Centre for Alternative Technology

This pioneering eco-centre is packed full of hands-on displays and working examples of sustainable living, renewable energy, environmentally responsible building, energy conservation, organic growing and composting. A ride on the remarkable water-balanced cliff railway kicks off a day out which is sure to entertain and inspire novices and enthusiasts alike.

As you walk round the site you can discover many aspects of how we can improve our relationship with the earth's natural resources - working with natural processes rather than exhausting them.

There's plenty for the kids too. Activities to explain about solar, wind and wave power, as well as many other technologies, and an adventure playground and a maze. There's a smallholding with different animals - if you have children, they'll love it, but there are important messages too.

The Centre has its own reservoir and water supply, and its own sewage systems. In fact this aspect of our work is one of our most famous - we are pioneers in the use of composting toilets and reed beds - make sure you contribute to them when you come! Many of the displays also have applications in developing countries.

Several members of staff live on the site with their families, so it is very much a working demonstration of alternative technology. The Centre generates its own electricity, mainly from renewable sources of energy. Over half the hot water used annually is solar heated and the buildings display many features of ecological design and energy conservation.

While you are here you can take the opportunity to visit the information desk and, during the summer holidays, take a specialist tour with our engineers, biologists, horticulturists and builders. What more could you expect from the award-winning, number one 'green tourism' centre in Europe? It is open to the public for most of the year (except three weeks in January). We're sure you won't be disappointed if you decide to come!

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