Embercombe

Embercombe is a charity and social enterprise established to champion a way of living that celebrates the opportunities inherent in this challenging time and that inspires people to contribute energetically towards the emergence of a socially just, environmentally sustainable and spiritually fulfilling human presence on earth. They offer programmes for adults, youth, teachers and schools.

Embercombe is a stunning fifty acre site with views over DartmoorNational Park and located next to HaldonForest near Exeter in Devon. At the bottom of the small valley is a wildlife lake, marking the eastern edge of Embercombe's mature broadleaf woodland which takes up thirty acres of their site. Through careful management to exclude the large number of local non-native deer, their woods are a thriving ecosystem with areas set aside for human activities and for wilderness.

North of the lake is their circular organic market garden and polytunnels which are tended by the many volunteers, visitors and course participants who visit Embercombe, providing ample fresh food throughout the year. At the heart of this is the medicine garden: a spot for quiet reflection, storytelling and the cultivation of healing herbs.

They have a newly-planted forest garden and apple orchard comprising hundreds of trees which will create an impressive, abundant canopy in years to come. Two yurt villages are also located on the land.

Mac, Embercombe’s founder says “It is our view that humanity now stands at a cross-roads - a defining time in which we will make choices that will greatly influence our collective future, for better or worse. We have become so numerous, so industrious, so ambitious, and so technologically powerful, that we have the capacity to orchestrate the destruction of our species, habitat, and future. We also possess the imagination, the vision, and the intellect to learn from experience, meet our challenges, and build a positive, sustainable future. A radical shift in awareness, values, and behaviour is required to meet this critical transition.“

HogCO hosted a recent workshop at Embercombe, and the tour of the site was definitely a highlight for all of us.  The beauty and productivity of the site is fantastic, as is the welcoming attitude of staff and volunteers.  The Head of Land-based learning, Jo Clark, has offered to host another free tour for HogCO groups on 10 August 2011, from 10am, with the option of staying for lunch following the tour for £2. HogCO can fund your group’s travel if 3 or more of you come together.

Great pictures, videos and more information is found on www.embercombe.co.uk