Forest Gardening as 'Public Goods' - a timely opportunity
Many of us will know that 'public money for public goods' is the new policy to replace the EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). It will reward farmers for actions that benefit the environment, eg public access, increasing biodiversity and education. This thread is inspired by one of our member forest gardeners Simon Miles, who has just written to his local MP George Eustace, also Minister for Environment suggesting forest gardens could be a key opportunity to deliver the policy. There are many communities who would like to forest garden with all the boxes this ticks for farmers, but have no land. The policy is at draft stage with no decision yet 'how' it will be delivered.
Simon Miles Fri 19 Jun 2020 8:03AM
I will draft a template hopefully over the weekend and let you know how and where to access it
Nickie Bartlett / Jakeman Wed 17 Jun 2020 8:20PM
To make it easier for us to write to our MPs would it be worth this group drafting a template letter which we could then use?
@Simon Miles I think you're suggesting now is the perfect time to write to your MP to ask her or him to lobby the Minister to encourage farmers and landowners to enter into partnerships with community organisations allowing them to plant forest gardens, to serve both their communities and the intention behind the policy - to encourage farmers and landowners to make a significant positive impact on their land.
Nickie Bartlett / Jakeman · Sat 27 Jun 2020 4:40PM
Thank you Simon, that would be really helpful