In Northern Wales there is a rare environmental jewel nestled next to the village of Machynlleth – The Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT). This awarding-winning, internationally acclaimed green tourism centre is the premier environmental attraction in Europe. The 40-acre grounds are located on what was the old Llwyngwern slate quarry.
The quarry was abandoned when Gerard Morgan-Grenville, a man with a strong environmental conscious, founded a small commune in the seventies. He created a place where he could put into practice his vision of alternative energy and technology in response to an increasing awareness of the destructive effects of industrial methods. The community grew, attracting like-minded individuals from around the world, who brought their expertise to add to the commune’s sustainable methods of creating alternative energy and technology sources.
Almost thirty years later, CAT remains Europe’s leading eco-centre, attracting visitors from around the world. First time visitors to the site will enjoy the water-balanced railway ride up a steep cliff into the grounds of CAT, the only railway of its kind in Europe. The center has seven acres of displays and functioning examples of wind, water and solar power, energy conservation, environmentally sound buildings, self-build, organic growing and alternative sewage systems. There is also a scrumptious restaurant serving healthy, wholesome vegetarian cuisine and coffees.
The lush grounds provide ample opportunities to understand the center’s alternative gardening methods that are applied to everything from roses to radishes. Also included in the extensive gardening displays is information on permaculture, organic gardening, composting and natural pest control.
There is also a smallholding of farm animals. The animals help to sustain the center’s pioneering efforts in the use of composting toilets and reed beds. Perhaps the favorite unofficial attraction at CAT is the eco-toilets. Many visitors take pride in doing their part to contribute to the center’s recycling program.
Visiting The Center For Alternative Technology
There are three options for enjoying the center’s attributes. A day trip to CAT is a great way to pass a Welsh afternoon. However, it is probably not enough of an experience to just visit the centre. Rather, consider opting for a longer stay with the possibility of visiting as a long term/short term volunteer, a work experience, or student placement position. Another popular option is attending one of the many courses that run throughout the year, covering everything from Strawbale House Building to Green Funerals to How to Build Your Own Wind Turbine.
Another popular visiting option is volunteering for a week or two. The volunteer option involves living on the premises and assisting staff members as needed in work duties. Food and accommodation is simple, healthy and wholesome. Organic vegetarian food is cooked communally and volunteers do their share in meal preparation. Daily duties are eclectic, low-key and educational. Mornings might be spent feeding the animals or doing a little gardening. Afternoons could be spent working in the publicity or engineering office. The friendly staff make efforts to accommodate volunteers in their preferred department and are eager to pass on their knowledge to visitors.
For information on the volunteer programs and other course options run by The Centre for Alternative Technology visit: http://www.cat.org.uk/
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