Episode 20: Coed Hills Rural Artspace

Coed Hills is a sustainable community and arts project running courses in permaculture and natural building.

Coed Hills Rural Artspace is a great place to learn about low impact living.

Coed Hills Visitor Centre is situated in the picturesque Vale of Glamorgan, just 8 miles west of Cardiff. In an area packed with ancient history and breathtaking beaches, Coed (pronounced 'coyd?, a Welsh word meaning "woods") is a family day out that could change the way you view the world.

The whole site is run on alternative energy, from high-tech wind turbines and biomass underfloor heaters, to solar showers made out of scrap radiators. With its permaculture gardens, the place is an inspiration for the budding and more experienced eco-conscious. Residents and volunteers live in railway carriages, Mongolian Yurts, log cabins, tipis and straw bailed buildings.

At the heart of Coed Hills lies the core community. A group of people embracing the new and old in order to lead a more sustainable existence, both ecologically and socially. Visitors can take some aspect of our existence away with them and adapt it to their own lifestyle. The community is happy to engage with visitors, sharing their knowledge of, and enthusiasm for sustainable living. You can find out about the many courses and gatherings taking place at Coed Hills through their website or facebook page