Monkton Wyld Court
Monkton Wyld News
Launch of restoration project
We've started a programme of restoration projects here at Monkton Wyld Court. This will include much needed structural repairs as well as improvements to the interior of the grade II listed house. Work has already started to restore the organically managed Victorian walled garden. If you would like to help with this programme, we are always in need of volunteers and this is a great way to learn new skills.
Organic gardening weeks
You may be interested to know that George and Patsy, our land-use managers, are planning a series of organic gardening weeks where people can come and learn practical skills in organic food production. Food security is becoming more of an issue and we want to encourage more people to grow their own food, with what resources they may have. During these practical, residential weeks, you'll have plenty of time to get down in the soil and plant, prune, harvest and, of course, taste wonderful organic food. The weeks cost £50 to cover your room and board. This isn't a conventional course, instead you will learn by doing, experiencing and discovering. George and Patsy will guide you through the week, giving daily talks and demonstrations and they will be on hand to answer your questions throughout the day. For anyone who lives locally, we are also hosting weekly gardening days each Thursday. This is a great way to be involved in the garden restoration project, meet lots of lovely new people and improve your gardening skills in the process. Contact us on 01297 560342 to find out more.
New development team appointed
The trustees have appointed a new development team: Ali Ghanimi, development manager, Caroline Walker, education programme manager and George Sobol, farm and garden manager.
Ali, who comes from a background in organisational development, will develop the centre and move Monkton's educational focus onto environmental sustainability and ‘low impact living’. She says, "Monkton Wyld Court has a long and interesting history. We now want to look to the future and refocus its purpose to create the perfect environment for adults and children to learn about sustainable uses of land, new ‘green’ technologies and skills we are losing, such as naturally preserving food.”
Caroline, who worked for fourteen years at the Small School in Hartland and has recently been working in rural communities across Devon, will be running the educational programme and investigating the feasibility of a ‘green school’. Says Caroline, "Monkton Wyld Court is the perfect site for developing a unique place-based curriculum. We already host a popular Kindergarten, based on the Steiner approach to learning. This is currently open two mornings a week, but we are working to increase this to four".
George, an internationally-renowned designer and teacher of permaculture, will turn the centre’s farm, garden and grounds into a productive, educational resource. Says George, “One of the first steps is to establish a regular gardening work day where local people can come to volunteer in the one-acre organically-managed garden. It’s a great way to learn about producing healthy food whilst getting fit.”
The new team intends to develop other courses that will be open to local, national and international learners. Says Ali, “Our courses will include sustainable land use, ecological building, how to set up a small holding, animal husbandry, growing and preserving food and many other land-based skills and crafts. We would love to hear from people with ideas for increasing the use of everything we have to offer.”
Please email them at monktonwyldcourt@btinternet.com if you have any questions, suggestions or ideas.