Our proximity to Glasgow has had an added benefit this year due to its hosting of COP26. We were thrilled to be chosen to host two particularly intrepid activist groups before the last part of their respective journeys to the event. The first group that we hosted was Camino to COP26 who, incredibly, had already been walking for 51 days before reaching us. The group describe themselves as a climate pilgrimage “telling the story of the impact of climate change on vulnerable communities” and started their walk to Glasgow all the way from London and Bristol.
After a hot meal, this resilient group stayed overnight in our yoga barn. During their short time here, we offered a tour of our eco farm and some joyful mantra music experience which they participated in with heart and enthusiasm. With them, they also carried the ‘Coat of Hope’ which was abundantly adorned with patchwork designs that were in some way related to climate change. One of our own community members even sewed on her own dolphin and felt honoured to be allowed to try on the coat. They set off down the hill in song on day 52 (out of 56) of their journey.
A few days later saw the arrival of Ride for their Lives (#RideForTheirLives) who had cycled all or part of the way from Great Ormond Street Hospital in London to the Children’s Hospital in Glasgow. Their principal mission was to highlight the seriousness of air pollution which leads to millions of deaths every year, as well as to deliver a letter entitled ‘Healthy Climate Prescription’ (https://healthyclimateletter.net/). Participants were 70 child health professionals, all passionately advocating for the future of those they care for the most, our children. They stayed overnight in our guest accommodation and enjoyed a hot meal all together in our yoga barn which they particularly enjoyed as they were finally all able to share the space together rather than eating in separate areas.
Mark, the leader of cyclists, said about their experience on our TripAdvisor page (https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g6495698-d11773914-Reviews-Krishna_Eco_Farm-Lesmahagow_South_Lanarkshire_Scotland.html):
“Finding a place near Glasgow for 30+ paediatric healthcare providers cycling from London to Glasgow for COP26 seemed an impossible task. Not once I called up the Krishna Eco Farm. Not your average slick website and interface with dissatisfaction when you actually stay. Quite the opposite you deal with real people who go out of their way to help. Staying at the Eco Farm for the last night of our ride for their lives was something that kept us going up the hills and through the rain. It did not disappoint.”
We hope that all those who joined us at Krishna Eco Farm on their journeys to COP26 feel like their voices have been heard and we wish them the best of luck in their endeavours to work towards a better, more compassionate world.
