The Findhorn community started in 1962 in a caravan in the North of Scotland. Unintentionally it has since grown into a major centre of adult education with two main centres; the original site - The Park, Findhorn, and Cluny Hill College, Forres (five miles away), which is the main guest residence.

The Park is the site of an ecological community village project, and its essence is a blend of spirituality and ecology. The community defines 'ecological village' as a human settlement which is ecologically, economically, culturally and spiritually sustainable. Many businesses have sprung from the community. There is no requirement to follow a specific spiritual path, but community members are encouraged to lead a spiritual life.

There are currently nearly thirty ecological buildings on the site, with plans for many more over the next few years. The buildings are constructed using a variety of methods, including breathing wall, straw bale and 'earthship' (using recycled car tyres). They incorporate natural, sustainable materials, and, whenever possible, ecologically sustainable heating, lighting and electricity generation methods are used. These include:  

• Solar panels
• Solar architectural features
• Highly efficient insulation (some using recycled material)
• Low energy light bulbs
• Non-toxic and organic paints, wood preservatives and glues
• Natural, locally available or grown, and managed building materials
• Water conserving toilets, showers and taps
• Rainwater collection

There is an organic farm which produces much of the communities' fresh food requirements, and they are increasingly adopting more sustainable energy solutions, such as wind energy. They are also beginning to treat their own waste water - the treatment system is based on the methods used in nature to clean water. There is also a community recycling programme, recycling metal, glass, paper, batteries and clothing.

To learn more, visit the Findhorn official website.