A FARMER'S dream of selling acres of land to the community to turn it into a 'forest farm' run by local people has become a reality.

Stephen Powell, 60, will sell his land on Llwyn Ffranc Farm, near Abergavenny, in a bid to turn it into a haven for food production, sustainable forestry and an education centre.

The farm, on the slopes of the Skirrid, stretches across some 136 acres of woodland and orchards, and is currently privately owned by Mr Powell.

The former Reuters journalist says storytelling will play a big part of spreading the word of the community far,.

Mr Powell was inspired by an author of environmental books that he had interviewed more than 30 years ago about the importance of sustainable forestry, and wants to see it happen in the community.

He said, "E F Schumacher's mantra was "what we need is trees" and I was very much inspired by this."

Several months ago the Chronicle reported how Mr Powell (pictured right) wanted the community to get behind the project to enable it to come to fruition. That's now happened and, although there's a smaller space of land, the area will soon be transformed.

There are tens of thousands of trees planted on the farm. "There is so much scope for further planting, the production of elder flower cordial, mushrooms and much more here," Mr Powell added.

He says this could become the biggest community project in South Wales. Already the Crucorney Energy Group are involved.

The farm is also licensed to fell 5,000 conifers in its forest, and there are plans to run an education centre where children can learn about sustainable living.

The initiative took a significant step forward on September 4 with the election of a seven-member ruling council.

Mr Powell said, "Our intention is that the council will oversee the transition from private to community ownership."

Mr Powell's passion for the idea continues through courses he has set up and run since 2007 on the Gaian Leadership.

"Some 22 people have graduated on this course and six are going through the current one. They are involved in the initiative and have made pledges. The course focuses on the twin themes of personal and planetary renewal. Our deepest concern is leadership. For us, grounding leadership in a healing of the Earth is the great adventure of the 21st century."

Anyone interested in joining the initiative, from tree planting to office work, e-mail [email protected]">[email protected] or call Mr Powell on 01873 890032.