El Valle de Sensaciones, Yátor, Spain

[Versión en español abajo] Hidden in a steep-sided valley just south of Yátor in the Alpujarras, Spain, el valle de sensaciones is a marvel of art, invention and gorgeous eco-buildings. It's original intension was to to be a cultural centre and to create an 'artistic sustainable paradise'. This is no eco-village nor eco-community and there are very few residents. Achim, the … Continue reading El Valle de Sensaciones, Yátor, Spain

La Ecoaldea Del Minchal, Andulacia, Spain

[Versión en español abajo] View from the ecovillage south to Salobrena At first glance to a foreigner such as myself, la ecoaldea del Minchal  [the ecovillage of the Minchal] high up on the side of the Sierra del Chaparral mountain range, north of Molvizar, Andalucia, Spain, looks a formidable place to try and live. Hot … Continue reading La Ecoaldea Del Minchal, Andulacia, Spain

Researching across language – No hablo espanol

It might seem like a really stupid idea to try and conduct research in a country where you cannot speak the language, and perhaps it is. In an ideal world I would either be fluent or have the money for an on-hand interpreter. I have neither. I have also been staying with an Argentinan family in La … Continue reading Researching across language – No hablo espanol

Landmatters, Devon

Landmatters is a 42 acre eco-community in Devon (near Totnes). The land was brought collectively by Landmatters co-operative and when the residents came together over the purchase of the land it became clear that the common factor and core principle was permaculture. Thus they have used permaculture to structure how they have built their houses around … Continue reading Landmatters, Devon