Helen iles filming at Lammas

Why was this film made?

The Situation
Climate change will change how we live in the future. There is a need for radical changes in the way we plan for, design and build our homes, to render them affordable and environmentally sustainable. Several generations have now grown up in towns and cities, many with little appreciation of our essential connection with the earth & nature. Rising sea levels, water and energy shortages could create chaos.

Why now?
Pembroke Council recently changed its policy on rural housing and has agreed to work with Lammas to provide land to develop England and Wales first ecovillage (30 low impact dwellings).There are currently no other legal ecovillages in England or Wales although there are intentional communities. The project will create a model for highly sustainable development: socially, environmentally and economically. All units, and the development itself, will be at or below a 'one planet' ecological footprint. The settlement will become integrated with the local community and be an asset to the local economy. It will also serve as a blueprint and inspiration for other councils and the wider public nationwide.

Watch latest updates on Ecovillages in our online video series
Living in the Future

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Ecovillage Pioneers (50mins)

Over a decade, Helen, a co-founder of Undercurrents went in search of a sustainable way of life. Along the way she recorded the UK's most high profile campaigners on low impact living. She charted how Tony Wrench and his partner (see photo below) challenged and radically changed a council's policy on rural housing.

Their unique, inexpensive ecohome made from oak, cobwood and recycled window walls, straw-insulated turf roof, with solar power for electricity, compost toilet and reed beds for grey water is now a proven example of what the Government needs to be providing.

Her journey took her to Crystal Waters Permaculture village in Australia, Sunseed Desert Technology centre in Spain, Findhorn spiritual community in Scotland, The Village in Ireland and the low impact settlement, Tinkers Bubble in Somerset England. Her trip also includes the world renowned Centre of Alternative Technology in mid Wales. The main strand of the film follows the story of Lammas- Britains First planned Ecovillage to be developed in England and Wales.

Buy Ecovillage Pioneers on DVD here

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