June 27, 2017

Journey to the Findhorn Foundation in Scotland

Nébesna Fortin – Sustainable Development Officer at Cité Écologique

It’s autumn 2014. The weather is rainy, but rays of sunlight break through the horizon. Half-asleep, I listen to the rhythmic clatter of the train on the tracks. I’ve been traveling for about twelve hours, now entering the final stretch toward northeastern Scotland. On the horizon, green hills dotted with sheep, a few tall trees, and steep cliffs come into view. Arriving in the town of Forres, a bus takes me to the small coastal village of Findhorn. Nestled between the bay and the sea, it unfolds across sandy hills.

I’m welcomed into a packed amphitheater at the ecovillage, where nearly 300 people have gathered. It’s the final day of the “New Story Summit.” Participants are discussing the transition to a New World—one where humans act as guardians of Nature and work to restore the environment. A world that honors cultural diversity, where education, food, and technology are accessible to all… No, this gathering isn’t just about dreaming. We’re exchanging proven best practices, discussing solutions, and participating in reconciliation workshops between peoples, groups, and generations. We roll up our sleeves and leave with homework and projects to tangibly improve our quality of life while reducing our ecological footprint. Wow, it’s so motivating!

And then, a surprise awaits me. In the crowded room, a few familiar faces stand out. A group of friends I met two years earlier in a Swiss ecovillage are here! What joy to see them again! Among them: a young woman from Korea, one from Thailand, a brother from Senegal, a young man who grew up in this ecovillage, and North and South Americans… We gather with a few new friends to share our experiences and travels. At the end of the evening, everyone heads to the trailer park where the ecovillage first took shape in 1962.

The next day, it’s already time to say goodbye and welcome new faces, as the EDE course begins. This program is what brought me to visit this legendary ecovillage, home to a community of about 500 people. Over the five weeks of training that follow, I have the chance to explore this magnificent place. Originally internationally renowned for its gardens, the ecovillage now stands out for its wastewater treatment system, wind farm, and revolutionary buildings.

The secret to the success of these lush gardens lies in the connection with the devas that inhabit the region. Many books and articles describe this unique and privileged relationship (see The Findhorn Garden). Initially, this inspiration was mainly guided by the three founders: Eileen Caddy, Peter Caddy, and Dorothy Maclean. Today, we can admire their remarkable work, having truly revitalized this patch of sandy land. A multitude of flowers, trees, and vegetable gardens have transformed the area into a nourishing oasis and a paradise for birds.

Inside a large greenhouse is the “Living Machine” for treating wastewater. This technology uses microorganisms in plant roots to filter water. It’s truly a sight to see and a technique worth studying. I admit I was a bit skeptical, but honestly, you can see and smell the water coming out of the greenhouse—and it’s impressively clean! During the course, we even got to experiment and build our own small filtration system!

The energy used in the ecovillage comes from various renewable sources, but the main production comes from three wind turbines managed by a cooperative started by residents.

The houses! Yes, we could talk about them for hours. The residents of Findhorn have truly experimented with every concept of ecological building. Here’s a short list of techniques used, just to name a few: passive solar orientation, super insulation, local materials, cutting-edge technologies, greenhouses on south-facing façades, minimalist homes, clustered housing, reuse of whisky barrels! A true laboratory for construction enthusiasts.

In addition, there are several businesses on site, a local currency system, a fleet of shared vehicles, a school, an art center, workshops for upcycling and creating objects, a community center, a collective kitchen… Beyond all these wonderful discoveries on the ground, the course takes us on a journey. Written by the Gaia Education network, the program draws inspiration from achievements and solutions proposed by communities around the world. It explores the concepts of sustainable development through four main dimensions: ecological, social, economic, and cultural. It’s an incredibly enriching experience!

With my head full of ideas, I return home and immediately begin the process of offering the first EDE course in Canada. In the summer of 2015, Cité Écologique hosts the first EDE course offered in French.

Today, with the team at Cité Écologique, we’re preparing to offer the third Quebec edition of the EDE course, which will begin on July 7. My wish: to inspire even just one participant to continue this beautiful adventure in their own corner of the world !