Who will own the land?

The Gaian Earth Trust will technically ‘own’ the land, not one individual or groups of individuals. 

 

Where is the first plot of land?

The first plot of land is in Wales, we are not disclosing more on the exact location as of yet. This will be revealed once the trust has purchased it. 

 

Have you purchased the first 100 acre plot of land yet?

We have not purchased the land yet.

 

Who will be living on the first plot of land?

Three of the founders of the charity will be living on the land, as well as five other people who have been aiding this process from the beginning

 

Won’t the 60% wild area need some tending to?

The idea is that nature will tend to itself, with little to no human interference. We may aid nature by planting trees, clearing streams and rivers and even clearing any litter and rubbish. 

 

FAQ REGARDING THE APPLICATION PROCESS

 

How do people apply and where do we sign up? 

The first village consists of the people involved in the set-up of this project and will be extended to other people in time. The purpose of this is to establish and trial the principles of the 1 Acre model. What it looks like living within the acre, how it will work and how to create networks through localisation and establish grass routes. We will also be looking to create networks with current communities and work with them to establish wider connections. 

 

The first village is estimated to have between 20 - 25 acres of living space for individuals or families. The land for the first village has 100 acres which is divided between 60% wild land and 40% living space. When we have more of an idea of usable land and available plot sizes we will open the doors to additional village members moving onto this first plot. At that point people will then be able to send in applications to join the village. 

 

FAQ REGARDING THE SELECTION PROCESS

 

How do people get selected to live on the land?

Currently, we are not sure on the selection process, how it will work or what it looks like. All we know is that we want to make this accessible to as many people as possible. We will be asking the collective (yourself and others) for their opinions on this matter, as this is such a large topic to cover. 

The application process will start with a set of questions designed to filter out the best people for the first village. There will be skills that are needed as well as a willingness to understand the ethos of the villages.

 

How are the applications sorted through?

For the first few plots it will be done purely on a skill basis (Permaculture designers, plumbers, natural builders etc.) This is because villages 1 through 3 will focus primarily on proving the model at different scales (100 acres, 500 acres, 1,000 acres). After that we will focus on providing an opportunity for as many people as possible who are interested in this way of life regardless of skill set or age. 

 

FAQ REGARDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR PEOPLE TO VOLUNTEER

 

Will there be opportunities for other people to volunteer and not necessarily live on the land?

Yes, especially in the first village. We would like to encourage volunteers on all villages as this opens the doors for new connections, help and assistance on the land and also gives people an experience. 

 

Can I volunteer now?

We don’t have the land currently, however we are also open to the help from professionals or simply people who are passionate about helping us make this a reality. If you would like to offer your time and/or services please send us a message.

 

FAQ REGARDING THE PEOPLE WANTING TO BE INVOLVED

 

Who is this available for?

Everyone who has a passion and desire to live this way of life, with others and in harmony with nature. It doesn't matter if you are single, married, divorced, old, young, have a family or no family at all. We want to make this something available to anyone and everyone who is willing to learn, grow and respect others and their surroundings. 

 

Is this for single people or families?

Both. It’s for all people!

 

FAQ REGARDING THE STRUCTURE OF THE C0-OPERATIVE & VILLAGES 

 

Is there going to be a boss, or hierarchical structure?

There will be no boss, or hierarchical structure, in terms of the running of the Co-Operative there will be a set of trustees which by law will need to be rotated every few years. Over time we will also be looking at appointing new trustees. In terms of the structure of the villages, we will promote the adoption of the ‘round table’ ethos. Where everyone at the village will have equal say in the running of the communal areas.

 

What type of structure is this going to be set-up as?

This will be run as a Co-Operative

 

Why a Co-operative?

We have chosen to set-up a co-operative so that the land will be protected by an entity outside of one individual. In the future we will also be looking at finding grants from governmental bodies and larger organisations, which can then be given to villages. 

We also wanted the transparency of co-operative this way everyone can see exactly what is going in and out, and all members can have an equal say. 

 

Will we be told what to do?

The answer is no.

Before anyone comes on the land they will connect with the residents and will be fully aware of what is needed to make it work. Then in natural resonance with each other and the land people will naturally do what they need to do. 

 

FAQ REGARDING FINANCES (CURRENT EXPENSES)

 

How do we move if we have so many outgoing bills?

We will be factoring in a supporting wage so that everyone can have this opportunity without limitations. We understand that people may have a mortgage, things already on finance ect so we will take this into consideration. We will be fair in this process, however we will also have to be respectful to other members of the villages and ensure that everyone is treated equally. 

FAQ REGARDING SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

 

What if I have no skills or knowledge?

There is nothing to worry about. All relevant subjects will be covered for all who wish to move onto the land. Again this is in relation to our aim to provide this opportunity for all. So growing, building, gardening, self reliance, empowerment will all be taught to those who want to live this way of life.

FAQ REGARDING SECURITY OF THE LAND AND PEOPLE INVOLVED

 

Will people have to have a DBS check?

This has been a question that has been very popular and rightly so, however it is such a large topic to cover it needs more discussion and thought. We would like this process to be done, as best possible, in the spirit of a second chance. All village members must feel as safe as possible, in order for this idea to work. But it will be asked that a consideration to the life and past of a person is considered. There are few who have escaped suffering and pain. 

