Flourishing at Findhorn: Growth, Gathering & Governance🌱

2026-02-27T16:21:17.000Z · Findhorn Ecovillage

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View in browser Website Donate Retreats 🌱Flourishing at Findhorn 🌸 Updates from Ecovillage Findhorn CBS As the seasons turn and our community continues to evolve, there is a quiet sense of possibility in the air . Projects come and go, spaces change, and decisions are made, but what remains constant is our shared commitment to the life of this place and to one another . This newsletter carries updates and reflections from that ongoing journey within Ecovillage Findhorn CBS. Thank you for being part of it. 🙏 * Click top right 'view in browser' to view the whole newsletter. * EF Members Vote: A Clear Mandate for the Next Chapter 📖👍 We are very pleased to share the outcome of the recent members’ vote on two ordinary resolutions concerning: The transfer of Central Area West (CAW) The acquisition of a minority share in Findhorn Bay Holiday Park Both proposals relate to the transfer of assets from the Findhorn Foundation Trust to Ecovillage Findhorn CBS, on the terms outlined by the Board. Strong Participation We received 80 responses from EF Community Members (those resident within the Park settlement boundary), representing an impressive 41% participation rate . This comfortably exceeds the requirements set out in both EF’s Rules and the EF–NFA Shared Community Decision Making Policy . Note that as per EF's current Rules, only Community Members (those resident within The Park settlement boundary) have the right to vote on this kind of matter - see more below on this. Thank you to everyone who took the time to read, reflect and cast their vote. Your participation strengthens our shared governance. The Results 1. Transfer and stewardship of Central Area West (CAW) EF CBS to take on CAW and steward it on behalf of members: 97.5% Yes ≈ 1.2% No ≈ 1.2% Abstain 2. Minority shareholding in Findhorn Bay Holiday Park EF CBS to acquire a 13% shareholding in a proposed Community Interest Company to operate the Holiday Park, with an initial investment of £6,500 from EF CBS: 95% Yes 2.5% No 2.5% Abstain Both resolutions comfortably meet EF’s Rules requirement of more than 50% approval , as well as the EF–NFA Shared Community Decision Making Policy threshold of more than 90% Yes . The results demonstrate a strong and positive response to the Board’s recommendations. A Note on Membership Categories While Contributing Members are included in surveys and wider engagement processes, they are not currently eligible to participate in formal votes under EF’s existing Rules. This is under review and may be considered for change in the future. We are grateful for the clarity and confidence expressed through this vote and look forward to taking the next steps together in service of our community. Housing Needs Assessment : Report Now Available! 📃🏘️ After an enormous collective effort , drawing on a wide range of sources and a high level of community participation , consultant Luke Fraser has completed a comprehensive Housing Needs Assessment Report . We are very pleased to now share this with the community . The purpose of a housing needs assessment is to understand existing demand and explore what additional housing may be required to support our shared aspirations . Throughout the process, Luke honoured both his and EF’s commitment to meaningful engagement, actively seeking input from across the community. The assessment looks beyond immediate housing demand. It considers: Demographic rebalance, including retaining and attracting residents The needs of different groups within the community Opportunities to support local businesses and the wider economy The circumstances and needs of individual households This longer-term, holistic approach recognises housing as an enabler of wider community development and regeneration, rather than simply a snapshot of demand at a single point in time. Alongside this work, we partnered with the Land and Housing Trust to carry out an additional housing allocation survey, the findings of which are incorporated into the final reports. Our sincere thanks go to Luke for his thorough and thoughtful work, and to Viv for her steady support throughout the process. You can read the full reports via the buttons below: Summary HNA --> Summary HNA Full Report HNA --> Full Report HNA EF Economics Conference: Easter (April 3rd-5th) 2026 🌱🐣 This Easter weekend, April 3rd - 5th 2026 , something vibrant and timely is unfolding in our village. EF Board member Dorota Owen is inviting us into a three-day gathering titled: ‘Economics as if Life Matters – A Celebration of the Abundance of Communities’ Held here at the Park Ecovillage, Findhorn , with events centred around the Universal Hall and woven through our wider community spaces, this conference is an invitation to re-imagine the way we live, exchange, create and care for one another . Together we will explore economics not as an abstract system, but as something rooted in land, relationship and shared wellbeing . Expect rich conversation and bold ideas alongside embodied celebration. There will be: 🗣️ Inspiring speakers 🤝 Participatory workshops 🕺 Dance and live music 🛍️ A lively community market 💛 Spaces for connection, reflection and joy Spring at the Park is a beautiful time of renewal. As the light returns and the land begins to stir, we will gather in that same spirit of regeneration, asking how our local economy can nourish life, creativity and belonging. 💡 For ideas or contributions, contact dorota@ecovillagefindhorn.uk . 👉For full details and booking information, please visit: Spring Conference 2026 – Economics, as if Life Matters 📋 See the full conference programme below. Special Deal for EF Members! 🌟 EF members can attend the full three days for £60 (single day ticket) ! (Just because we love you! 💚) All you need to do is: Tick ✔️ single day ticket Add ‘EF’ after your name on the form Your booking will then be honoured for the whole conference (normally £150!). Medway Update 🏗️ Following advance communication with local residents about timing, machinery and likely noise levels, the removal of the Medway and Bookings buildings, along with two old caravans, has now been completed. The operation was carefully overseen by EF Board member JT , with support from Jonathan Caddy . The contractors worked efficiently and professionally, and the demolition was completed as planned within two days. There was a steady stream of onlookers observing from a safe distance, including a group of very enthusiastic children gathered on the Village Green. It was certainly a moment of transition for this part of the settlement. We recognise that residents closest to the site experienced significant noise and disruption during the works. We are sincerely grateful for your patience and understanding. Our thanks also go to those who helped with the clear-up and with salvaging materials for reuse and recycling . With the structures now removed, the landscape feels noticeably more open and the views have shifted. Some further tidy-up work will take place, including seeding the soil, protecting the ground and considering appropriate screening, as the area is now more exposed. What Happens Next? We are open to inspiration! Any ideas brought forward will involve consultation with the community. Future possibilities will need to take into account the needs of those already living nearby, alongside the wider integrated plan for the settlement. This includes alignment with the final Local Place Plan submitted to Moray Council and the newly completed Housing Needs Assessment. This is a moment to pause, reflect and consider what might best serve both the immediate neighbourhood and the longer-term vision for our community. Thank you for your participation and care. Community is a living process , shaped by each vote, conversation and contribution. If anything here sparks a question or idea, we would love to hear from you. And on a lighter note, yes, I now have a new newsletter assistant . She is small, fluffy, and occasionally edits by standing on the keyboard8£%67924hkjbsbik. As I was saying... her expertise currently lies in morale boosting and snack location . Progress is slow but adorable . With blessings, Tessa 🦄 (and Nala 🐶) EF CBS Team Ecovillage Findhorn Community Benefit Society General Office, The Park, Findhorn, Moray, IV363TZ, Scotland Sign-up to support the work we do for our community! Email: office@ecovillagefindhorn.uk You received this email because you signed up. You can unsubscribe at any time. Unsubscribe