Caring for the individual and the natural world

Camphill's commitment to people and the environment

Since its beginnings in Aberdeen 70 years ago, the Camphill Movement’s dedication to caring for people has been matched by a respect and perceived duty of care for the natural environment. 

Just as the Camphill principles of health, education and care for those with special needs were ahead of their time, so was their focus on sustainability, the environment and the natural world. 

Decades before it became popular in the wider world, Camphill was operating the biodynamic method of organic farming, with a strong focus on ecology and good animal husbandry. 

Biodynamic techniques are based on working with natural cycles and include the conservation of soils and the avoidance of pollution.  Camphill Aberdeen City and Shire contributes to biodynamic and organic agricultural education and research through collaboration with the Scottish Agricultural College, University of Aberdeen and other universities in the UK and Europe. 

This care for the environment is also present in Camphill’s architecture, which is designed to enhance and be sympathetic to the natural environment.  The aim is to create a tranquil and calm environment in line with the natural beauty of the area. This creates the optimal setting to support Camphill’s practices. 

Camphill Architects, based in the Newton Dee community, design buildings not only for the local communities but for Camphill communities around the world. 

The focus on innovative, environmentally-friendly construction techniques and renewable energy is demonstrated by:

• The use of strawbales as a highly energy efficient and sustainable building material in a recent construction project at Newton Dee. 

• Plans for a second strawbale building at the Beannachar Community, based on the success of the Newton Dee building. 

• A wind turbine on Newton Dee, producing energy for the community’s organic dairy.

• Several Camphill Aberdeen City and Shire communities are in the advanced stages of plans to use heat pump technology. 

Media enquiries

Ken McEwen at Ken McEwen Public Relations

Telephone +44 (0)1467 633667

ken@kenmcewen.co.uk

News