Wildlife
Introduction
I firmly believe that we all have a sacred and solemn duty to care for, cherish, protect and enhance Wildlife, the Environment and all other Creatures in every way possible. All of us in our daily lives can do something to make this planet more beautiful, sustainable and maintain its rich diversity and fecundity. And it is a desperately urgent task: in the last 50 years our wildlife has dramatically diminished.
I was brought up in a rural environment. Our games and playtime was out in the fields, woods, streams, lanes of the valleys and hills of Gloucestershire. Growing up in such a setting one instinctively one feels part of something at once beauteous and wondrous.
And how can one ever be alone as long as there is the rhythm of the seasons, the cycle of life in the green-ness all around, the rustles of leaves in the breeze, the sound of the bird and the bee and smell of grass and flower after the rain? So much to delight our senses, restore our spirit and engender a sense of love and generosity to the environment and other creatures that so enrich our lives.
If anything sums it all up it is this:
"The kiss of the sun for pardon
The song of the bird for mirth
One is nearer God's heart in a garden
Than anywhere else on Earth"
And so in a spirit of thankfullness, joy and partnership my garden has been developed to aid this process. And this takes several forms:
Planting:
Has been undertaken with wildlife in mind. So often we do not plant for wildlife. Yet gardens account for far more habitat than all the National Parks put together, so if we all took a little trouble then think of all the wildlife corridors across the nation that would be created and think of the richness this would be bring to our lives!
Conservation
The Trust and the Garden and all its projects and teaching are run according to the spiritual philosophy of Stephen Cox. This is especially so with regards to what might be termed 'Conservation' wherein which an inner core of his fundamental principles may be found.
CONSERVATION PHILOSOPHY
Taking the philosophy and teachings of Stephen Cox as its lead the Trust believes that:
o Nature and Humans can co-exist in a mutually beneficial manner which enhances their mutual condition and potential.
o That all existence on Earth is interdependent and part of a wondrous composition which is an indivisible whole.
o That caring for Nature and other creatures can improve the human condition- including its mental well-being, morality and spiritual attainment.
o That the destruction, damage and degradation of the environment as well as habitat and species must be halted and repaired and reversed.
o That any damage to the environment or other creatures is also an assault on the integrity of humanity.
o That all humans should be taught from an early age about the rights and needs of other creatures and of the importance of the health and diversity of Nature and the Environment.
o That we should encourage each other to live in as ecological, bio-friendly, non-destructive, and sustainable a manner as is possible
o That we as humans have a sacred duty to protect, cherish, and enhance the environment and other creatures.
o That all life, all creatures, and all Nature and its environment/ landscapes, eco-systems, habitats etc are sacred.
CONSERVATION POLICY
The Policy of the Trust with regards to wildlife, the environment etc shall be as follows:
o To garden in a responsible and environmentally friendly manner.
o To enrich its extant habitats for other creatures and increase the quantity and range of habitats and create new ones
o To extend the range of species living in and visiting the garden.
o To have a policy on the rights of other creatures.
o To have a policy regarding treatment of wildlife during gardening/teaching/visits.
o To reduce use of all non-organic materials and garden in as organic a manner as possible.
o To undertake extensive composting and also to continually enrich the soil by organic means.
o To increase the range of native and wild flora and fauna.
o To maintain records of species and undertake wildlife audits from time to time.
o To communicate our values of love, respect, protection and enhancement of landscape, environment, bio-diversity and wildlife to our students, volunteers and visitors.
o And the same to the general public.
o To undertake activities, publications/articles, events, workshops etc for students and local people in pursuit of this policy.
o To encourage the protection and improvement of: the landscape, bio-diversity, environment, together with wildlife and habit of the local area in this part of North Wiltshire.
Conservation Studies
We now offer a 'Conservation' course or study programme. This is not adopted or adapted from any existant educational system or from conservation sector/industry. It has been uniquely created by an intuitive process of exploration, study, research, examination and practice over many years. Thus it is completely unique and is found nowhere else.
Above all it is based on the spirituality and philosophy of Stephen Cox- the vision and values of whom inspired and drives this charitable trust.
It is not a course which offers a recognised qualification. Rather it is a course which enables the individual to become familiar with all aspects of conservation, environmental studies & ethics, landscape appreciation, wildlife care, empathy with Nature, land stewardship, and related topics
Below are listed the range of themes/skills/activities which are taught. Please note that these are only subject headings: each item has a detailed syllabus.
1. Planting for bees/butterflies.
2. Habitats.
3. Wildlife code of conduct.
4. Non-human creature rights.
5. Standing water (ponds, wetlands, damplands)
6. Composting.
7. Irrigation.
8. Attracting wildlife.
9. Wildflowers.
10. Wilding areas.
11. Masking intrusive sound.
12. Perennials v annuals
13. Gardening & mental health.
14. Gardening & spirituality.
15. Gardening and physical health
16. Rooms, zones, micro environments.
The above are taught to the visiting group as a one day workshop with light lunch. 2022 availability/booking/ donation registration will appear later.
Environmental Studies
Our research and studies includes the environment, wildlife, ecology, heritage, flora & fauna, the built environment, public green space, watercourses & standing water, woodlands, farming, migrations-habitat, wildlife corridors, geology & land types, transition/changes in landscape across time.
Specific subjects looked at includei:
●Understanding the history, development and current situation of the local landscape, ecology, wildlife, habitats and environment in general.
●Communities, farming, land use.
●Traditions, history and heritage of the land.
●Wildlife/species audits
●Gardens, wildife corridors.
●Heritage sites.
Declaration of Rights of Non-Human Persons
For some years I have been moving towards a way of life that grants other creatures status as non-human persons.
We, of the species Homo Sapiens, in our intelligence and evolution must finally recognise the duty we have, as the dominant species, to other intelligent species/creatures.
In my garden all mammals and birds etc are treated as non-human persons. They are given the same respect, protection, love and dignity I wish to be given myself. This must include at the barest minimum the following:
1. Freedom from detention/ imprisonment/confinement.
2. Right to life and liberty.
3. Right to a family life.
4. Freedom from persecution /torture/mistreatment/servitude.
5. Freedom from hunting and trapping.
6. Right to eat and find sustenance in peace without human disturbance.
7. Right to a safe and natural habitat.
8. The right not to be removed from their natural environment.
9. Freedom from control, exploitation and enforced training for commercial and other gain.
10. Freedom from experimentation.
11. To be treated with care, respect, and dignity and afforded protection and help by all members of the dominant planetary species homo sapiens.
I urge all my friends to make such a Declaration and commit to a way of living in this regard.
A Garden for Nature- A Home for Other Creatures
Stephen Cox Garden Trust (registered charity #1174239)
"PURPOSE of the TRUST: To offer charitable programmes and projects of education, horticulture, wildlife, conservation and heritage, for the improvement of human well-being in general based upon the founder's garden, library, writings, teachings and philosophy and by other means as the Trustees shall from time to time decide."
enquiries: stephencox.gardentrust@gmail.com
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