Real-life Tales of Earning - Earthworks

How to survive in a competitive world

"In the end, our society will be defined not only by what we create, but by what we refuse to destroy." Nature Conservancy's John Sawhill

"This is the end of Hixberry Lane miss and no sign of anybody named Earthworks" the cabbie said to me on our way down a single lane road.  I grew incredibly nervous not knowing where else it could be.  But then there it was.  It was at the very end of the road before it turned into a small walking path.  As I jumped out of the cab and paid my driver, I could tell he drove away quite surprised, having not realizing there was anything down Hixberry lane. 

This is a case study for those who think that there is no funding available for small charities.  It is those people that Earthworks proves wrong.  Money is available for everyone, it is just knowing where to look for it.  Here is how Earthworks found what was available and used it to grow. 

"No man manages his affairs as well as a tree does"
George Bernard Shaw

History

Earthworks was started back in 1995 as an opportunity for people of all abilities to have a place to gain work experience.  The project leader since the start has been Tim Wright, an avid supporter of environmental issues and helping those less fortunate. 

Earthworks is located in St. Albans in the south-east of England, about a twenty minute train ride from central London.  Its' mission is to provided opportunities for training and work experience to those of all abilities.  Trainees and Volunteers gain expertise in conservation, horticulture and other land-based skills.  All of these learned skills are put towards gaining self confidence, work experience and a better place to live. 

Funding

Earthworks is a very small local charity with 7 staff members, only 2 of whom are full-time.   They get money from a variety of sources including environmental bodies, local businesses and Social Services.  In 2002, Earthworks their annual turnover was £105,000.  £60,00 of that comes from grants, both and statutory and non statutory. 

The rest comes from fundraising/donations/contracts and the sale of services.  Trainees and Volunteers pay for the training and skills that are being given to them, and the largest chunk of money comes from a yearly grant of £30,000 from the Council. 

As part of their new project Garden Contract, Earthworks receives funding from the Community Fund.  The project takes volunteers and trainees to peoples gardens in order to put their skills on display.  Part of the funding for the project also comes from those who receive the new and improved garden. 

Hixberry Lane

Upon walking onto the two acre site on Hixberry lane, the last thought in your head would be charity.  The atmosphere is much more of a desire to learn, to experiment and to grow.  Each person you met welcomes you with a hand that has obviously been weeding or painting.  There is not a person there, who is not willing to give a helping hand for any task that needs to be done, and if everyone else is busy, there is always Jessie, Tim's dog to greet you.   Jessie is there as a constant companion to any new found friends. 

The site is leased from the local council at a peppercorn rent of £50 a month.  One of the many of the attractions of Earthworks is its use of natural resources.  It generates power from wind, with its wind turbine.  This interactive feature of the site provides an entertaining way to learn about renewable energy for students.  During a tour you see how to collect rainfall, in order to conserve running water.  In 1999, Earthworks finished construction of its very own compost toilet.  No need to worry, there is not even the faintest odour around the area.  Within the site there is an underground storage area for all the fruits and vegetables grown throughout the year.  All construction work is undertaken by Earthworks trainees and volunteers in an attempt practice the new learned skills and to use all available resources.  

Getting Involved

The major factor in the survival of Earthworks is how they spread the word on the opportunities they offer.  Volunteers and trainees can gain experience in:

• gardening and conservation
• working as part of a team
• fundraising and office work
• joining the Management Committee 
• Earthworks trainees receive nationally recognised awards from the NPTC.  
• At the end of each year, trainees participate in an awards ceremony for acknowledgment of moving through the certificate scheme. 

They have advertised these facts in order to market their service. The benefits they provide is a saleable product like any other, and it is through recognising, and valuing this product that they have been able to use it to generate income. They are acheiving their mission to provide opportunities to learn and work to people of all abilities, and are using this process to pay for itself.

"Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you."
Frank Lloyd Wright

Stumbling Blocks

As is with any company, Earthworks has had many hurdles to get to where they are.   Back in February 2001, arsonists destroyed the main building, and no one has yet been caught.  Earthworks took this set back as a challenge to construct something even better from the original building.  By summer 2001 the new building was ready for use because of the immense effort put in by all members of the team.  There is still part of the old burnt building on the property as a reminder of what happened and where they came from. 
Earthworks, in an attempt to expand, partnered with an other company.  Unfortunately this partnership fell through because of differences in mission.  Earthworks is not in business to make money but rather help people gain work experience.  The other company felt that the idea behind Earthworks had a very profitable centre.  Even with this failed venture, Earthworks is constantly looking to expand and find a new satellite.

Today

Earthworks is focusing its attention to new and exciting projects.  With each one, the group gains experience and skills. One of their more recent projects was the Millennium Maze located in Hydefield Park.  Earthworks, with funding from Groundwork Environmental Action Grants, Community Environmental Fund and St. Albans District Council,  created a wildflower maze based on the pattern of a labyrinth. 

On top of the new and exciting projects, Earthworks participates in events in the St. Albans community.  On the second Sunday of every month, an Earthworks booth can be found at the farmers market.  By doing this, Earthworks can sell the produce grown on Hixberry Lane and market the charity.  These monthly markets bring in roughly £250 pounds each which then can be put into growing more produce. 

During an Open Garden event held on the15th of June 2003, there were 250 visitors to the Earthworks site.  They were there to buy some produce or tour the area but in the end they had a lovely day learning about Earthworks and what they do.  Now those new friends are more likely to do two things.  First off, take what they learned about conservation and put it into everyday practice and second, tell more people about  Earthworks.  Another open day for Earthworks is their Annual Summer Fair.  As an open house function there is music, games and a relaxing environment, which brings over 400 people out to Hixberry Lane.  

Earthworks also publishes a quarterly newsletter.  It provides updates on projects and pictures from recent events.  This allows Earthworks to stay close with funders and the public.  An archive of past newsletters can be found at Earthworks' website at www.earthworksstalbans.co.uk.

So there is hope!! Charities can survive without huge funding grants or a fifty person office.  Earthworks has been successful in their endeavours because of various things.  For one, they have a range of smaller grants and contracts which pays for each project, so they are never reliant on one source of income. They have also made it part of their start-up business plan for each project that it should be as self-financing as possible.  Being secure in funding allows them time and energy to put into projects.  Secondly they are welcomed and known within the St. Albans community.  By having a name made for themselves, Earthworks is better able to grow both in the community and within the voluntary sector.  Lastly, Earthworks is successful because they are doing what they know and love.  Each team member is eager to experiment and learn new things.  They better the lives of their volunteers and the Earth that we all share. 

"Conservation is the foresighted utilization, preservation and/or renewal of forests, waters, lands and minerals, for the greatest good of the greatest number for the longest time."-Gifford Pinchot

To get in touch with Earthworks
16 Gombards, St. Albans AL3 5NW
Tel. 01727 847311
Email: earthworks@earthworksstalbans.co.uk
Also visit www.earthworksstalbans.co.uk