Pishwanton booklet 2014

A project on the Edge of Landscape, at the foot of the Lammermuir Hills in SE Scotland.

Our Place Pishwanton Wood is a Place “on the Edge” - of Landscape, of Life, of Science, Art and of Cultural Practice.

It lies at the edge of what was once the Iapetus Ocean between two ancient continents. This

landscape was the birthplace of James Hutton, the father of modern geology, and Robert Burns,

Scotland’s national poet, both contemporaries of Goethe, and is today an area of sleepy undu-

lating hills: the Borders Region.

Pishwanton Wood, on the edge of the Lammermuir Hills is a place of constant transformation,

housing numerous microhabitats, or landscape ‘rooms’. The Life Science Trust, the custodian of

this land since 1992, has been working within these microhabitats over 21 years, to discover

what each room wishes to express, how to develop thresholds between the habitats, enabling har-

monious transitions to be experienced as one moves through the landscape. Translated into practice, we try to be conscious in everything

we do of the past of the place before trying to transform it into its future. Does what I want to do fit here? Will the landscape be en-

hanced, be able to receive my intentions? Can I be open enough to “hear” its intention and give nature its own right? Such a conversa-

tion is the basis of our work on this land and our practise.

While we are normally conscious of borders or thresholds in the physical world, we are less aware of thresholds within life/ develop-

mental processes, or of soul/ spiritual atmospheres between places. At Pishwanton we explore both the inner and outer journey of dis-

covering life and landscape, through the activities of perceiving, reflecting, and doing. We discover thresholds between humans and na-

ture; between wilderness and cultivated landscape; between the past and future of a place. We then try to bring these experiences into a

form that can be communicated further.

The way of working with both one’s inner and outer nature simultaneously, and of raising to consciousness the processes of perceiving

and reflecting as a precursor to action provides a meditative path of spiritual development and is practised in all our activities in the

wood, with landscape, buildings, plants and animals.

Our Task… "Nature always creates like an artist:: through rocks, rivers, the many coloured atmosphere;

in plants or plant colonies; into forms and the movement of animals. Through all these ap-

pearances we can train our sense for the arts.”

"If we want to experience this and move beyond a superficial, handed-down knowledge

about the world, first we need to turn toward the visible world with a renewed interest.

"When we tread a path with wide awake conscious-

ness toward our own attitudes brought forth by the

visible world, we become aware of the elements of

earth, water, air and fire; and how the experience of life processes and spiritual ex-

pression speak to us through our own relationship to the outer appearances. We al-

so become aware of borders and threshold crossings on the way”.

"Learning to perceive all this, and the way the elements play together in a landscape, lends wings to our artistic imagination,

where picture building capacities can be strengthened”.

“Committed to such an inner schooling, one can work in a constructive and healing way for a truly human future. This im-

plies the calling forth into manifestation the spiritual possibilities implicit in nature; those which nature herself has hidden,

and which can be revealed through human activity in the Landscape. It is also through this process that the task of

Pishwanton as a school will be made more and more visible.”

-Jochen Bockemühl,

Our Aims Within the Landscape How does a place come into being?

How is it that we recognise the character of a place so easily? French, Swiss, Austrian and

Scottish landscapes are unique, highly individual characters down to the very ground we

walk on, to the trees, parks and buildings which give to each its colourful encounter. It

might be possible to see clearly how landscape and people originally helped to form one

another. Highly individualised landscapes have grown alongside the evolution of human

consciousness, the relicts of which we often now seek to conserve, having come to a point

in our own development where we are steadily separating ourselves from being embedded in the traditional landscape and culture

of our forefathers. Nowadays, having achieved a sense of world citizenship, many people find living this way gives rise to chaos

both in the outer landscape and in our inner lives.

We are asking certain questions in the Life Science Trust, which will enable us to

understand the processes in landscape formation, particularly as it relates to hu-

man consciousness:

How can we develop the skills to perceive the processes and gestures (both

within us and in nature) necessary for the creation of new landscapes of the fu-

ture? What are the consequences of doing or not doing this?

How can we integrate farms, gardens and buildings into the landscape in a re-

sponsible way?

Is a careful individualized process of perception and what arises from this an

antidote to the ‘sameness’ imposed on countries world-wide by globalisation?

Further, how can we encourage and develop a) a science of the ‘invisible’ in nature, and b) the moral responsibility to care for

our landscapes, plants, animals and places of the future?

Pishwanton Today and our Aims for 2014 Today at Pishwanton there are few mature trees left and the wind sweeps though the southern fringes of

the place. Within the wood there are sheltered areas, warm, sunny

pockets resounding in peace. Pishwanton Wood, with its high diversity

of habitats, is a place of constant transformation.

