I was greatly saddened today to learn that Robert Hart, pioneer of cool
temperate Forest Gardening
in the UK, passed away earlier this week. To me Robert was a true 20th
Century hero, whose
contribution to our sense of possiblity far, far outstripped the sad, small
values my generation
have been encouraged to see as aspirational.
I'm proud to have met him, and hope that I can do all I can to carry forward
the vision that he had
of productive city forests and edible landscapes replacing the grey concrete
jungles and factory
farmed 'countrysides' in which so many of us exist.
Also let us not forget that Robert's prime motivating force was People care,
for his original
concept of the Forest Garden was to provide a therapuetic environment for his
brother Lacon who had
learning disabilities.
RIP Robert and thanks for the inspiration, and thanks Steve Charter for
passing on this sad news.
Graham Burnett
35 Rayleigh Avenue
Westcliff On Sea
Essex, UK
SS0 7DS