Nature trail project at Camphill

"When I came here 20 years ago, there wasn't a single tree—it was just an empty field."

Now there are many trees in the field where The Bridge Camphill Community in Kilcullen established itself, writes Brian Byrne. And a lot of other things besides, as Mischa Fekete is very happy to point out.

Homes for the co- workers and those they care for. A weavery. A community hall. An organic produce store. A coffee shop and resource centre. And lots of small farm animals—chickens, geese, pigs, turkeys, all part of an almost self sufficient operation that has become an important part of the heart of Kilcullen.

Now there's going to be a fully-fledged nature trail, which could become one of the most important attractions in Kilcullen, especially for youngsters and families.

"Apart from our own farmyard sections, there are a lot of natural flora and fauna around us here, especially on the riverside areas," says Camphill's Mischa Fekete, as he walks enthusiastically around the proposed trail. When Mischa is enthused, whether directing a play for Kilcullen Drama Group or for projects to do with Camphill, everybody else gets that way too.



It isn't as if there's not already enough to see in the complex. Indeed, there's a sign at the entrance which welcomes people to walk the grounds, where they can watch the chickens peck, the turkeys strut, the pigs root. And admire the rows of beans, cabbages, flowers and everything else that the community grows there. The orchard is particularly laden with fruit at the moment.

"But there are places down along and behind the old weir which have lots of interesting plant and wild life," Mischa says. "What we want to do is turn it into a nature 'loop' as part of a full walkaround tour of the farm area."

In truth, most of the route is already in place, and all that is required is to make the pathways through the nature loop more suitable for general walking. This would need in places a raised boardwalk, and the construction of a better small bridge than the somewhat makeshift one currently in use. It is very much a piece of wild woods wonderland, reminiscent of local ones where this writer used to play as a youngster.

There are stories to be told along the way too, and Mischa envisages signboards with relevant information, strategically located. There could be a brochure, and a quiz sheet for children (adults too!) to fill in afterwards. A shelter halfway around the trail is already under construction, at one of several spots where the passing Liffey waters offer occasions of tranquility. Some of the Camphill residents might also act as guides.



"We have broached the subject with other community groups in Kilcullen. The Lions have already had a fundraising event to kick-start the project's finances. The Tidy Towns are interested because there's a conservation element to the national competition. Our local Conservation Ranger is also prepared to help."

And it is entirely possible—even desirable—that the project could literally travel further, as part of an extended nature trail along the Valley Park and the ancient Mass Path to New Abbey.

The Bridge Camphill has already brought back into the heart of Kilcullen some of the kind of farming experience which used to be very much a part of villages like this. Especially for families who have come from the city to live here, and many are now regularly taking advantage of the community's open invitation to see what this is like.

The new project, which could be well in progress next spring, will take that experience to a completely new level.

This article was first published in The Kildare Nationalist.