Carolyn's story

Carolyn decided to leave a gift in her Will to the Soil Association, in memory of her husband Charlie and their shared passion for organic farming. She hopes her gift will help to protect the planet for generations to come.  

Carolyn’s relationship with the Soil Association goes back a long way, and started in the early 70s when she met her late husband, Charlie.  

At the time, he was pursuing a range of alternative careers and became very interested in the organic movement. During a 3-month trip across America, the couple found themselves incredibly inspired by the back-to-the-land movement, which called for people to start smallholdings and live more self-sufficiently. 

On their return from America, Charlie immediately joined the Soil Association as a member, and started work on an organic market garden whilst looking for his own land. They then bought their own farm, Aeron Parc in 1975, which was one of the first farms in the UK to be certified by the Soil Association.

Charlie loved his time on the farm, and both Charlie and Carolyn were both very invested in the benefits organic had for the soil, wildlife and even their own health. Sadly, Charlie passed away in 1986, and the vegetable garden was too much for Carolyn to maintain on her own. But she’s stayed involved in the Soil Association ever since, even sitting on the council at one stage! 

Carolyn said, “It made sense to me to include the Soil Association in my Will, in memory of my husband, but also because I am committed to the organic movement. I have seen the benefits of organic for our planet – wildlife populations flourish, our soil is healthier, and our food packed with nutrients. 

I hope my gift will help the Soil Association to continue their vital work and protect this beautiful planet for generations to come.” 

 

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