decided we have no choice but to change tact.
… Taking Matters Into Our Own Hands
During January 2021 we identified a small agricultural holding Chater Valley Farm with ready-to-go retreat centre facilities, and located just two miles from our present location. It was clear from the outset that this property perfectly compliments our present land holding … enabling us to begin establishing our Ahimsa Eco-village and Education Centre for training future Ahimsa farmers.
At the time of writing the property is being acquired by us for the sum of £1.8m. Contacts have already been exchanged, and we expect to take possession by the end of March. This has been possible with help from a few high-level supporters and a loan from our bank.
We do, however, have a number of remaining funding objectives …
- Shortfall for the land – £350,000
- Additional equipment and eco-pods – £125,000
- Ongoing repayments via our Land Trust Fund.
