Two years ago, we made a video to protect the valley where we have our main vegetable garden, as it was about to be sold to hunters who wanted to do commercial agriculture, which would be a disaster for the people, nature and the streams that flow through the landscape. We helped the neighbors set up a crowdfunding and an association. We received an email from a woman, who wanted to support us. We replied to the email but never received any answer. Shortly after this, the neighbors were told that the sellers already had accepted a legally binding down payment and there was no going back, so our neighbors refunded all the donations. They thought there was nothing more they could do.

 

But nature decided differently...

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NATURE WAS ON OUR SIDE

It turned out that before being able to finalize the sale, the owners had to arrange some legal documents, which took them about two years, thanks to the Spanish bureaucratic system. This gave them precious time to think.

 

AN UNEXPECTED TWIST

Beginning of June 2024, the family came to speak with us personally and we had a beautiful open conversation. They said they had changed their minds about selling to the company. They told us how they always had good connections with the local people and wanted to keep these bonds of affection. They decided to follow their hearts and were even willing to lose the 20.000 euros fine which they would have to pay to the buyers, if they canceled the sale.

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AND THEN A MIRACLE HAPPENED

At first we thought about setting up another crowdfunding, but there was no complete yes in our body, so we never shared it. When we visited a big event in London, beginning of November, suddenly someone came up to us. She presented herself as the woman who wanted to support us two years ago. She had no idea we would be there, and we never expected to see her. She told us two years ago, her answer email was sent but returned, and she had no idea how to contact us in another way. We told her about the recent happenings and shared a deep moment beyond words, our hearts deeply touched.

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She decided to freely gift us all funds to buy the land and the necessary extra expenses for the notary and taxes.

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Two years ago, we were not ready, our Spanish association was not set up yet, and she told us she was not ready either. Right now, all pieces beautifully came together in this magical moment, and nature decided it was the right timing. 

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A VALLEY WITH A DEEP HISTORY

These days, this valley is on the verge of desertification because agricultural misunderstandings and malpractices. However, the valley has a rich history which can be seen in the very old paintings that can be found high up in the rocks. In ancient times, people did already come to this valley. The question remains if they lived here, or only came to for a while to strengthen, do their rituals and take in the purity of the small rivers that run through it. We feel we need to do what we can to safeguard the purity of this valley and restore its natural habitat, so that people can come again to strengthen, refresh and gain perspective for their own areas.

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WHAT THIS MEANS FOR THE FUTURE

Our first step now, is to protect the valley, which will be realized by buying it. The second step is to change this hunting area into a protected area. We will plant many trees, bushes and create water bodies for natural water retention. This will increase biodiversity. Through natural farming we will increase soil life and transform this area into a landscape where nature and people can be together peacefully and many young people can come to learn about natural farming. A deep desire becoming reality: creating the first Natural Farming Exploration Center in Spain.