One hundred and seven wild and remote acres in Northern Sweden - Bjärkan is a resilience project: a place to rediscover our kinship with all beings, regenerate ecosystems and rebuild community.
Bjärkan is the the Old Norse name for the Rune also known as Berkano -which translates to 'The Birch'. This name was chosen in honour of the many birch trees that grow on the land, symbolising sanctuary, new beginnings, growth, and renewal. The Birch tree is a pioneer species, bringing life back to the harshest of environments. It’s a sacred tree within the mythology of the Celts and the national tree of Sweden. Inspired by the sacred Birch, our vision is to support regeneration of the land and an inclusive space for all those seeking connection with nature and each other, and to foster a deep sense of kinship with all beings.
Kinship
At Bjärkan, we hold a deep and profound understanding of our kinship with all beings, and we seek to honor and respect the other-than-human world. At the heart of our project is a deep reverence for the natural world that we are all a part of. We recognise that every living being has inherent value and plays a vital role in the complex and intricate web of life. From the earthworm, the stream, and the ancient Birch, each element of the natural world has something unique and important to offer. Therefore, we approach our work with a deep understanding that we are no more or less important than any other living being on this planet. Through this reverence and respect, we support the flourishing of all beings, both human and non-human.
Regeneration
At our core, we are committed to fostering a deep and profound connection with the land. We understand that we are just one part of a vast and intricate natural system, and it is our responsibility to protect and preserve this system for future generations. As such, we place great importance on the practice of regenerative forestry and land management, which are critical components to restoring and sustaining a healthy ecosystem. Through regenerative practices, we can work towards supporting biodiversity, restoring damaged ecosystems, and promoting the growth of healthy forests. Moreover, we believe that we can learn a great deal from the wisdom and richness of natural systems, which can serve as a model for regenerative human systems.
Community
Community is a multifaceted and ever-changing ecosystem that flourishes through collaboration, connection, and healthy structures. At Bjärkan, we recognise the importance of fostering a strong sense of community that is deeply interconnected with the local and wider systems that it exists within. We believe that it is essential to acknowledge and honour the complex web of relationships that exist between people, the land, and other living beings. Through creating strong connections with these systems, we can build a more resilient and sustainable future for all. We welcome participation from anyone who shares our values and vision. We hope to build a strong and thriving community that can adapt and evolve in response to the challenges of our time.
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