Boskanter VZW

Boskanter means ‘edge of the forest’. In permaculture, edges are seen as the most productive areas because they combine the biodiversity of two worlds. It’s also a symbol for standing on the edge of two worlds. We want at the same time go far in exploring new ways and be very accessible in two ways.

We focus on low-tech local solutions because:
- it’s too late to wait for the miracle technology that will make current western lifestyle possible for everyone
- until now, technological advances led to more consumption, rather than a smaller footprint or a fair share
- we have to learn to live with limits anyway, why not starting from what there is already
- we believe there is more happiness and satisfaction to be found in small-scale projects in contact with others and natural materials

Our activities are organized in two farms in the ‘Vlaamse Ardennen’ with:
- soil-building production gardens
- diverse wildland with opportunities to harvest natural resources for crafts and raw material for the gardens
- place for people to lodge and to organize activities
- a website to spread information
- use of natural construction methods
- workplaces and resources for crafts
- stone oven (bread, pizza) and rocket stove
- animals
- …

We actively use the methodology of ‘experiential learning’. Organized reflection moments help to put the experiences in words, to move them to another level, to feel connection in the group and to come to actions such as a post in the blog.

Our target groups are
- 'volunteers' that want to experience this life, by staying on the farm; often, but not exclusively, ‘international’
- visitors of our activities (open door, market, café), who search inspiration and connection, mainly local
- kids from some local schools
- people with fewer opportunities in Ronse
- kids needing a ‘time out’
- 'the whole world' trough our website