 

FAQ REGARDING HOUSING ON THE LAND

 

How do I pay for my house or will it get built for me?

Each village will have an allocated amount which will cover the costs of building your home. If you have money you would like to put into the building of your home then you can also do this, however we would discourage anyone who receives this opportunity who is financially stable to 

FAQ REGARDING ANIMALS (PETS & LIVESTOCK)

 

Can we have animals like chickens, goats and cows? 

Yes, although we want to say that we have not factored the meat element into the domains. This would require a lot more land. So chickens for eggs (and all their other amazing outputs), ducks, a goat or two, a cow perhaps. These have all been factored in except the meat element but it does need more thought with it. 

 

Can I bring my pets?

The short answer is no and yes. We understand how many people have pets and so if the pet has a function in the domain and it is fitting with the harmony element of living the nature then for the lifetime of your current pets it is a yes but it will be asked that people refrain from buying any more pets so that nature and the pet industry can have a break. 

FAQ REGARDING ELDERLY PEOPLE & DISABLED PEOPLE

 

How does an elderly person fit into this? 

Each village will have an allotted slot for the elderly. This could also be factored into families coming onto domains. If there are 1-2 able bodied people in a family then someone who is elderly can also be thought of. This is ensuring the hard graft related tasks and elements of this way of life can be well rooted in each village. 

 

How would it work for people who have disabilities? 

Again we want to make this as available to all as possible and it is our aim to make sure we find specific case solutions for those who are differently abled. 

FAQ REGARDING PUBLIC SERVICES

 

What about health care, will we have access to it and ambulances?

 

Will we have access to schooling? 

FAQ REGARDING TRAVEL, HOLIDAYS AND CHANGING LOCATIONS

 

Could I relocate to a different village?

FAQ REGARDING MAKING AN INCOME ON THE LAND

 

Can I sell and offer my services on the land?

Yes you absolutely can. 

This is one of the elements of self sufficiency and having an income during the transition. We want to prove that you can live a good life without needing money but for those who want to, harmoniously, live with one foot in and one foot out then this is an opportunity for them to do this. 

 

FAQ REGARDING JOBS & BUSINESSES

 

Can I still have my job on the land?

The question we would like to ask in return is would you still want to? 

 

If so and you are passionate about what you currently do, then this would have to be factored into what is required from each resident in order for their plot of land to flourish. If you are working 50 hours a week away from your acre, then growing a domain is going to be quite difficult. Specific cases might be reviewed in each village, however we are not discounting the fact that people may want to work part time in the local villages, or areas. 

 

I own my own business, can I still keep this?

 

FAQ REGARDING WORK ON THE LAND

 

Will there be work to do on the land?

Not work in the sense that this question was asked. It will be a way of life, self sufficient to each person, with the opportunity to generate an income, if people want that. 

 

FAQ REGARDING LIFESTYLE CHOICES (CARS, WIFI, DIET)

Can people choose their own ideas i.e WiFi, vegan ect? 

The answer to this is a little obscure. The answer is yes.

 

Can I bring my car?

 

FAQ REGARDING RELIGION, CULTS AND FAITH

 

Do I have to give up my faith (religion)? 

No but this is in respect of the “living in harmony with others” as long as religions dont impose on others and as long as others don't impose on you this is fine.

 

Is this a cult? 

No, we aren't interested in enforcing worship or unfair ideals. We just ask that people seek to live in harmony with land and others. This will be the only absolute because it’s the only way these communities will work. We are not about to create another Wild Wild Country, despite some of their principals being similar to ours. 

 

Do we have to wear certain clothes and worship certain things? 

Don't worry you don't need to wear orange! 

You can wear whatever you desire to wear. There are obviously practicalities, you wouldn't wear 6 inch heels, a dress or a suit and tie to garden, bee-keep or do carpentry in. However, jokes aside, if you wanted to wear those things you can do just that. There are no uniforms or dress codes. 

 

You will also not have to worship or idolise anyone or anything, this is about creating an environment free from dogmatic and controlling systems. 

 

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FAQ REGARDING THE 1 ACRE MODEL

 

Can a 1 Acre Plot of land really feed a family of 4?

It can feed a family of 4 and beyond. This is all about Permaculture, forest gardening, electroculture and designing the plots to be as efficient as possible. 

 

Will there be governing bodies and support with disputes?

 

How do I inspire my young children to live this way of life?

 

FAQ REGARDING TEMPORARY LIVING & PERMANENT LIVING 

 

Do I have to build a structure or can I live in a tiny house or trailer?

If you really wanted to live in a tiny home over a naturally built home that would be fine but perhaps in time you’d see how amazing the homes would be. 

 

Will the homes be prebuilt for us?

This depends on the desires of the residents. The idea will be that you creatively build your own home. If someone is adamant that they aren’t as interested to do this then perhaps it could be built for them.

 

FAQ REGARDING PLANNING PERMISSION 

 

Will you be getting planning permission?

 

How long will this take?

 

Where will you live whilst the application is on-going?

 

What if the planning applications are unsuccessful?