Lynchetts, Bridport, West Dorset. This is the house which Alan Heeks and his partner, Linda Joyce, bought in 2010. Their aim is to renovate the house to provide a sustainable home for them, and a resource for learning about living organically. Recognising that sustainability is not just about lower heating bills, their plans include growing food on site, reducing car travel, and mutual support with the local community. Their priorities for Lynchetts include:

A major eco-renovation of the building, including improved insulation, wood stoves, solar thermal, rainwater harvesting and more.
Using part of the large garden to grow vegetables, with local friends helping to grow the food and enjoy the produce.
Buying other food from local and organic producers wherever possible.
Using bikes, walking and public transport to minimise car use.
Offering space in the house for groups - workshops, retreats and focused house parties, which could be residential: the house can accommodate up to 12 visitors.

Hazel Hill Wood: Alan Heeks has been stewarding the land at Hazel Hill for over 20 years, and the project aims to demonstrate organic living, and balance between the needs of human visitors, resident wildlife, and productive forestry in a beautiful 70-acre wood near Salisbury. For more information on the wood and its facilities, see hazelhill.org.uk.

The Magadalen Project: This is a 130-acre organic farm and education centre in west Dorset, which offers a wide range of programmes and visitor facilities'. These include curriculum-based education for school groups, a venue for adult training groups, and craft courses. Magdalen is an educational charity, started by Alan Heeks in 1990, but he has no formal link with the project currently. For more information see themagdalenproject.org.uk.

The Hockerton Project in Nottinghamshire is an innovative small scheme demonstrating sustainable living. They offer useful information resources, and a matchmaking service to link projects and households. See hockertonhousingproject.org.uk.

Website made with love by Palden Jenkins