Purpose in Practice Series
This is the next in our series profiling TBLA clients whose work centres on environmental stewardship and sustainable food systems. Following our features on Good Small Farms and PfBIO we’re proud to share our partnership with the Agroforestry Research Trust, founded and directed by renowned forest gardening pioneer Martin Crawford. Based in Devon, this carbon-negative charity has been researching temperate agroforestry and perennial food systems for over three decades, demonstrating how we can grow food whilst working with nature rather than against it.
The Work That Matters
Martin Crawford’s influence on sustainable agriculture extends far beyond his 2-acre demonstration forest garden at Dartington. As the author of seminal works including Creating a Forest Garden and How to Grow Perennial Vegetables, he has educated thousands of gardeners, farmers, and permaculture practitioners worldwide about growing edible crops by mimicking natural woodland ecosystems.
The Agroforestry Research Trust operates multiple research sites totalling over 10 acres, where they trial fruit and nut crops, develop forest garden templates for domestic gardens, and even explore how rising temperatures might affect what we can grow in temperate climates through their innovative Forest Garden Greenhouse project.
The Trust’s work is genuinely carbon-negative – storing more carbon on their land than they produce from all their activities – a rare achievement that demonstrates the environmental potential of well-designed agroforestry systems.
Martin’s work continues to evolve and expand. Currently planning their third International Food Forest & Forest Garden Symposium for November 2026, the Trust ensures that knowledge about sustainable food production continues to spread globally, with previous symposium materials made freely available to support the growing forest gardening movement.
A Shared Connection
TBLA’s connection to Martin’s work predates our professional relationship. In 2009, around the time TBLA was being founded, our directors Fran and Pete were also co-founding the Grapes Hill Community Garden in Norwich and attended one of Martin’s agroforestry courses – an experience that directly informed the design and planting plan of the community garden which continues to thrive today, demonstrating the lasting impact of Martin’s teaching and research.
Years later, in 2019, Martin became a TBLA client through recommendations from other organisations in the Dartington area, including EarthLinks charity and The Apricot Centre at Huxhams Cross Farm. This network of purpose-driven organisations in Devon reflects TBLA’s commitment to working with clients whose values align with our own.
Why Martin Crawford Chose Triple Bottom Line Accounting
I was already a Trustee of Earthlinks so had experience of using TBLA. And I certainly trust the judgements of Earthlinks and the Apricot Centre. In particular I was looking for an accountant who would have some understanding and sympathy for what we are doing (not just in a financial sense) so it seemed an obvious choice.
Since 2019, TBLA has supported the Agroforestry Research Trust with their accounting and compliance needs. Martin identified two key areas where we’ve added value:
- TBLA has freed up staff time to focus on delivering our core mission and
- Ensured compliance with charity and regulatory requirements, reducing risk – Martin says, “not all accountants understand the requirements of charities”.
Supporting Purpose-Driven Organisations
The Agroforestry Research Trust exemplifies the type of client we’re proud to support at TBLA. As a registered charity that provides education through courses, publishes research guides, maintains demonstration sites, and makes knowledge freely available, they demonstrate how charitable organisations can create systemic change whilst remaining financially sustainable.
We understand that for environmental charities like the Agroforestry Research Trust, every hour spent on administration is an hour not spent on vital research, education, or conservation work. By handling the financial compliance and reporting that comes with charitable status, TBLA enables organisations like the Trust to focus on what they do best: pioneering research that addresses climate change, food security, and environmental sustainability.
Currently facing the challenge of securing their historic Dartington site beyond 2028 when their lease expires, Martin and his team continue their vital work – a testament to the resilience and determination that characterises the best of the charity sector. Their work creating viable, carbon-negative food production systems has never been more relevant or needed.
If your organisation is ready to align its financial management with its values, we’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re an early-stage innovator, an established social enterprise, or anywhere in between, Triple Bottom Line Accounting is here to help purpose-driven SMEs thrive. Contact us here.
Learn more about the Agroforestry Research Trust:
Website: www.agroforestry.co.uk
Email: mail@agroforestry.co.uk
Phone: 01803 840776
Follow them:
- Instagram: @agroforestryresearchtrust
- Facebook: facebook.com/agroforestry.co.uk
- Substack: martincrawford.substack.com
- YouTube: 2-minute video
Fran leads TBLA’s sustainability services and HR function, delivering Net Zero Workshops, decarbonisation and ESG consultancy for SMEs and organisations. She develops and delivers sustainability education across multiple frameworks, notably as tutor for ESTU Global’s Sustainability Manager and Carbon Manager programmes, teaching sustainability managers and leaders from diverse corporate backgrounds. In her dual role at TBLA, she obtained B Corp certification and drives the company’s ongoing ESG momentum, while supporting TBLA’s commitment to environmental and social responsibility through practical sustainability solutions and a focus on inclusive team leadership through the company’s HR function.
