"When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attatched to the rest of the world"  - John Muir

A love of the natural world, aligned with a belief in simplicity, and the need to care for all aspects of Bonhays, informs our environmental decisions.

Simplicity:  Simple in design, in energy use, in meeting need not greed has been our intention weaving through the physical structures of Bonhays.  Planning constraints not withstanding, (which in West Dorset means rectangular or square!), we believe simplicity with comfort and beauty is a good alignment to our spiritual direction.  Too much emphasis on perfection and opulence all too easily becomes a distraction from, rather than a relaxation into purpose. Simplicity became a guiding principle to the overall architecture as well as the finishes to our centre.

Energy Use: All our electricity is renewably sourced and in time, when finances allow, we will install the most effective renewable energy system, as we are uncomfortable with our current oil use.  The swimming pool uses a non-polluting, U-V light system for cleansing and hygiene.

The Willow System: In 1997 when assessing how to be ecologically sensitive with our waste, we discovered that the cleanest water would come from a wetland treatment system this is a series of ponds with reeds and earth banks planted with willow. Click here for more details: The Willows

The Buildings: Much of the centre we constructed with straw bales.  We were one of the first  places to have planning permission for straw bale construction back in 2000.  Attitudes to energy use in buildings has changed enormously in the past 10 years,  the standard of insulation achieved by straw bales is exceptional.  Looking to be simple in structure and energy efficient in the build and now to heat, straw bales were a really good solution.  Brilliant insulation, load bearing, block shaped so you build like lego and a really lovely natural form when rendered. There is a unique 'light' feel to the finished building too!  These buildings are 90% locally and sustainably sourced.

Recycling: This is still in its infancy really, so we recycle what is possible in West Dorset, the usual bottles, cans, paper, plastic and take trips to the household recycling centre with metals, wood  electrical's, TV's etc as we need to, always combined with another necessary trip to town.