IN A QUIET country lane in Cosheston, a few miles from Pembroke Dock, something remarkable is underway. John Hargraves, owner of Green Apple Cross, is

John Hargraves, owner of Green Apple Cross

in the process of transforming his land into an exemplar of sustainable living.

A carbon neutral, self-sufficient small holding which Includes woodland coppicing, orchard, fruit-tree nursery, vegetable garden and wildlife area. The development began, when John moved to Cosheston 7 years ago, with his daughter.

“I’ve always worked in the community and this project is about giving something back. I want to enable people, not just to come and learn about growing vegetables, but also to feel good about the land.”

All ages from school and community groups to senior citizens are invited to visit the site, to learn new skills such as apple tree grafting, fruit and veg growing and composting as well as the benefits of sustainable living. There is no charge but donations are welcome.

“The local school has visited in the past’ John continues, ‘we have received funding from educational charity services which is great but with cuts in funding for education it’s difficult for school groups to come. It’s a shame as there’s lots to offer.”

This includes 3 shave horses bought with help from the educational services charity. Shave horses are workbenches which people can sit on, and using a special tool, carve wood into various shapes. “The fact that we have three means it can be a group event, children or adults, can learn together.”

John lives temporarily in a Gypsy Caravan on the land that he has worked on for 7 years. He admits he still has much work to do, but values the support of the community.

“Planting trees in the woodland area was a real community effort. A neighbour puts his sheep to graze on my land and gives me firewood in return. So there’s a nice exchange.”

He hopes to eventually offer individual allotments for school groups and to teach children about house building through the construction of his eco house. It is perhaps the most impressive part of the project. Built with little outside help and using locally sourced timber and polystyrene in the walls and floor. He intends to make it fully insulated so heating will be largely unnecessary.

“It’s certainly the only eco house of this size and design in Pembrokeshire. When it’s complete I would like to use the space for yoga and dance classes.”

In September 2013, the low impact council held a conference at Green Apple. Over 50 people took part in various activities, enjoyed live music and camping in the beautiful surroundings.

Local reading and writing groups have also used the undercover nursery, which in spring is an abundance of blossoming fruit trees.

“Local writer Ruthie Alton led a review of Germaine Greer’s White Beech here last summer. We plan to a make this a regular thing.”

In the future John would like to see more school/community groups and general public visiting Green Apple. He understands it’s a time of cutbacks and hardships but believes people will always need the land.

“Green Apple was made for sharing. There are always things going on here. In February the Apricot trees will begin to flower, in March grafting on the young trees can begin. Whatever happens in the world we have to look after the land.”