SACHA BOODJA & WAter Project
You might know that a few years ago I completed a Nature Quest - a week long experience which is a combination of learning practices for self-inquiry and deepening connection with nature. This leads into 4 days of alone time fasting and being deeply with oneself and the natural world.
I’d had solo time in nature in different ways and a shorter fast/contemplation as part of a 30 day wilderness expedition in the Kimberley but this one was truly life changing for several big reasons one of which was an introduction to a special place and some beautiful people.
Sacha Boodja is a piece of land which has been looked after and allowed to rewild and regenerate under the loving care and vision of the very wonderful Rumi & Mandakini over the last 14 years. It’s a relatively small but significant place in the wheatbelt (108 acres) that, through a combination of wise and sensitive interventions and being left alone, has regenerated trees and wildlife as well as the people who visit. It’s also a beautiful place to spend alone time as part of a Quest and a return to nature.
Since the Quest, my partner and I have been regularly visiting to help out in many different ways, share time and friendship and support the bigger vision of what is possible.
Part of that bigger vision involves water and honouring the role of water. Sacha Boodja is at the top of two significant river catchments though is also in a region with limited rainfall. Water is the most precious resource there and reliance on catchment in water tanks is a critical part of the annual cycle of being on the land.
Both locally and internationally, there’s something of a movement and some great examples of how water can be brought back into dry country to replenish and restore water flows on small and large scales. I’d strongly encourage you to watch the films at Water Stories if you are interested in how this has already been done successfully in other places to a quite astounding effect. Water as a source of life regenerates land, biodiversity, people and communities.
Claire Vanderplank who facilitates the Nature Quest is also studying and leading the application of small scale (for now) water regeneration interventions. So, together at Sacha Boodja we have a small, heartful and dedicated team who are embarking on making a demonstrable water project intervention to benefit the land a reality. You can read more detail of our pilot project at Sacha Boodja and please consider contributing to funding earthworks and initial project here.
By building an initial semi-permeable dam/pond we can allow water to build up in the land to support life in the immediate surroundings. The greater vision over time is to expand the principles and activities for more water storage and flow into the land and accelerate the regeneration already underway. Importantly, it serves as a working example to demonstrate and encourage others to consider water and land use differently and more holistically. There will be opportunities to support this and other projects in coming months and other offerings to help raise funds. Please email me if you are keen to hear more about this.
You can also find more information on Claire’s website if you’re interested in being part of and learning more about water regeneration projects and Claire’s work including the next Quest.
As a footnote to this post, I know several of you have been motivated to explore the Nature Quest experience and as a background helper it has been wonderful to see the transformation that takes place for Questers in 4 days of alone time. If reading about the experience speaks to you (and please trust your knowing) you can find out more information here - there’s one in May.