For 23 years we have been “listening” to this land and trying to help the

moods of the landscape rooms to express themselves further. We have planted thousands of trees

where it asked to be wooded, created gardens in the heart of the place and buildings to serve our ac-

tivities, which look as if they have “grown out of the landscape”.

Our Aims for 2014

All activities at Pishwanton are founded on a Goethean Study and Consensus design process. Moving through the various inner and

outer thresholds of this journey, revelations are transformed into creative actions, which may unfold in a variety of ways from medi-

cine making, to garden design. poetry, art or an eco-building in the landscape.

Our main focus for the last five years has been the development of a herb garden and a scientific labora-

tory with herb processing facilities. This is on-going, we now seek funding to complete the kitting out

of the building and volunteers to weed and dig the gardens, harvest and process herbs.

Our main aims are of research and education and in 2014 we are consolidating our education with a

training course in Goethean Natural Science accredited at the Goetheanum in Switzerland.

Key Project for 2014 is to build the student chalets, to expand our short courses and continue the woodland management.

"Beholding the Heart of Nature"

is a foundation year for people at a turning point in their lives or who want to bring something new into their life's work

or deepen their profession. For those who cannot manage a whole year of intensive learning, the components lend

themselves to be taken as separate modules - as a three month block on a particular topic - or as individual weekend

workshops.

is a foundation for young adults who are seeking their life's task

is a sabbatical for people in mid career

is a reorientation for those seeking a new task / way of being in later life

is for anyone wanting to reconnect to nature in a deeply spiritual way

is for people who want to enhance another training

is a gap year for adults

The whole course forms a part of both a 2 year training in Goethean/Anthroposophic Natural Science accredited by the

Goetheanum in Switzerland (see www.pishwanton.org for details) and a Biodynamic Apprenticeship Training and the two

year long practical training in Biodynamic land management

A Course of inner development based on a year of encounters with nature

Summary of Courses for 2014 - 2015 offered by the

Life Science Trust at Pishwanton Wood Beholding the Heart of Nature week-end courses are -

Until April 2014

Week-end Dates

Aries 25 - 27 April 2014

Taurus 23 - 25 May

Gemini 27 - 29 June

Cancer 25 - 27 July

Leo 22 - 24 August

Virgo 26 - 28 September

Libra 31 - 2 October/November

Scorpio 28 - 30 November

Sagittarius 26 - 28 December

Capricorn 30 - 1 January/February 2015

Aquarius 20 - 22 February 2015

Pisces 27 - 29 March 2015

See our website for regular updates: www.pishwanton.org or tel. 01620 810259

In between are the following courses :-

Compost Making Medicinal Plants and their Meaning Medicinal and Culinary Herbs Growing Harvesting, Processing & Preserving Plants for Home Use Kitchen Pharmacy) & Cooking Plants in the Landscape Evolution Cookery courses

Plant families and Healing Processes Study of Stars and Zodiac Sacred Architecture

And alongside these we are running practical

training activities throughout the year on :-

Green Building (See www.pishwanton.org) for details Exploring & Painting the Scottish Landscape Dyeing with Plants Weaving with Natural Colours

Spinning and Felting Wool

Various green Woodwork Courses

General Information: Application, Prices & Accommodation

Application: If you would like to attend a course, an activity, or become a volunteer please complete the application form & send it by post or fax to: The Life Science Trust, Quince Cottage, Gifford, E. Lothian, EH41 4PL,UK. Tel./fax +44 1620 810259.

The closing date for applications for courses is one week before each course begins.

Cancellation: Cancellation up to 4 weeks before the beginning of the course incurs a cancellation fee of 20 % of the total amount, 50 % up to 2 weeks before. Cancellations should be in writing including your booking number. The entire amount is

forfeited for late or unsuccessful cancellations.

Course Fees: The course fees are detailed on each course sheet. A concessionary rate is often available for students, seniors and individuals with low income. We are able to host a maximum of 20 people, so early booking is advised.

Course Venues: Daily workshops, as well as the lunchtime meal, will be held at Pishwanton Wood. This is a non-smoking en-vironment. It is an alcohol, drug and mobile phone free environment.

Meals: Communal meals are provided at lunchtime (12.30– 13.30). The cost for these meals is included. Breakfast will be pro-vided in places of accommodation or self-catered. The meals will be largely vegetarian and organic. If you have special dietary requirements, please let us know on your booking form or contact Deborah Betts, Co-ordinator at the Life Science Trust (office hours 9am - 1pm.). We will do our best to accommodate individual needs.

