Kent Day Walk with a Visit to DARES

Saturday October 19th
10.30am-4.30pm approx (exact times TBC)

As part of a new series exploring experiments in community building, we'll be combining a walk through the Kent countryside with a visit to DARES.

Located within a rewilded corner of Kent, DARES is a meeting place where activists from diverse groups can come to come together to rest and cross-pollinate ideas. Since 2023, DARES has been led by a core team of 10-20 people, alongside a wider community of part-time visitors and remote advocates, with a dedicated group that lives on-site, tending to the land, local wildlife, and the experiences of the visitors that come through.

In the morning, we'll take the train to Edenbridge (approx 1 hour from Victoria) and hike to DARES where we'll stop for lunch and learn more about the project. We'll then hike to Hever in the afternoon where we'll catch the train back to London. Exact details of the walk to follow, but expect a total of four to five hours walking time at a steady pace, so you'll need a good level of fitness.

Fuller description of DARES: "Since 2019, DARES has existed in support of groups and individuals working to stop the harm caused by climate and social injustice, while also building the foundations for more just and beautiful futures. Located within a rewilded corner of Kent, DARES has become a resting place for activists and a gateway for people lost in a time of social upheaval. Visitors come out of curiosity, and leave with a deeper connection to the land, fresh perspectives and valuable connections within the climate justice movement. 

"DARES is also a meeting place where diverse groups and theories of change come together. Groups, such as Just Stop Oil, Movement Ecology Collective and Safe Landing, may find themselves sitting by the bio-pool sharing a meal and cross-pollinating ideas together. In 2023, DARES became a co-created vision and has since been led by a core team of 10-20 people, alongside a wider community of part-time visitors and remote advocates. A dedicated group lives on-site, tending to the land, local wildlife, and the experiences of the visitors that come through."

Cost: You will need to buy your own train ticket. Lunch will be prepared for us by DARES. Optional donations to the project welcomed.