For the first time since we started Way of Nature UK 10 years ago we are going to run a more practical retreat focused on exploring different ways of living off-grid and in a more harmonious way with the land.

We recognise that many people in our wider audience are hungry to learn more about becoming a closer steward with the earth and are curious about learning more about how to practically move towards a more eco-centric way of living.

This programme will give participants a way of seeing 5 different sets of stewards and their land where each host will showcase different ways they are living in community while on their own pieces of land.

The types of projects that will be introduced include:

- Earthship construction

- Solar shower

- Compost toilet (several extraordinary examples!)

- Solar energy

- Water storage

- Sauna build

- Treehouse cabin construction

- Solar dehydrators

- Diverse food growing techniques including making Bokashi (Japanese compost fermentation) and Effective Microorganisms (EM)

- Pocket pond construction

- Reciprocal beamed buildings and green roofs

- Natural beehives

- Community wheat growing

Many of the stewards have undergone extensive training in Permaculture Design and each land-based project is infused with the maker’s signature style of construction and engineering.

Each day we will visit 1-2 new pieces of land to spend the days with the steward of that land where we will tour their different projects. There will space to ask detailing questions of how each steward has gone about testing, learning and refining their own individual way of doing specific things.

If you have ever thought about exploring Off Grid living for yourself or are curious about learning more this programme is for you.

The Context of the Area and the Community

Co-founder of Way of Nature UK moved to Tuscany, Italy 7 years ago and is part of an emerging intentional community in a remote mountainous area there. Together with 3 other parents he has co-founded a pioneering alternative primary school based on Forest School and Democratic Schooling / Child-led learning principles (www.shadesofgreen.school).

The loose community is based across 2 sets of valleys at the base of an extinct volcano. People own their own properties and often come together for activities that include:

Accommodation

Participants can either bring their own tent and stay on the land together - complete with sauna, outdoor bathtubs, solar shower, compost toilet or for those who prefer - there are some local B&Bs and simple cabins / apartments nearby. Please get in touch with [email protected] to find out more.

Cost

£495

The programme includes all meals - self-service breakfast, lunch made by each stewards we visit (often from their vegetable garden), and collaboratively cooked dinner together.

Guides

Adrian and local land stewards.
Adrian Kowal – Adrian is the co-founder of Way of Nature UK and is impassioned by the alchemical reaction of combining deep relaxation processes with Rites of Passage nature connection practices. He has trained and assisted in facilitating programmes with John P. Milton, and has been leading wilderness programmes for 10 years.

Adrian has been curious about all things Off-Grid and Eco-village orientated for more than 2 decades attending and hosting courses and visiting and learning from eco villages across Europe in that time.

Adrian is also the founder of Evolve and now runs The Life Centre, centres for growth and wellbeing in London and Manchester, for 12 years and has deep knowledge of both urban and nature-based wellness practices.

Booking