THE latest Steiner expansion plan in Stroud is costing around £350,000 – the purchase of an extra 41 acres for biodynamic farming at Hawkwood college.

Given the scale of the Steiner movement here it is surprising there is not more scrutiny of this kind of development.

Most people do not know, for example, that biodynamics (BD) is Rudolf Steiner’s method of growing, dreamed up as part of his belief system anthroposophy where humans are believed to evolve spiritually through the races from black to Aryan.

The Trust says it wants the expanded farm to be a base for biodynamic organisations – are the 40+ Steiner businesses already here not enough?

There is always money available for Steiner expansion in the area it seems, whether it is to buy up pubs or to swallow more land for farming.

BD is not just “one step further than organic” as volunteers are often told, it is mystical nonsense.

It is no wonder people are unaware of the details when they are fed misinformation about “life forces” and “respect for the integrity of plants and animals”.

Why not just do organics?

Because BD people follow Steiner doctrine.

There is a remarkable lack of curiosity locally, and so Stroud attracts Steiner followers who wish to live an anthroposophical lifestyle, courtesy of unsuspecting local people who are lending their support to a movement of a questionable nature.

More information at bit.ly/1KK7IC1.

H Saunders

Bowbridge