The Magdalen Project and its environments based in Somerset
The setting and ecological infrastructure at The Magdalen Project are
very special with many visitors returning to enjoy the unique range of educational
and recreational opportunities with a Field Studies Centre. It comprises residential accommodation
and teaching facilities occupying carefully restored farm buildings which
are an integral part of a working organic small holding and conservation area.
The residential facilities
The residential somerset accommodation for up to 36 visitors comprises a single storey
range of restored buildings divided into 8 comfortable bedrooms, adjoining
the courtyard and with disabled access. There is additional accommodation
in a nearby eco-cabin with a camp site adjacent to the centre. A seminar/teaching
room and the large dining room open directly to a landscaped courtyard, offering
a social focus for relaxation and interaction in a sheltered space amongst
growing plants. The second spacious teaching/seminar space at first floor
level occupies the former granary with partially sprung floor and balcony
overlooking the courtyard.
The Land
The mixed small holding has a range of enterprises including vegetables, fruit,
traditional breed of pigs, sheep, free range chickens and small shop. It is
operated organically and has Soil Association accreditation.
The 52 hectares comprises of a rich and varied environment with a range of
carefully managed habitats including grassland, wooded valleys, gorse scrub,
water meadows, the meandering course of the river Axe and five large ponds.
Insects, butterflies and birds are plentiful with badgers, deer, foxes and
buzzards being commonly sighted on the land.
Further afield
Within walking distance of the farm there is more extensive woodland, the
village of Winsham, Somerset, tributary streams in the Axe drainage basin, contrasting
land-uses and a range of approaches to rural regeneration. Field Studies Centre The architectural
splendours of Forde Abbey and the spectacular landforms of West Dorset heritage
coastline are nearby.
Resources
The Magdalen Project has a 'menu of resources' available on
request, summarising the wide range of courses, activities, teachers and facilitators
within The Magdalen Project's fold. These resources can be incorporated into
independent courses or organised to create a course specifically for your
indiviual needs by one of The Magdalen Project staff.
The Magdalen Project is part of the Wessex Foundation, a registered educational charity that is striving towards creating a living example of ecological and sustainable practice.
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