WHAT’S HAPPENING AT BAMFORD QUAKER COMMUNITY?
Since 1988, when a group of Quakers purchased the Old Water Board Offices and formed a housing Cooperative, there was a residential community until August 2023. Over that period they restored the land with organic growing areas, a meadow, willow wetland and woodlands and became a well known and valued part of the local Bamford Community.
Land at the Bamford Quaker Community
The Trustees of the Bamford Quaker Community Charity have now decided to put the land and buildings up for sale to a suitable buyer. They can take into account, when selling, potential buyers who share their ethical principles and who would continue to manage the land for wildlife, organic growing and the benefit of the local community.
However, if no suitable purchaser emerges, it is possible that the Trustees may seek to establish a project here which could involve supporting Young Adults, who are seeking to make a difference in tackling the multiple interlinked crises we face – of Climate Change, the destruction of nature, and Social injustice and inequality.
Whatever happens, the creative participation of people living in our local communities would be very helpful.
Is it possible that there is enough local interest, energy and enthusiasm, to find the resources in our local community to develop a new project and buy the site from the Charity?
Possibilities put forward so far include:
1. Affordable accommodation particularly for young people who can’t afford to live here. (?Housing Co-operatives, Housing Associations, Co-housing) See www.cohousing.org.uk Also Andrew Greaves paper about the legacy of the Bamford Quaker Community, and co-housing ideas,
2. A Rewilding Centre, further enhancing the varied wildlife habitats, woodlands, wetland, meadows, forest garden and vegetable and growing areas developed over the last 30+ years and continuing its function as a wildlife corridor, connecting the existing Carrs Nature reserve to the Railway verges. The property is an ideal place for a new Rewilding Centre, along the lines of the Dundreggan Rewilding Centre in Scotland run by Trees for Life. It would keep the land for wild biodiversity, with some cultivation as at present, and as a quiet place for people to visit and enjoy. It would be educational with displays, showing climate awareness and our connection with Nature and the Earth. It would also be therapeutic, rewilding people.See www.visitdundreggan.co.uk Also Sue Clarke’s paper on The Beeches Rewilding Centre.
3. Developing a supportive space for young people at transition points who are in work placements related to addressing the climate and nature crises.
If these ideas inspire you please get in touch as soon as possible, with :-
Sue Clarke email – sueclarke24wg@yahoo.co.uk
or John de Carteret email – jdec@doctors.org.uk
If there is sufficient interest we can get together and make further plans!
One Response
It would be worth you seeking an early view from the Peak Park as to their willingness to allow a Change of Use to affordable housing, given their policy that affordable housing needs to be only within the existing curtilage of the main village (so that occupiers are not remote from the village’s facilities). The Quaker site falls well outside that curtilage requirement. One can (and people do) argue abut the merits of that Peak Park policy, but if the Peak Park would object on those grounds to your Option 1 it would be worth you knowing that, before time & effort is put into the idea.