Whether you are a regular or someone who haven't visited yet, we would like to share with you what happens here at Dares. Be part of our thriving community, stay updated on the latest projects, skill-sharing workshops, and community events at Dares.
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Ramblings from DARES - Newsletter #2
Published about 1 year ago • 3 min read
RAMBLINGS FROM DARES
(this month Monika!)
MY STORY WITH DARES
I first came to DARES in the pandemic, in 2020. Being stuck at home in London, isolated from people and nature, I was spontaneously invited to this oasis of peace and beauty. I vividly remember that first visit and falling in love with it. I am not a “tree-loving hippie” (apologies to all my tree-loving hippie friends), but even I was blown away by how being among trees and lovely people, just an hour away from my busy life in London, works on my psyche.
Since then, there have been many returns to DARES, helping to grow it, through peaks and troughs, making it the space that it is today.
Monika and Molly preparing to host a talent show.
Things that happen at DARES every year:
I celebrate my birthday
A dozen different workshops and gatherings
Hundreds of people flow through the space, coming to regenerate, connect to others, make art
New structures and projects crop up
Dozens of bottles of cider are made and drunk
Yoga, meditation, retreats, forest walks and foraging
New people join the community thrilled by the possibilities
Daily masterchef-level communal cooking, making incredible inventions from ingredients you never even heard of.
THE GROUNDSKEEPERS
What is stunning about DARES is not only the proximity of nature, but it’s the groundskeepers:
Dan - your funny lad turned rad dad.
Molly - a 10-year-old who will get you involved in her latest business enterprise of selling handmade bracelets or hairbands.
Alexia- creative, enthused, leopard-print-loving gal with ADHD-brain energy
Francis - little half-Italian guy with a passion for dinosaurs and rapping about them
Milly - the tree-loving hippie type in the best way possible, who will charm you with her singing and make you laugh to tears
Hugo - the sage of the village, if he was born in a different time, he would have been an ancient philosopher living in a barrel.
WHAT'S BEEN GOING ON
Hedging Our Bets (with Hazel)
Spring is gently nudging everything awake here at DARES. The willows by the car park have had their annual haircut (pollarded!) and their offcuts are now busy becoming a living fence—yes, we’re growing our own fences, one bendy willow at a time. Next time you're peeing by the compost loo, you might notice a new hazel screen giving you a bit more privacy—no more awkward eye contact across the allotment!
Speaking of neighbours, our lovely woodland pals Anastasia and Serge from Gilridge House have not only donated hazel poles but invited us to help manage their hedgerows. Instead of burning the offcuts, they’re letting us build a dead hedge on their land—a win for us and the bugs and birds who now have another little paradise to live in. Ten of us, many holding an axe for the first time, joined in to chop and sned and weave.
Milly and Monika during the Project Team Weekend
Project Team Weekend
We’ve held the first Project Team Weekend this year in March. We’ve had a weekend full of visioning, building, scheming, and snacking.
Think: communal firelight, soil under your nails, and a bit of admin (but the wholesome kind).
WE ARE LOOKING FOR NEW GROUNDKEEPERS
TO JOIN OUR CREW!
You’ll be joining our lovely little team that lives on-site and supports the day-to-day functioning of the project. We’re in particular looking for someone who is interested in food growing - no experience needed - just dedication! 🌿
We’re looking for someone who is:
Able to commit to a minimum of 6 months living on-site
Able to commit min 2 days per week to the project
Interested in community living, sharing meals, frequent check-ins etc.
Comfortable co-hosting & engaging with visitors, sometimes large groups
Important info:
You will have your own private dwelling on site
£200 monthly contribution for food & bills is needed
Located near Edenbridge, Kent, about 45 train from London Bridge
FLINTA/Queer folks preferred :)
Important note: The crew currently living here, and many of our wonderful visitors, are committed to a range of activism projects, in particular for climate justice and Palestinian liberation. We actively engage in social justice movements beyond this project- if this isn't for you, we probably won’t be a good fit. 🇵🇸
If you’re keen and would like some more information or have any questions, please drop us an email at oakhavencollective@gmail.com 🌳
OPEN DAYS: INVITING NEW STORERS OF VALUE
If you know anyone curious about investing money into this wild experiment, tell them to visit us.
We’re throwing an open day as a chance for potential new SoVs (Storers of Value) to come, see, and feel what DARES is all about.
We welcome anybody interested in getting involved with DARES to come during the weekend of 14/15 June 2025 and see how we live and what we do.
UNTIL NEXT TIME
There’s something about this land that draws people back again and again. Maybe it’s the trees, maybe the compost toilet, maybe it’s Molly convincing you to buy five hair bands you didn’t know you needed. Whatever it is - thank you for being part of it.
If you want to come down, get involved, or just be, we’re here. Bring boots. And a big appetite.
Also, please consider making a regular donation to DARES, every little helps to keep the magic going! 💚
Whether you are a regular or someone who haven't visited yet, we would like to share with you what happens here at Dares. Be part of our thriving community, stay updated on the latest projects, skill-sharing workshops, and community events at Dares.
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