Accommodation: The Life Science Trust can arrange self-catering accommodation in its hostel Greenbank Cottage in Gifford, Bed & Breakfast or full board in Quince Cottage at Baxtersyke near Gifford, or Craigie Lodge, Longformacus or camping at Pishwanton Wood, depending on the time of year.

An accommodation list is also available with information on local B&B’s and hotels, if you wish to book your own.

Transport: We will provide transport between accommodation in Gifford and Pishwanton Wood. Longer term participants or volunteers are welcome to bring bicycles for personal transport. We have some bicycles for personal use.

Parking: Parking will be available at accommodation locations. Very limited parking is available at Pishwanton Wood. Please share transport whenever possible.

ACCOMMODATION ATTACHED TO PISHWANTON

Quince Cottage

B. & B., Holidays for people of all Ages and Abilities,

Respite, Convalescence and Short Breaks

Quince Cottage is a comfortable and relaxed modern Camphill style family home providing holidays, short breaks

and accommodation for some students and co-workers in the peace and tranquillity of the Lammermuir Hillfoots.

We can accommodate up to seven guests in twin and single rooms, with shared bathrooms; kitchen diner; dining hall

and a telephone; sitting room with good selection of books, games, and a wood burning stove.

Quince Cottage is a pleasant twenty minute walk from Pishwanton Wood and an ideal place to stay for participation

on a course, for a recuperative holiday, to work as a volunteer or simply to enjoy the quiet country ambience. Quince

Cottage love cooking and baking and try to use the best locally sourced and biodynamic ingredients for all meals.

For bookings and further enquiries:

Contact: Quince Cottage

Tel: 01620 810891 4, Baxtersyke, Near Gifford, East Lothian, EH41 4PL.

CAMPING IN PISHWANTON is a wild and wonderful experience. Within the herb garden under

birches in a dry bracken-filled space we have room for a few tents inhabited by careful people.

Cost per person per night £10

There is a compost toilet in the car park and spring water in the garden.

CRAIGIE LODGE

A haven of peace and tranquillity on the edge of Longformacus, the heart of the Lammermuir Hills. Craigie Lodge a for-mer Manse of the Parish, is a small Georgian House with comfortable, beautifully propor-tioned rooms and stunning views south to Dirrington Great Law.

The house is situated at the end of a farm lane in its own wooded grounds with an open outlook and a substantial kitchen garden. Time spent at Craigie offers: good clear air and wonderful walks directly onto well marked hill tracks with an abundance of hill forts, cas-tles, ancient monuments, reservoirs to explore or simply places to sit and meditate or com-mune with nature in the quiet rooms and peaceful well kept gardens.

At Longformacus we offer Retreat facilities, short courses, quiet or convalescent holidays and ‘bed and breakfast’. We are part of the Quiet Garden Movement.

Craigie Lodge has fine, homely, basic accommodation with catering for Christian retreats on a daily basis, or up to 3 bed-rooms (twin , double or single) for people who want to come on a personal retreat to rest, recover; write or simply be at peace.

In the house and gardens there is a strictly no smoking policy. There is no television, internet facility or mobile phone possibility. To book contact Margaret Colquhoun : 01361 890246

Greenbank Cottage is the Trust’s hostel in the village of Gifford and let for

short breaks and holidays. This provides comfortable accommodation in shared

rooms for students. In the winter months it can be booked on a longer term let.

Gifford is a quiet village in East Lothian.

To book contact Deborah Betts: 01620 810259

Accommodation in and around Gifford B & B at Life Science Trust Properties - Quince Cottage, Craigie Lodge £45 per night £55 full

board

Self-catering in Greenbank—£450 per week (Sleeps 9).

Wild camping in Pishwanton—£10 per person per night

Goblin Ha' Hotel, Main St. Gifford

Tel+44 (0)1620 810244

Fax+44 (0)1620 810708

Email:[email protected]

Seven en-suite rooms which all have TVs,

tea/coffee making facilities and hair dryers.

B & B £59-79 per room. Single occupancy £53.10 - £69.12

Tweeddale Arms Hotel High St. Gifford

Tel +44 (0)1620 810240

www.thetweeddalearms.co.uk

B.& B. £60-£90 per room per night

Duncastle B. & B. at Eaglescairnie Mains Gifford

Tel/Fax: 01620 810491

Email: [email protected]

£42.50 per person per night

£60 single occupancy.

Double & twin rooms are available with ensuite /private bathrooms

Discounts are available for stays of 4 nights or longer

Orchard House Chalets B. & B. Letham Mains,

Haddington.

