Ecovillages give opportunities to enhance wellbeing on multiple levels – physically, psychologically, socially and ecologically.
Having researched Ecovillages, Eco-Projects and Communities, and Project Managing the Rhwydwaith Pentref Eco Cymru – Ecovillage Network Cymru since 2011, Katherine set out this year to find what is happening now as Ecovillages in Europe expand in number more and more.
Here are are some of the projects Katherine, Calon and/or Brian have visited and learned from in the past 10 years:
Photo: Group study visit to Lammas.
Lammas has been a great support to many fledgling groups, pioneers of ecovillage living in Cymru – and very willing to lend a hand to make more projects like this happen. They also provide many resources – videos, documents and consultancy.to groups.
Photo: Calon and Katie’s trip with Wrexham Community Choir to stay with and learn from the Iona Community.
Iona Community are a spiritual community, coming together with this shared purpose. Based on Iona, they also have connections and community in other parts of the world – and can even be found as a temporary commuinty at Glastonbury Festival. on the way to Block 9
Photo: Group study trip to Brithdir Mawr.
Brithdir Mawr was a long standing community – bought by a couple, who later split – one half of the couple lives next door, and the other half rented the buildings out to these community members.
Photo: To Follow
Embercoombe is a very special place – with opportunities to learn leadership and other wellbeing skills to assist us live in the world in a way mindful for the next seven generations.
Photo: Janta from Karuna demonstrating fruit tree grafting techniques at the project
Karuna is made up of an amazing couple who live close to nature, enhanced by great permaculture skills, and the building of a wonderful roundhouse, Karuna is a very special place..
Photo: To follow
Cae Mabon is a stalwart of eco-projects. With natural buildings forming a retreat centre that a small community looks after and serves, Cae Mabon is in an exquisite, natural, magical location. Really special.
Centre of Alternative Technology, Machynlleth
Photo: To follow
Legendary in Cymru, this project has been going over 50 years – since 1973 – a key educational resource and research centre – so many projects owe a lot to this centre.
Photo: To follow
A beautiful garden on the slopes of Garth, working with Permaculture methods – supporting wellbeing through organic practices.
Photo: CLAS training at Ty Mawr.
A community natural space that holds community events, including the Community Land Advisory Service training, pictured here, that taught us about co-creating community projects in Cymru.
LILAC (Low Impact Living and Communuity) – eco co-housing project, Bramley, Leeds.
Welhealth, near Corwen
Tamera Peace Resarch Centre and ecovillage, Portugal
Sieben Linden, Germany
Zegg (ecovillage), Germany
Cloughjordan (ecovillage), Ireland
Felin Uchaf, Llyn Peninsula
Photo: Calon on top of the amazing Community Earthhouse, Felin Uchaf
Landmatters, Devon.
Permaculture Gardens, Glastonbury
Sustainability Centre, Hampshire.
El Douceur et Harmonie, France
Photo: Calon and Bart celebrating making and hanging a door (pictured) at Douceur et Harmonie.
Photo: Bill giving a tour to the group and sharing his experiences of his conservation and wildlife rehabilitation work with Wilderness Farm.
Inglenook Farm
Photo: Lavender growing commercially at Inglenook Farm
Findhorn is a legend in the ecovillage world. Established in 1962, this ecovillage has gently grown. United by spiritual principles – this is now a well sought out area to live in general by people from so many walks of life.
Ravenwood, Italy
Based on the Anastasia books, this project that includes domes, and living close to nature – aims to cultivate the way of kin – of family – with eachother and nature.
Darmunhur is another long standing community – 1975, from 10s of people it has grown to hundreds, spread over the area’s lands.
More recent adventures.
This year in 2025, Katherine journeyed to find more ecovillage projects in Europe, some very new indeed and achieving so much. More information and videos to be added to this post soon!