~ The Wooded Way ~

What is it?

Right now, it is approximately 3 acres of secluded land that is relatively level and overgrown with weeds, grasses and lantana at Larnook, 30km Northwest of Lismore at the base of Mackellar Range. To the North, there is a high ridge line overlooking grazing lands. The Western boundary consists primarily of a steeply sloping area of rainforest that becomes a natural watercourse during heavy rains flowing down to a seasonal creek that marks the Southern boundary. The Eastern boundary consists of a gully down to another much deeper watercourse. Despite being part of a share within a small community of 16 shareholders, the area in question is a good distance from the main road and very peaceful. An area of the land is a focus of ley-line energies (or perhaps 'Fey-lines' would be more accurate) that seem to draw you in somehow. Everyone that has gone to this spot has felt the energies there. It is this spot that is planned for building the proposed 'Temple of Gaia'.

To put it briefly then, Gaia Dreamspace is a Sacred space .... a sanctum, or sanctuary during the challenging times that lay ahead of us. It is a place to 'BE'.

An impression of the type of development proposed for the GAIA DREAMSPACE

The above outline incorporates a number of special features. The entry point is from MULVENA ROAD at the bottom of the diagram, & has a raised area next to the road that can be developed for parking of around 15 cars. There is also a parking bay being developed large enough to accommodate a full size bus. It is proposed that no parking be permitted at the dreamspace itself in order to maintain its integrity as a Gaia Conscious spiritual venue. However, it will be necessary to use a tractor/slasher on site that can also be used to bring in building materials. As such, the path to the dreamspace will need to be wide enough to accommodate a tractor.

The proposed entry path (that I have tentatively named Myrddins Path in honour of the ancient Druid Talyesin), heads directly North to a small wooden bridge over a seasonal creek that flows for at least 4 months of the year. The little footbridge already exists from an old path that is now overgrown, but a culvert adjacent to the bridge will need to be created to allow the tractor to cross (not a difficult job, mainly just clearing a bit of overgrowth). The path then becomes the main entry (called the PROCESSION WAY) to the dreamspace proper. The Procession Way will be an uphill walk (that may need to be cemented for easier access), up to a higher plateau area, being the dreamspace itself. At the beginning of the Procession Way is a little area alongside the creek that is very magical and mystical, hidden behind a wall of trees. This place I call Fey Glen, and it also has a large old cedar log across the creek.

The main features of the proposed Gaia Dreamspace are the TEMPLE OF GAIA, THE LABYRINTH, THE RED TENT (Sacred womens space), THE RITUAL SPACE & THE LODGE (Sacred mens space). It is proposed that all structures be of simple construction using as many natural onsite materials as possible. There is ample clay, grasses and clay/loam soil onsite to create rammed earth, mudbrick and/or cob buildings. There is also a good abundance of logs available, however, any cutting of young trees to provide poles for building must be kept to a minimum, and must be done with respect for the land. This involves cutting the trees cleanly, at least a couple of feet above ground level in order for the tree to then be able to put out new growth from the base.

On the diagram, a number of small 'roundhouses' are shown. It is proposed that these are very simple overnight or short term accommodation spaces with a floor area not more an 10 square metres (i.e. 3.5m dia) and 3m high at the central apex. This size fits withing the Lismore Councils structures exempt from requiring a DA guidelines for a cubby house, garden shed or pergola. Likewise, the Mens Lodge would be a simple, open-fronted barn-style structure and the Red Tent would essentially be a 60 square metre octagonal pergola with removable, roll-up canvas walls. While these may still require DA approval, the cost and levels of compliance should not be a problem. The TEMPLE OF GAIA is a much more substantial structure in area, consisting of a main hall with removable wall sections opening out to a 2.4m wide wrap-around verandah. The circular main hall would be around 12m (40ft) diameter. The opening walls allow the space to be opened out to 17m (55ft) diameter when required. All structures would have slightly raised compacted (adobe) earth floors. All amenities such as toilets, washing facilities, water tanks, cooking facilities, power supply, etc must be contained as part of the main hall in order to keep DA requirements simple.

The ritual space is basically a large circle 108ft in diameter surrounded by standing stones, and the labyrinth (7-circuit type) would be best made from low hedge plants, mondo grass or dense flower beds. The other larger garden beds are permaculture 'no-dig' style vegetable and herb gardens.

What has been outlined here are simply ideas and guidelines intended as a starting point only that should not give us too much 'grief' with Council. However, everything is open for discussion and can be amended accordingly, or completely redesigned as a community.

It also needs to be noted that because the land is contained on a share that is part of a multiple occupancy community, it cannot be sub-divided. As such, the Title over the land will need to remain in my wife and I's name, however, all improvements and structures on the land will be fully owned by The Wooded Way Association and, as such, once the project is fully underway and there is enough cause to believe that it will be completed as a functional Wooded Way facility, a very nominal legally binding, transferable '99 year' lease will be drawn up on the land to cover Council rates and community levies, insurances, etc (say, $5 per week, or $250/yr). This gives a real sense of continuity and security over the land and its assets on behalf of The Wooded Way Association.