Lammas

In the fast-paced modern world, many of us dream of going back to the land. Facing legal battles and local hostility, can these families survive ongoing pressure as they build natural “hobbit” houses and demonstrate a sustainable way of life? Their goal is the UK’s first planned ecovillage, Lammas.

The film is both light-hearted and moving, funny and serious — but most importantly it takes a good look at the reality beyond the dream.
What the Lammas community say about the film.

How to build an ecovillage

In the fast-paced modern world, many of us dream of going back to the land. This is the inside story of nine families creating beautiful natural “hobbit” homes and abundant gardens from sheep-grazed soil in Wales. Facing legal battles and local hostility, can they survive ongoing pressure to meet targets and demonstrate success? Their goal is the UK’s first planned ecovillage, Lammas.

Under a new planning directive, the Welsh government allows low impact development under certain strict rulings. Houses must be built from sustainable resources and the residents must earn 75% of household needs from the land.

In essence, this story addresses desperate need to create affordable housing and renew our relationship with the land. Honest accounts from these pioneers contain urgent truths for us all.