Living Off the Mainstream: Snapshots of Existence within a Contemporary communal settlement

In the heart of England, 20 miles west of London, a unique community known as the Runnymeade eco village has been under the care of squatters since 2012. The residents, who call themselves the Diggers, are now facing eviction, an ironic turn of events given that the land they inhabit is owned by a group celebrating the Magna Carta, a document synonymous with protecting individual liberties.

The property owners, represented by Myriam Stacey, claim that the land in question is privately owned. In April 2015, a district judge granted an adjournment after landowner representatives asked for an order for possession of the land, citing trespassing. However, this alleged agreement was not upheld in court.

Peter Phoenix, a Digger, argued in court proceedings that the removal of the Diggers would breach human rights and is not lawful. He cited articles from the Human Rights Act as his defense. This isn't the first time that eco village residents have been threatened with eviction. In a previous instance, the Diggers claimed they had a verbal agreement with a site security guard that allowed them to stay on the land so long as they stayed in the woods and did not move onto the development site.

The Diggers, comprising of Lillie, Shanti, Rosie, Andrea, Clare, Phil, and others, have built a thriving community within the space. They share meals, tools, and engage in communal chores such as cleaning, gardening, and scouting for recyclable materials. The residents supplement their food supplies with items from grocery bins and rely heavily on solar energy, keeping animals, and growing most of their own food.

The eco village residents have demonstrated their ability to make their own society prosper. They make trips to visit other eco-communities to learn new skills and share their own. Despite the ongoing eviction threat, the residents remain hopeful and continue to build their community.

A policeman stopped by to chat with the residents, and Daniella Zalcman, a photographer, took photos of the residents and the eco village for Photoshelter, documenting their resilience and determination. However, the search results do not provide information about the owners of the land in Runnymade where the eco-village residents stay.

As the eviction date approaches, the Diggers find the situation ironic, being pushed out by a group who celebrate the Magna Carta, a document associated with protecting individual liberties. The future of the Runnymeade eco village remains uncertain, but the Diggers continue to stand firm, demonstrating their commitment to their community and sustainable living.

Living Off the Mainstream: Snapshots of Existence within a Contemporary communal settlement