British Travel Journal | Summer 2021

FINDHORN FOUNDATION

FINDHORN FOUNDATION Perched near the coast in the north of Scotland, Findhorn is an ecovillage, and also a centre for experiential workshops, conferences and events. “We work from the broadest sense of an environmental perspective,” says Janet Limb, who runs the foundation’s public relations. “The environment is not separate from us, the human species, it is an ecology of all life.” Visitors from all over the world come to Findhorn to slow down, reenergise, reflect and explore their own purpose. While residential courses are currently paused because of the pandemic, visitors can still explore the ecovillage – including the whisky barrel houses and the Universal Hall, hand built by community members. There is also a café, and two pottery shops, and a beautiful bay and beach a few minutes’ walk away. “At the Findhorn Foundation we see each person’s life journey in the global context of the evolution of the human species in relationship with the rest of the natural world,” explains Janet. “And this takes place in an aspiring ecovillage demonstrating a way of life that regenerates people and planet.” findhorn.org STAY NEARBY Lodges at the Mains: East of Findhorn, towards Inverness, these architect-designed, five star eco lodges are nestled in a secluded woodland setting. Ground source heating, solar panels, and cellulose insulation help the lodges keep their environmental impact to a minimum, while wood-fired hot tubs and bespoke, locally-made furniture mean that comfort has not been sacrificed in the process. lodgesatthemains.co.uk Hobbit Hideaway: In the foothills of Ben Rinnes, surrounded on all sides by stunning scenery, is the Hobbit Hideaway. This quirky house, built from wood, straw, clay and stone, will delight Tolkein fans, as well as anyone who wants to stay somewhere unique and sustainable in a beautiful environment. hobbithideaway.co.uk THE EDEN PROJECT Built on the site of a clay pit in Cornwall, the Eden Project’s bubble-like biomes have become an iconic symbol of sustainable tourism. As well as a visitor attraction, Eden is an educational charity and a social enterprise. Visitors to the project can immerse themselves in the world’s largest indoor rainforest – which includes four distinct types of rainforest environment; a canopy walkway offers views across the biome and the biodiversity platform showcases the range of life in the rainforest. The Mediterranean biome recreates the landscapes of the Mediterranean, South Africa, California and Western Australia, and outside the biomes there are miles of pathways winding through 20 acres of outdoor garden, planted with over 3,000 plant varieties. The project has been focused on sustainability since its inception – using pioneering building techniques, harvesting water on site, and now experimenting with different methods of power generation. Eden has also worked with Natural England to propagate rare native species and reestablish them in Cornwall. 48 BritishTravelJournal.com

to see courtship displays from resident and breeding birds, including the Great Crested Grebe, and the Goldeneye. Into early summer the wildflower meadows come into bloom and the first of the ducklings can be seen bobbing along the shoreline. “If you’re really lucky you might see a grebe carrying its young on its back, or a flash of blue as a kingfisher flashes past,” says Neil. The shore side woodlands are also home to red squirrels. STAY NEARBY Balbirnie House Around 20 miles east of the loch, is Balbirnie House. This country house hotel was built in 1777, and views from the building extend over lawns and flowering borders, to the 400 acre country estate beyond. balbirnie.co.uk Market Street Hotel Loch Leven is just 45 minutes from Edinburgh by car, and if you’d rather stay in town, Market Street Hotel is a sophisticated choice. Opened in 2019, the hotel was built on a derelict site in the city’s historic centre and sensitively constructed using locally sourced stone. marketstreethotel.co.uk STAY NEARBY The Scarlet: A 30 minute drive across the Lizard will take you to The Scarlet. A luxury eco hotel with sea views, meadow gardens, and clifftop hot tubs, The Scarlet lists the 111 ways that they aim for sustainability on their website. scarlethotel.co.uk Kudhva: Kudhva are architectural cabins, specifically designed for the location, just up the Cornish coast from the Scarlet. They are off-grid hideouts, raised high above the ground, with captivating views of the coastline. kudhva.com LOCH LEVEN Loch Leven is a Scottish National Nature Reserve, and is known internationally for the thousands of ducks and geese that come to breed there. “It’s an important barometer for environmental change,” says Neil Mitchell, the reserve manager. The loch has been monitored by scientists for over 60 years and current work there is focused on improving water quality, and improving biodiversity. Visitors to the loch can enjoy spectacular natural scenery and can choose how much of the accessible 13 mile loch circuit they feel able to tackle. In spring expect LOOKING AHEAD... Gateway at PEAK Located near Chesterfield, Gateway at PEAK is a new resort planned for visitors to the Peak District. It will provide accommodation for the millions of visitors that already head to the area each year. Construction is planned to start in 2021. Eden North The Eden Project is expanding into the north – and has plans to transform the Lancashire coastal town of Morecambe. There are plans for indoor and outdoor attractions connecting visitors with the internationally significant natural environment of Morecambe Bay. Scheduled to open in 2024. BritishTravelJournal.com 49