Eco-housing and Infrastructure

Findhorn Ecovillage Project Background

The Findhorn Community aims to completely transform its home at Findhorn Bay Holiday Park into a demonstration Ecovillage. So far over fifty ecological homes have been constructed as well as a new Guest Lodge and Youth Building, a 750KW wind park, two new visitor eco holiday chalets and an ecological wastewater treatment plant called a Living Machine.

An  independent study completed in 2006 concluded that the residents have the lowest ecological footprint of any community measured so far in the industrialised world.

Projects for the future may include the expansion of the Phoenix wholefood store, the introduction of low-carbon vehicles, further development of ecological houses and facilities, and the creation of new affordable housing.

For further information see

• The Ecovillage Project - www.ecovillagefindhorn.com
• Findhorn Ecovillage Project on Wikipedia

Affordable Housing

The provision of affordable housing that is eco-friendly has long been a concern within our community. There is also much interest in co-housing, and in co-operative ownership models.

In common with many rural areas of Scotland the Findhorn peninsula suffers from a significant shortage of affordable housing both to buy and to let.

In 2004, with the assistance of the Rural Housing Service and Development Trusts Association Scotland we conducted a survey of the local area to evaluate the level of housing need.

In 2006 the Ekopia Rules were amended to allow us to become registered as a 'rural housing body' with the Scottish Government.

With the further assistance of Co-operative Development Scotland we have also helped to create and turn into practical reality a new model for housing co-operatives, through the following projects:

Land Trust Project

In 2006, with the generous support of Duneland Ltd. and the Soillse Cluster Group, we negotiated a new 'Land Trust project' which has enabled us to own some communal amenity land in Findhorn.

Station House

In 2007/2008 we received a grant from Co-operative Development Scotland to assist with the creation of a new model for co-operative housing.

In 2008 this enabled us to form Station House Co-operative Ltd, along with our associate organisation Ecovillage Partners LLP. This was for the purpose of purchasing the historic Station House, a seven unit property in Findhorn village.

The purchase of Station House was completed in November 2008, and the work undertaken will allow for up to £40,000 to be available to support the provision of low cost rents at this property.

We anticipate further projects using variations on this model coming to fruition in 2009.