Research

Research

Cornwall Site

History of the site

Plants for a Future, a small environmental group run entirely by volunteers, was established in 1989 when a 28 acre piece of land in Cornwall was purchased as a place to demonstrate the many uses of plants with a very strong emphasis on perennial species....more

Ken Fern introduced a variety of rare and unusual plants, particularly those which have edible, medicinal or other uses. Practising vegan-organic Permaculture with emphasis on creating an ecologically sustainable environment based largely on perennial plants.

Visiting The Field - Tours and Open Days

Some years we have had one or more open days during the summer, where visitors could come and be shown around, learn about the land; the plants and our methods of growing them; and also to taste some of the plants where appropriate - without the need to book up in advance....more

Volunteering

There always seemed to be more work to do at the land than there were people and time to get it done. Therefore we actively welcomed people who wanted to come and stay for a while with us as volunteers....more

Plant Sales

There were a few plants for sale available to visitors.
It was hoped that in the future there would be further propagation on the site and more extensive plant sales.

Land Club

Since we bought the land in 1989, we looked for a way to safeguard its long-term future. We put our hearts and souls into the land, helping to transform it from a barren field to a lush green oasis that attracts the wildlife from many miles around. It would just be horrendous to think of this land going back under the plough.

In addition, we felt strongly that land should not be owned. It is there for all the creatures and plants we share this planet with and we view ourselves as stewards of the land rather than the owners. We finally decided to establish a Land Club in order to ensure the long term safety of the land. The Land Club has a legal constitution that is designed to protect both the land and the members of the club. It allows members to grow plants on the land whilst also respecting the rights of other creatures to share the land with us. Members cannot own the piece of land they care for but, so long as they respect the conditions of the club, they continue to be stewards of particular allocated parts of the land.
The Land Club is now a legal entity.
Since 1998 the Land has been leased to the charity PFAF.
If you want to become a Land Club member, you need first to spend a reasonable amount of time as a volunteer. Land club members are encouraged to help each other out, and also help with the general maintenance of the site such as grass-cutting an maintaining paths.

Stewardship

Just to clarify, The Field is owned by Ken and Addy Fern. The PFAF Charity currently has a long lease on the land, but is not actively involved in its management. Currently all of us with an interest in The Field are considering the way forward for its future.