When we started the current phase of the Buddhafield Base project six years ago, we put lots of structure in place - business plans, bank accounts, legal standing and a team to run all the moving parts. At this stage in its evolution, the project is primarily an admin and fundraising enterprise which, for some, may seem less inspiring than the eventual potential of this land-based, community-filled dream. However, finding inspiration and beauty in all places is a fundamental skill we cultivate here at Buddhafield. From chopping veg to spreadsheets, the magic flows for those with eyes and hearts to see.
A Crowdfunder is born…
Some of the jewels that began to pile up early on were fundraising ideas. The wealth of possibilities included our share offer, legacy funding, grants, events, in-person appeals, big donors and lenders, donation platforms... and a crowdfunder. As a committed but small team, we lined up the potential and started working through it. In 2025, the crowdfunder rose to the top of the pile.
The lovely Lucy took on the role of crowdfunder leader, and we began a journey that took us to May Hill in Gloucestershire for our video shoot, then to Glastonbury, Buddhafield Festival, and Green Earth Awakening for UGC. We also learnt what UGC meant (user-generated content) 😁 with the help of our Bristol-based partners, Clockwise Film.
The Peace of Wild Things
The Peace of Wild Things poem was a big part of our inspiration for the film. It captures much of what we believe Buddhafield offers the world.
The Berry Foundation permitted us to use it, and we had many community members recite it during filming. In the video, you see that we eventually selected only Annie's voice for the film, but you can see others reciting it in the outtakes on socials. Annie is a long-time Buddhafielder and one of the creators of our Village retreat.
Wendell Berry passed away in August 2026 - we're grateful for his gifts and inspiration and wish him peace and power in his rest.
When despair for the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting with their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.
The Gratitude Song
At the same time, we also filmed a music video for The Gratitude Song by Rebecca Cant. She says this of the song:
The song rose up in me during one of many Buddhafield village retreats I have been on with my family. I was playing guitar by the fire as the evening light faded, watching two friends hold each other in a long hug, before crossing the stream to put my children, exhausted from playing under the sky all day, safely to bed.
For me, the song captures the essence of Buddhafield- land, sky, stars, stream, fire, hugs, children, family, community, love, joy, sadness. All are welcome and witnessed with gratitude.
Continuing to expand our understanding of what we are offering the world is as much a part of the Buddhafield Base project as anything else we are doing. It’s been really special to hold the vision through these creative expressions.
The Crowdfunder Supporter
The Crowdfunder ran through the summer of 2026. We launched just before Buddhafield Festival and ended on 20th September. We raised just over £6,000 for the project and saw the flowering of generosity from our supporters, including:
Maria Zylinski, Allison Parkes-Norris, Nug, Sky Young, Emma Phipps, Victoria Wren, Rosamund Wilton, Sarah Gilson, Haze, Monty Rhodes, Cecilia-morreau, Phillip Turpin, Samasuri, David Hirtenstein, Marc Block, Gill A, Jess Holliday, Tracy Knowles, Michael Thacker, Jaana Laidlaw, Emma Burch, Shantikara, Lokabandhu, Carolina Alonso Neve, Sarah, Tanya, Sophie Harding, Andrew Blandy, Christine, Alex Giddings, Random_Charlie, Katie Wellings, Sara Hagel, Gaelle Bardsley, Michelle Keaney, Paranita, Su Charlesworth, Lisa Socrates, Sally Miller, Nicky Spencer-Hutchings, Matt Kelly, Leandropestanaa, Michelle Gavin-Rothero
If you gave and your name isn’t here, it’s becausue you selected anonymity on Crowdfunder. If you’d like to be added, get in touch. Thank you to everyone who donated and shared the project.
What’s next?
Branch 2 of our share offer is ongoing. This is where you can help shape the future of Buddhafield Base, join shareholder meetings, and get regular updates from us.
In December, we’ll be running The Big Give for Buddhafield. Donations during that campaign could be doubled. Sign up for our newsletter to be notified when that fund opens for donations.
We’re continuing our property search for Base… with one exciting prospect on the horizon at the moment (autumn 2026). As soon as we have news, we’ll share it with you
Buddhafield Base is a project for community, for the future and for exemplification of our four values - authentic community, meaningful work, celebration of creativity and imagination and care for land and ecology. Find out how you can support us here.