An introduction to all aspects of sustainable living in the 21st century

Taking care of the environment is not only crucial to help secure the future of our planet, but it can also help each of us to save money. This one-day course offers the perfect opportunity to see and learn how a sustainable home is set up and run, and will give you a wealth of practical knowledge you can take home and implement easily.

The course involves looking at all the energy saving systems we have at Newhouse Farm, including practical demonstrations of self sufficiency, solar power, water power and management, harnessing wind power, waste management (recycling/ compost loos) and biodiesel. Plus we’ll also give you a tour of the farm to look at permaculture and livestock management.

Living a more sustainable way of life is hugely rewarding both from the point of view of personal satisfaction and the effect that it has on your wallet. We do not expect you to implement all of the features we have as this takes a lot of time and dedication. Instead we will show you the large range of possibilities that are out there and hope that you will be inspired just to try just a few of our systems and ideas yourselves.

A typical day:

Time Activity

0930 - 1000 Course meets with organic tea, coffee and nibbles

1000 - 1230 Introduction, theory (!), and practical demonstrations

1230 - 1330 Lunch break - you are invited to join us - organic and tasty (omnivores, vegetarians and vegans all catered for) We are never sure how many people will be there - long arms are an advantage!

1330 - 1630 More theory and practical work

1630 - 1730 Tea, coffee and more nibbles - an opportunity to discuss individual projects.

1730 Course disperses

Newhouse Farm is the home of Dick Strawbridge and his son James from the popular BBC programme ‘It’s Not Easy Being Green’. Since moving to Cornwall 4 years ago (and being followed by television cameras for 3 INEBG series) they have steadily constructed an amazing array of sustainable features in and around their farm to help reduce their impact on the planet. Despite all this, however, they are keen to point out that they can live a sustainable 21st century lifestyle without having to make too many sacrifices; Dick is insistent on keeping his coffee machine.

For several years they have run a range of courses at Newhouse Farm to further inform the British public about sustainable living. The courses are designed to help attendees understand low impact technology and to become intelligent customers in the green marketplace. Courses include an Introduction to All Aspects of Sustainable Technology in the 21st Century, How to make your own Biodiesel, Harness the Wind, and Making the Most of Your Water.