The Inter-Species Refuge by ArtMill as part of Transformative Territories project began in the summer of 2024. Following the presentation and introduction of the project at the annual Open Mill day, the Botanic Research Team began planting a nursery forest and creating the database. 

The Inter-Species Refuge project began with the creation of a food forest, situated on the edge of a large monocropping field, emphasizing the need for species to find refuge in the depleted agricultural landscape. The project will transform the hill and meadows into a space for exploring regenerative pastoralism and agroforestry, while new hedgerows will be reintroduced to support biodiversity. The initiative will focus on relearning ancient land stewardship and water management practices, forming the core of ArtMill’s educational Site 1, which will be open to the public and connected to the ‘Houseboat’ artist residency space for various artistic projects.

Led by Natália Kalná, the Botanical Research Team is compiling a database of local edible and medicinal plants, with a study of their adaptation patterns to be published online and in book form. In collaboration with scientists and artists, the project includes agroforestry studies, drone mapping, and research on agroecology, regenerative pastoralism, and food forests. These efforts aim to predict species adaptation to climate change and human need for refuge, providing a blueprint for land adaptation and transformative artistic practices. 

Read more at the partner’s website