Commonwork
Commonwork in Chiddingstone, near Edenbridge, is a social enterprise that wholeheartedly embodies the social enterprise spirit of innovation, diversity and inclusivity. Deeply embedded into its historic foundations and working practices are community values, holistic sustainability and a sharp, forward-thinking approach capable of leading the way into the future. |
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Commonwork is a group of three organisations, working in co-operation on a 500-acre estate. The estate is owned by the Neil Wates Charitable Trust while the main work of the group is undertaken by Commonwork Land Trust and Commonwork Organic Farms. Together they share a vision of a fairer world, in which people collaborate with each other and with nature everywhere, recognising that all are interconnected. They are not, however, merely dreamers and it is their true understanding of this concept of interconnection that has enabled them to apply their vision to everyday life in concrete and practical ways since 1976. Today Commonwork is a successful organic dairy farm, a residential study centre and an education programme, hosting 10,000 visitors a year. And yet the vision continues to find new avenues for exploration and development. In 2005, Commonwork created a 10 year plan with the aim of becoming a zero fossil energy farm. This ambition has begun to take Commonwork’s technical skills and business acumen to a new level. Converting vegetable oil into biodiesel, installing biomass boilers and setting up a Local Food and Education Hub are just some of the ways in which they are working towards sustainability in every way. As impressive as all of this is, it is Commonwork’s continuous commitment to sharing their environment and expertise that enables them to be truly inclusive and harmonious with people from all walks of life. The farm is a key resource for education with hands-on learning offered to schools, colleges, community groups and people with fewer opportunities. There is also an extensive ‘Sustainable and Global’ schools programme, offering workshops to students and teachers on a wide range of issues such as renewable energy, conflict resolution and ethical trade. There are also many events open to the public with lots of fun to be had learning to grow vegetables, raise chickens and even make cream teas and cakes from the farm’s produce to be enjoyed at the end of the day. All of this is topped off with a professionally run residential study centre, offering a peaceful space amidst abundant gardens to anyone who needs an inspiring environment to work in. Indeed these gardens, transformed through time from formally planned surroundings for the manor house during the Jacobean times of strife and social division, and presently planned to reflect Commonwork’s interest in the interdependence of people and the natural world, are a remarkable homage to the inspiring work of an incredible social enterprise.
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