Our land co-op, Keveral Sustainable Land Holdings Ltd (KSLH), purchased the 25 acres of farm land at Keveral in 1997.
Our most recent land purchase, in 1999, of four acres of Kenel Park was planted with 2000 trees starting during the winter of 2001/02. Some ground was left open for other developments, including orchard, soft fruit, and timber processing.
Immediately to the north of our farmhouse, Kenel Park was previously agri-business land, repeatedly ploughed, compacted, and dosed with chemicals. It now links our farm to our spring in Keveral Woods. The growing trees and the addition of organic material (leaf litter and prunings) have greatly improved the condition of the soil and biodiversity. Water absorption into the soil has increased, and the quality and seasonal flow of water through our spring has improved.
The aims of KSLH are:
- to acquire land to be managed in an ecologically diverse and sustainable manner
- to strengthen the local economy by meeting local needs
- to promote education in the fields of ecology, the countryside and traditional crafts
- to increase public access to the countryside
Our vision is of self-reliant rural communities, diverse land use, and small-scale producers, which will nurture the soil, our water resources, and biodiversity, as well as our own health and well-being.