Stewardship
​
In a world of climate emergency it is easy for us either to be overwhelmed, paralysed or to think that the best outcome would be if nature did not have to contend with humans and our impact. There is another reality, one which goes back thousands of years, which is that humanity has a vital role to play in the stewardship of the natural world. It has been discovered in environments as wild and pristine as the Amazon jungle that these natural systems were in fact actively managed for vitality by our ancestors.
​
. Our commitment is to developing an understanding of a key element what it means to be human; that we are a keystone species. To reclaim this role; tending and managing the environments in which we live to create increased abundance and benefit for all species.
At the North Star Centre we regard the restoration and renewal of ourselves as inseparable from that of the world around us. Rather than regarding that world as ‘nature’ and us as something other, part of our commitment is to building an awareness of ourselves as an integral part of that natural world. In stewarding the beautiful land in which the North Star Centre is held we are also restoring ourselves.
​
We are putting in place a long term site management plan for all the habitats across the farm. This will be implemented and shared with different groups from school children to trauma survivors to help build an understanding of the incredible benefits to all of tending this beautiful land in which we live.
​
Our focus is on restoring ourselves and the natural environment. We are inseparable!
​
Waterway restoration
The land is fed by a number of springs which drain into a tiny stream running the length of the valley. Carved into a series of lakes, the waterways are currently dominated by the invasive species, carp. The first step in revitalising the waterways is to remove these fish and donate them to a fishery where they will be welcomed!
​
Longer term, we are currently seeking other local landowners to submit a collective proposal for wild beaver introductions through Nature England. Please get in touch if you are interested in returning these magical creatures to our local area.
Woodland Restoration
The woodland at Wickenden Farm was clearly stewarded by those who loved trees! There are plantations of a wide variety of species, including western red cedar and golden poplar. Alongside areas of chestnut coppice there are stands of ancient woodland with an understory of bluebells.
​
We are working with arborists to actively manage the woodland, increasing the diversity of understory habitats to encourage wildlife that needs this protection. Part of this management entails control of the deer populations that have over run the woods
Meadow Restoration
The farm has 30 acres of low biodiversity pasture which has been used in recent years for an annual hay crop. With wild flower meadow restoration specialist Colin Reader we are converting 5 acres of minimal biodiversity grassland into species rich soil specific wildflower meadow.
​
Aside from being incredibly beautiful, the meadows that Colin creates are a haven for wildlife.
Partnerships
Allied landowners
At a time of emerging collective consciousness we are looking to create a tapestry of landscape wide partnerships to create meaningful change across a bigger area. If you are a local landowner who would like to join with us please do get in touch
Research partnerships
We are seeking research students who would like to incorporate the changing landscape at Wickenden into their thesis. If you have an area of research that you feel is aligned to what we are doing we would love to hear from you and see how we can collaborate
