Brithdir Mawr, an 80-acre farm located in Newport, Pembrokeshire, Wales, has been home to a unique off-grid community for the past 30 years. Established in 1993 by Julian Orbach and his then-wife Emma, the community has thrived on sustainable living practices and a close-knit communal lifestyle. Despite its deep roots, the community now faces an uncertain future following the sale of the farm to Rachel May, a shadow work and mindfulness coach, who issued an eviction notice to the residents. While some members have vacated by the December 31 deadline, others remain steadfast in their determination to stay.
The Brithdir Mawr community initially had the opportunity to purchase the site after Orbach decided to sell. Nevertheless, they were unable to gather the £1 million required to secure the land. The sale proceeded with Rachel May acquiring the property last year. Since then, the community has been grappling with the ramifications of their impending displacement.
The farm originally formed part of a larger 160-acre landholding, and over the years, it has transformed into a hub for sustainable practices and communal living. Residents have embraced off-grid lifestyles, conducting weekly Welsh language classes, hosting workshops, and organizing open days and volunteer weeks. Communal meals are shared five times a week, and children are homeschooled within the community.
Despite the looming eviction, some members like Will Cooke and Andromeda Gervasio remain committed to their life at Brithdir Mawr. Will Cooke, who has lived there for four-and-a-half years, acknowledges the challenges but remains hopeful about finding a resolution.
"I don't know exactly what that would look like and that's OK," Will said.
He further reflected on the situation:
"This complexity and this difficulty feels very difficult, feels gnarly and unpleasant, but also I truly believe that something very special is happening."
Cooke remains optimistic about the future:
"I look forward to this process continuing and resolving in a way that works for everyone in the near future."
He emphasized the sense of community and shared purpose among residents:
"People are here not just because, there's a bigger purpose of really living together and sharing the work that it is to live and to live in a place like this… it's pretty incredible."
Andromeda Gervasio, who joined the community last summer after feeling burnt out from city life, expressed her gratitude for Brithdir Mawr's accepting environment:
"Being a queer person in the rural landscape has always been something that I was generally scared about… and then actually discovering it and feeling incredibly safe here, I've been so grateful… and I think that I owe lots to Brithdir in that regard."
She pointed out the broader implications of their struggle:
"We're not up against a particular person but a system and a normalized way of going about things."
Gervasio questioned the fairness of legal processes:
"Just because someone has the legal backing to do something, it doesn't necessarily make it okay or how the world should be."
Rosie, another community member, voiced her sadness over the situation:
"Essentially I feel really, really sad about it."
The community hopes that media attention will spark conversations about land rights and contribute to systemic change. Their plight highlights broader issues regarding sustainable living practices and communal ownership of land.
The Brithdir Mawr community is more than just a collection of individuals living off-grid; it represents a vision of sustainable coexistence. For decades, members have lived in harmony with nature while fostering an inclusive environment. The looming eviction threatens not only their homes but also their way of life.
Rachel May's acquisition of Brithdir Mawr introduces new dynamics into this longstanding community. As a shadow work and mindfulness coach, doula, and soul guide, her background contrasts with the community's historical emphasis on self-sufficiency. Her decision to issue eviction notices underscores tensions between legal rights and ethical considerations in property ownership.
While some residents have already departed, those remaining at Brithdir Mawr continue to advocate for their right to stay. The media attention surrounding their struggle shines a light on broader questions of land ownership and communal living in contemporary society.