Estate Team at Corbenic Camphill Community, Autumn 2011

Jon Plunkett, our Estate Team Leader writes

'Take a walk through the grounds of Corbenic and you are sure to see signs of the Estate Team's work.

Maybe start at the ‘Village Green’ where mowed grass gives ample space for community gatherings and festivals, and pruned trees allow views down the length of the Strahbrann Valley.

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From the green you could wander uphill, passing a woodshed piled high with seasoned logs that bring warmth and cheer to the houses during the colder months.

Continue to the edge of the plantation then follow The Betula Path, winding its way among the white trunks of native Birch until it meets another path which, under shelter of Larch and Pine makes its way toward one of the highest points of Corbenic and views extend across the estate with its houses nestled among stretching trees.

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Maybe head downhill now and find small paths disappearing into the steep wooded slopes. You could choose Picea Path, pausing at bench nestled under knurled Rhododendron bushes and offering view over a sheltered glade where in summer the bees are gathering. Then carry on until, under the weeping branches of a Brewers Spruce, the top of the Quercus Steps can be found. Follow these down steep slopes where the strong roots help hold the path in place. Or take Excelsior Path to the banks of the River Braan, passing among stretching Ash trees and groves of Hazel and Alder where dappled light dances magically and moss-covered boulders lend their weight to some sense of the ancient.

The Estate Team work to maintain the paths and grounds of Corbenic in a way that is sensitive to and respectful of the natural landscape into which they are embedded, while at the same time acknowledging the history of the estate.?b

And while the team work hard, time is also taken to be still and appreciate the intricate beauty of the land we work, and to have fun, be it climbing trees, exploring forgotten corners, river swims, or just enjoying the ‘banter’ and good humour of the lives brought together in this wonderful setting...'

October 2011

Many of these trees were planted during the time when Drumour served as a hunting lodge. Trees and shrubs from far flung corners of the earth are a reminder of the estates history and now in many ways reflect the international composition of the community that live among them.

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