Tel +44 (0)1620 824898 Fax +44 (0)1620 822678

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.orchardhousechalets.co.uk

Mrs Gill Tait Prices £65 - £80 B. and B. Redshill Farm Discounts for more than 2 & Gifford more than 4 nights Haddington EH41 4JN

Carfrae Farmhouse B. & B. Mrs Gibson Tel. 01620 830242 Garvald, Email: [email protected] East Lothian, EH41 4LP. Wild camping in Blinkbonny Wood from £10 per pitch 01620 825034

How to Get to Pishwanton and Gifford?

By Rail: The nearest Railway Station is in either Dunbar or Edinburgh. Bus services X6/X8 run east from Edinburgh to Haddington and west from Dunbar to Haddington. Bus ser-vice no. 123 runs from Haddington to Gifford.

By Car: From the South east:

-take the A1 towards Edinburgh and exit at Haddington.

All other Routes:

- From Edinburgh, take the A720 City Bypass toward

Berwick-on-Tweed (A1), and turn off at Haddington.

From Haddington:

- Follow the High Street through the town centre, turn right at the sign to Gifford. At the edge of town, turn left onto the B6369 to Gifford and follow signs to Gifford town centre.

By Air: To Edinburgh airport. Take an airport bus to central Edinburgh and then bus no.s X6/X8 to Haddington (For transport from Haddington, see “By Rail” above).

Haddington

A1 to

Tranent and

Edinburgh

A6137 to the Sea

A1 to Berwick on

Tweed and Dunbar

B6369 to Haddington

and A1

Gifford

To Duns &

Longformacus

B6355 to East S

altoun

Pencaitland and Tranent

Baxtersyke

Longyester

To

B6368

To Humbie

and

A68

To Haddington &

the sea

B6355

Pishwanton

To Duns

HOW MAY I HELP IF I AM UNABLE TO WIELD A SPADE

Join the Friends of Pishwanton

Make a donation - with or without Gift Aid

Sponsor Land Care or Education

Gifts for specific aspects of the project e.g.

The Community Garden

The Goethean Science Building

The Student Chalets

www.justgiving.com

www.pishwanton.org

HOW ELSE CAN YOU BECOME INVOLVED AT PISHWANTON?

VOLUNTEERING

We feel privileged to be custodians of this land and we want to share

the experience of caring for it with a wider community.

There is an immense variety of opportunities for volunteers of all ages and abilities to join in all the

year round. Under the direction of staff members, volunteers have accomplished an enormous

amount of remedial land and building work.

The nature of the work at the project is very labour intensive, by design rather than by accident. This is ongoing work,

which can only be achieved with the help of volunteers!

You may find yourself working with the land group in clearing gorse and bracken, thinning birches and making woven

birch fencing, tree planting and aftercare, digging ponds, maintaining the All-Ability Trail and the informal network of

paths.

There are opportunities to help in the biodynamic gardens or with the animals.

You could also find yourself working alongside young people in creating an ecologically sympa-

thetic water system bringing fresh water to animals and people and returning it, organically puri-

fied, to the landscape.

To volunteer - please contact : 01620 810259

Corporate agencies use our services regularly as a “day out” or as a team-building experience.

Personal Information:__

Ms.__ Miss__ Mrs. __ Mr. Surname ………………………………………………..

First name ……...……………………………………….

Street and number .…………………………………….

City/ District……………….. Post Code…………...

Country…………………

Tel ………………………. Fax ………………………..

Course: I apply for Course Title: …………………………………

Dates: ……………………………………………………

Additional Information: Please indicate any special needs, diets, requests e.g. transport, or questions you may have ………………………...…………………………...…………………………………………………….

Accommodation :-

I would like to camp at Pishwanton

I am booking my own accommodation

Payment Information: Please pay in Pounds Sterling or Euros and indicate form of payment. Cheques & money or-ders can be made payable to the Life Science Trust.

Direct Debit: Bank account & routing number/ sort code: ……………………………………………………………

__ Cheque __

Payments by Bacs: Life Science Trust c/o Bank of Scot-land,

Haddington, UK. Acc. No. 00559417 Sort Code: 80-08-23 ———————————————————————

I would like to book a holiday/respite/convalescent space with the Life Science Trust.

Please send me further information

I would like to book a place in Life Science Trust accommodation.

Craigie Lodge Quince Cottage Greenbank Cottage

Application for a course or to stay at Pishwanton Wood 2014

The Life Science Trust

an environmental educational charity

(Charity No. SC 020705)

A member of the Camphill Association

& The Quiet Garden Trust Movement

CONTACT ADDRESS:

The Pishwanton Project

Life Science Trust

Quince Cottage

4 Baxtersyke,

Gifford, East Lothian

EH41 4PL

Scotland

Tel. +44 (0)1620 810259

Email: [email protected]

www.pishwanton.org

Registered Office : as above