A British family living off the grid in the Abruzzo region of Italy has had their three children removed by authorities after an incident involving poisonous mushrooms. Nathan Trevallion, along with his Australian wife, Catherine Birmingham, relocated to a remote cottage, seeking a lifestyle closer to nature. Their situation drew attention when all family members required medical treatment for consuming toxic mushrooms they foraged.
On the afternoon of October 5, 2023, police arrived at their home in four vehicles, leading to the immediate removal of the children to a care facility. The decision followed a court ruling after investigators discovered that the children had not been attending school or receiving any form of tutoring.
Nathan described the event as unexpected and shocking, stating, “We have been targeted because we chose to live a different kind of life.” The family had adapted to a simple lifestyle, sharing a single bedroom and relying on a wood stove for heat. They utilized an outhouse for sanitation and drew water from a nearby well. Despite the challenges, Nathan maintains that their way of living is beneficial for their children, claiming, “This is the best way to raise children. We are aiming for a more open-minded generation who can change the world for the better.”
Support for the family has surged within the local community. A petition advocating for their return has amassed over 45,000 signatures. Notably, Matteo Salvini, Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister, criticized the state’s intervention, labeling the situation as shameful, and asserted that the couple has a right to their chosen lifestyle. The local mayor has extended support, bringing gifts like olive oil and biscuits to express solidarity with the family.
Nathan recounted a tense encounter with social services, stating that he was meeting with the mayor and his lawyer when they received a call from a social worker at the Carabinieri police station. “There were ten officers ready to go and kidnap the children, to put it bluntly,” he said. After a 30-minute negotiation, the authorities allowed Catherine to accompany the children to the care facility, which Nathan described as an institution starkly different from the peaceful environment they were accustomed to.
Nathan expressed concern for the emotional well-being of his children, who appeared shocked during the removal process. He noted the stark contrast between their home life in the Abruzzo woods and the institutional setting they were taken to in Vasto.
This situation raises significant questions about the balance between parental rights and state intervention, particularly in cases where lifestyle choices diverge from societal norms. As the family’s plight continues to unfold, many in the local area are rallying to support them, emphasizing the importance of respecting personal choices in raising children.
