In the heart of the Scottish Highlands, near the village of Forres, lies Findhorn, a globally recognized ecovillage celebrated for its innovative approach to sustainability and spirituality. Established in the 1960s, this community exemplifies how the interconnection between humans and Nature can create a sustainable and harmonious future.

With lush gardens, eco-friendly homes, and practices deeply rooted in spirituality, the Findhorn Foundation welcomes thousands of visitors each year. They come to engage in courses, retreats, and programmes that intertwine ecology, personal growth, and co-creation with Nature.

The Origins of Findhorn

Findhorn’s journey began in 1962 when Peter and Eileen Caddy, alongside Dorothy Maclean, settled in a caravan by a remote Scottish bay. Despite scarce resources, their deep connection to natural forces enabled them to achieve remarkable harvests, capturing global attention.

In 1972, the Findhorn Foundation was formally established, and by the 1980s, the Findhorn Ecovillage had come to life. Today, it is home to approximately 500 people, both permanent and temporary residents, representing an extraordinary evolution from a small experiment to an international community.

The Community’s Spaces

The Findhorn Foundation’s design reflects profound values of sustainability, spirituality, and community.

The Universal Hall, with its multifunctional design, is not only a theatre but also a meeting place that hosts cultural events, international conferences, and moments of collective celebration.

The Cluny Hill College, a historic building repurposed, hosts seminars and residential courses. Here, visitors experience an immersive learning environment where Nature’s rhythms guide daily activities.

The village’s eco-homes deserve attention as well: built with natural or recycled materials, they minimise environmental impact and offer a replicable model of green building.

Finally, the organic community gardens are a centre of life and sustenance. More than mere sources of food, they represent a direct connection with the Earth and a tool for strengthening community life.

The Values Guiding Findhorn

The Findhorn Foundation is based on a deep mission: to live in harmony with oneself, others, and the Planet. This goal is reflected in every aspect of community life, where spiritual growth is not just an abstract concept but a daily practice.

Through meditation, inner listening, and connection with Nature, residents and visitors are encouraged to rediscover a balance that starts within themselves and extends to the surrounding world.

Another essential pillar is ecological education. The foundation offers courses that range from permaculture to green building and environmental sustainability, providing practical tools to transform ideas into actions and inspiring changes in daily habits and consumption patterns.

Finally, the concept of inclusive community lies at the heart of life at Findhorn. Using participatory and sociocratic methods, every voice is heard, and every decision is the result of genuine collaboration. This vision translates into fair and supportive management, where collective well-being is always prioritised.

Sustainability and Self-sufficiency at Findhorn

Findhorn is a living laboratory of sustainability, where every element of daily life is designed to reduce environmental impact and strengthen self-sufficiency. Here, sustainability is not just a practice but a true lifestyle combining advanced technology, spirituality, and cooperation.

The village’s eco-buildings, equipped with solar panels and wind turbines, show how renewable energy can be integrated to create environmentally friendly homes without sacrificing comfort.

The organic gardens are the beating heart of the community, offering not only healthy and fresh food but also a direct connection with the Earth through permaculture, which aims to recreate autonomous ecosystems.

The "Living Machine" system represents another pillar of this philosophy. Using natural processes to treat wastewater, this innovative model closes the water cycle and minimises waste, embodying the ideal of low-impact living.

The Economic System at Findhorn

The Findhorn community adopts a mixed economic system that combines elements of community and private economy. Residents can start individual ventures, but there are also collective initiatives supporting the entire community.

Donations, courses, retreats, and guided tours are other fundamental sources of funding. The economic resources are then distributed fairly to finance development projects and maintain the village.

How to Join Findhorn?

The Findhorn Foundation is open to anyone wishing to experience an immersive environment. Visitors can participate in guided tours, courses, and retreats on topics ranging from personal growth to sustainability.

Those seeking deeper involvement can join as volunteers, contributing to managing the gardens or infrastructure. New members are welcomed with a trial period to ease integration into the community.

In a Nutshell

For over 60 years, the Findhorn Ecovillage has represented a virtuous model of sustainable living, inviting a reconsideration of what truly matters and living for it. Here, Nature is teacher, community is family, and ecology becomes a daily act of love. Findhorn demonstrates that when revolutionary intentions intertwine, what seems impossible becomes simply inevitable.