Extracted from Oakleaf Campers forum…Right folks, you remember there was talk about buying land for pagan use? Things are now moving – a steering group that includes the Oakleaf Camp committee, the Sentry Circle Elders and Dagda (including Oz!) has been formed and a statement of the group’s aims has been agreed on (below). We’d like this to get out to moots, gatherings, forums etc., so feel free to post it elsewhere. cawl@live.co.uk
COUNTRYSIDE ANCIENT WAYS LEGACY
The Countryside and Ancient Ways Legacy (CAWL) exists to raise money for the purchase of land in Central to North England, where pagan ideals and practices can be continued in perpetuity.
These are our aims:
1) To buy land that will be held in trust, with no private ownership or shareholders regardless of financial contribution.
2) To administer this land by committee on a non-profit making basis.
3) To raise awareness, develop interest, and educate in the ancient ways, arts and crafts of the countryside.
4) To emphasise a way of life based on respect for and honouring of the land.
5) To provide a space to come together to celebrate the Wheel of the Year, and recognise our place in the Universe.
6) To build a Stone Circle, and to consider other projects that might enhance the sacred nature of the landscape.
7) To establish a Woodland for the enjoyment of future generations.
For information on how to donate to CAWL please contact cawl@live.co.uk
Badger Insight
The Countryside Ancient Ways Legacy (CAWL) originally arose from a perceived need to find a new home for the popular 400 strong annual Lammas event, Oakleaf Camp and was conceived at a stone raising at Sentry Circle on the Summer Solstice 2008.
At the time proposed 2009 land usage fees for the twelve acres at Limetree Farm, Grewelthorpe – which now include a stone circle and twenty foot diameter iron age style roundhouse constructed by the now disbanded* Friends of Limetree – had become a concern to Oakleaf Disorganisers when attempting to balance affordable ticket income against land fees, liability insurances (even Pagan camps have to consider such things) and provision of security, stewardship, children’s’ entertainment, medical provision, catering and high profile entertainment (Damh the Bard for 2008).
* Members from the Friends of Limetree later went on to build and complete a further stone circle based on the Druidic tree calendar at Lenthor Farm, Northallerton, together with a planted Peace Grove.
The issue with funding the Oakleaf Camp has since been resolved with some heavy duty negotiations and support from camp attendees, however the idea of a piece of land purely for Pagan usage in no one person’s ownership that could exist as a place of worship in perpetuity had been reinforced.
At the second meeting of the as then six members of the CAWL Steering Committee at the raising of the two gate stones completing Sentry Circle Equinox 2008, a Constitution was drawn up and plans were formulated as to how the idea could become a reality.
The Committee has since increased experience to twelve and include Elders from the Oakleaf Camp, Elders from the Dovedale Camps (Derbyshire), Elders from the Sentry Circle Camps, the DAGDA (Staffordshire), the Muquai Tribe, including an arborist (tree surgery is his business), a co-opted specialist in grant funding (free of charge**), a co-opted solicitor (free of charge**), and a member who has already been successful in obtaining grants and has smallholding experience including livestock.
What has been promoted by Oakleaf Circle is the Pagan public Mission Statement, based on the Constitution which has been used to open a community bank account in which funds raised can be deposited.
A book comprising of Pagan poetry, stories, pictures and personal accounts has been compiled and is due to be published by Oakleaf Circle (Oakleaf Camp used to be “dis”-organised by elders who now run Oakleaf Circle publishing) as a means of raising funds and promoting CAWL. ISBN numbers have been purchased and the publication will be available from publishers such as Amazon as well circulated through Pagan camps and events and I believe a copy will be lodged within the British Library.
The type, location and management of the various types of potential land has already been discussed, including the potential and pitfalls for an angels acre green burial site, tree planting and/or woodland management, meadow maintenance.
Much has already been thought about, however as yet we have yet to identify a piece of suitable and affordable land. This is where the legacy part of CAWL comes in. The members of the founding Steering Committee are well aware that the full potential of the project might never be realised within our lifetimes, although it might be hoped we will have at least bought the land by then, which is why we are researching grant and charity funding.
I can state these facts with full confidence and think they demonstrate some nice continuity and co-operation amongst the various Pagan groups and members.
If you feel able to make a monetary contribution or even want to share ideas on how our national Pagan coalition can fund raise to make this project a reality please email Bob ‘the Mead’ at cawl@live.co.uk
Eclectic Badger's Settcetera 
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