Hello beautiful people,

Whether or not you celebrate Christmas, it's a special time of year. The widespread hustle and bustle in the build up, as people rush around in last minute preparations; trying to find the right sized turkey (or goose if you've ordered from One Tree Farm), and searching for that perfect gift for your loved ones.

In the spirit of gift-giving, I've been wondering what is the best gift you can give someone (or yourself)?

If you're reading this newsletter then you probably have a similar idea to us of what's truly important:

• A healthy body
• A calm mind
• A house full of love
• A tight-knit community

And acres of land on which you can grow food, milk your cows and raise your children (can't forget that one).

As we reflect on 2024 in the last week of the year, one of the greatest gifts that has come out of this year has been the community that we've been lucky enough to build - like-minded people, all with the same mission: To build a life of freedom and independence through farming and community.

It's been so heartwarming to see our message resonating with so many people. We've learnt a huge amount this year with the launch of our multiple digital resources, and the recent launch of our online community for direct support (open to the public January 1st!), and we're looking forward to seeing what 2025 brings!

Have a lovely Christmas and we'll catch you guys in the new year!

Much love,

Rob

Wild Minds Community

PS. If you were looking for a great gift for someone with a similar desire for off-grid freedom, then The 12 Month Farm Method would work wonderfully.

This week in One Tree Farm.

After the success of the Game Processing Workshops last week (thanks Darren! @theexmoorgameschool24) we received an update on our planning application. 

Our planning officer has come back to us and given us an option amending our application to only allow for one mobile home on site which would lead to a fast decision, or refuse the application, which means it would go to committee and take even longer. 

That would be great news for a lot of people, permission to have a mobile home on site for the next 3 years means a high likelihood of permanent permission after that time, but it's not the news we were hoping for. Billy and Alfie went to great length to put together a comprehensive application and our planning officer hasn't provided any reason for his decision! 

Given that it would be impossible to run the farm with only one residential agricultural worker, Billy's requested an extension into January and they'll sit down with the planning consultant in the new year to seek some advice and come to a decision on the best way to move forward - most likely the best course of action will be to say no to the planning officer's offer and let it go to committee. Finger's crossed 🤞

Overall, pretty positive but not quite the outcome we were hoping for.

We'll let you guys know if anything changes!

Have a lovely Christmas 🎄