Absolutely! Quick question... are you planning an eco-tourist interface in the new wildland? Here in Oregon, we call them nature trails. They usually have signage that tells about the specific area. Education! When people know, they care. ❤
Wonderful! In the Netherlands, my country, there are not too many opportunities to go for rewilding, as the area is small and there are too many people living on it. BUT: compared to my childhood, things have improved. Forests are "wilder", many grasslands are given back to nature, people in cities take cobblestones out in order for plants to grow, etc. Still: the water quality is not ok and MUCH more has to be done to make the nature and wildlife flourish better. So I can only applaud your efforts and wish you the best with your remarkable initiatives! I hope many people will support you.
And where does the food come from that was previously grown on those farms? The governments have been forcibly taking over farms from the farmers which is what they have been fighting against.
I am not a tax expert, so may have some details wrong, but as far as I can make out, this is the situation: Property Tax in the UK (Council Tax) is charged according to a system of bands based upon the value of the property when the taxation system was established. Mapperton House should be subject to Council Tax. Business taxes do not apply to agricultural land, but parts of the estate might be, such as their café and places like Keeper's Cottage or the glamping site. The Mapperton Estate would be in Band H, though individual properties within the Estate are probably charged separately, such as the home of the Earl and Countess and other residential properties. There is an upper limit to the charge on Band H. Land associated with the property is included in that charge, regardless of its use. Business rates do not apply unless the land is used for non-agricultural purposes. Rewilded land is still agricultural whilst animals are grazed, but if there were no grazing, the land would be regarded as part of the property, so included in the existing charges. It might seem as if rewilded land does not contribute towards the taxes, but often, the land that is rewilded is the least productive and probably costs more to use than to not use. Financially, as well as environmentally, rewilded land is cost-effective once the initial costs have been made. The only other tax affecting the land is a tax when property is sold. This is unlikely to happen, so does not apply.
Yes. This is what I think about everytime there's a fundraising for a restoration project, re-wilding or anything of the sort. I once saw that the ceiling at one of the halls inside Vaux-le-Vicomte needs refurbishment and they are asking for donations. When I found out that it was in fact privately owned by a wealthy couple (The Count and Countess of Vogue no less, which should be equal to the Earl and Countess of Sandwich in terms of rank), my desire to donate completely vanished into thin air.
The thing you are doing is very important . Luke you are already doing very well on mapperton and ı am sure you’ll be successful in this project too that is absolutely unique 🌳🦫 god bless you My best wishes always with you 😊😀
