Devon Forest Garden Faces Lease End After 30 Years of Acclaim

The Dartington Hall Trust made a tough choice. They plan to end the lease of a famous forest garden, which has been growing there for over thirty years. The Agroforestry Research Trust runs it and it boasts 500 edible plants, including nut trees and fruit trees. Shrubs, vegetables, and medicinal plants also thrive there, mimicking a natural woods.

Maintenance takes only a few hours a month, further enhancing its natural feel. Thousands of global visitors come to see it. Martin Crawford, the founder, was shocked by the decision. The trust told him they must leave in one year.

The trust wants to attract a new tenant and combine the garden with buildings that used to be part of Schumacher College. Martin calls this decision ‘ecological vandalism’ and believes it’s driven by greed.

Martin argues the garden costs the trust nothing while bringing over 50,000 visitors. Important research on carbon storage has also taken place there. People often call it a top food forest and one of the best in the world.

Martin asked the trust to retract the notice, but the acting CEO did not accept his request. Martin now wants the trust to sell the garden to ART, and plans a crowdfunding campaign to help pay for the site.

The trust says they are open to discussion. However, Martin says the garden is irreplaceable and priceless. He feels the trust broke 31 years of trust and acted disrespectfully.

Martin claims they ignored their own goals of supporting ecological land use and supporting entrepreneurs. He remains determined to save the garden and hopes to reach an agreement.

He wants the trust to sell them the garden, which he believes secures its future best. An online petition has over 15,000 signatures, launched by the University of Sussex group. They call the garden groundbreaking and crucial.

The petition says the garden inspired and educated people around the world and hosted scientific research. The trust has stated that promoting agroforestry was a priority for them.

The trust says Martin accepted their offer to talk but that misinformation spread after that. They want to realize the potential of the old site, which involves due diligence and compliance. This will help a new tenant coexist with ART.

The trust had a £4.53 million operating loss last year, following a £4.55 million loss the year before. A team is working to secure its future. Some cost-cutting moves have sparked controversy, including selling £51 million in assets after 2007.