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| The Nature Sanctuary is made out of all found and recycled materials. More photos » |
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Findhorn Foundation College
St. Leonards Road
Forres IV36 2RD
Scotland, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1309 674247
Fax: +44 (0)1309 673113
college@findhorncollege.org
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| The Universal Hall contains a conference center, a café, photography and music recording studios, and more. More photos » |
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| Some houses have been built out of recycled whiskey barrels. More photos » |
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"The Findhorn program integrates intellectual challenge with rich, hands-on experience. It brings together personal development, collaborative
group learning, immersion in an eclectic spiritual and sustainable community, and engagement with issues of global concern. It helps students
open their hearts and minds, expanding their ability to go out and have a positive impact on the world."
– Karl Steyaert, former Program Director
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The Findhorn Community began in 1962 with Peter and Eileen Caddy, their three sons, and Dorothy Maclean. After successfully running a hotel,
Peter and Eileen were mysteriously fired and they all moved in to a small trailer near the North Sea. Peter started a garden and Dorothy discovered
an intuitive ability to communicate directly with plants. Following the plants' guidance led to amazing results including the now-legendary 40-pound
cabbages. Word spread and a community began to evolve and in 1972 was formally registered as a Scottish Charity under the name The Findhorn
Foundation. Today, the Findhorn Foundation is more about growing "people" than huge vegetables. It is currently home to approximately 400 members
from 40 nations who are striving to create a model of a positive vision for humanity and the planet.
The Findhorn Foundation is a demonstration site for sustainable living. Members maintain organic gardens and a community supported agriculture system,
a wind-powered generator, a "Living Machine" sewage treatment facility, and a "green building" program with over 30 ecological buildings completed and a
further 30-40 in planning stages. Findhorn is a founding member of the Global Ecovillage Network (http://gen.ecovillage.org) (GEN) and, in 1997, was awarded
NGO status and Best Practices designation with the United Nations.
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Cluny Hill was purchased in the mid-1980s and is home to many members and educational workshops. More photos » |
The Findhorn Foundation College was formed in 2001 to run academic and professional training programs by integrating personal development theory and
techniques with established educational methods. The college has a holistic learning philosophy that balances development of mind, body, emotions, spirit
and relationships within an academic and community context.
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There are many events that students are welcome to attend just by being resident in the community. Examples include:
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Regular classes in Dance (e.g., circle dancing, contact improv), Yoga, and T'ai Chi |
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Early morning Taize singing and silent meditation sessions |
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Visiting theatre and music performances at the community's Universal Hall |
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Community celebrations (e.g. Robbie Burns night, Solstice celebrations, weddings) |
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Open Mike nights at the Blue Room Cafe |
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Community meetings and political forums |
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Student-created special events (e.g., cabaret night, birthdays, theme meals) |
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Great hiking in the local hills, by the scenic Findhorn River and along the North Sea. |
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Local historic towns like Forres and Elgin and the picturesque city of Inverness |
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Celtic standing stones, castles and ruins that pepper the landscape |
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Lochs (lakes) and fabulous scenery en route to beautiful Erraid Island |
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The beautiful Caledonian forest being revitalized by Trees for Life with the help of Living Routes students |
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Students live in the "Park", next to the Bay of Findhorn, beautiful dunelands, and the North Sea. More photos »
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Students usually share rooms in self-contained bungalows. Students prepare breakfast on their own and eat lunch and dinner communally in the
friendly and bustling Community Center, which is a short walk from the bungalows.
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Findhorn grows about 80% of its own food using organic Community Supported Agriculture farms. More photos »
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Students eat lunch and dinner in the Community Centre, the heart of the Findhorn Foundation community. Breakfast foods are provided for
students to eat at home in their bungalows. Food is vegetarian with vegan and other special diet options. It is largely organic and local, and
approximately 80% of the produce is grown by the Findhorn community's own Community Supported Agriculture farm. The menu is eclectic,
international, and relies as much as possible on seasonal produce.
Students who are used to a warm climate should know that it can drop below freezing in the winter months. Occasional, light snowfalls are
likely in January and February. Expect the temperature range to be from 30° to 65°F with the occasional 70°F and above in the summer and fall.
Winters tend to be cold and crisp and summer days are long with frequently-changing weather.
There is a medical doctor living on-site at the Park in Findhorn, as well as a wide range of complementary health practitioners. The nearest
hospital is Leanchoil Hospital, located in Forres, a 15-minute drive or bus ride from the Park.
Findhorn Foundation - http://www.findhorn.org
Findhorn Foundation College - http://www.findhorncollege.org
Trees for Life - http://www.treesforlife.org.uk
Erraid Island - http://www.erraid.com
Findhorn and the United Nations - http://www.findhorn.org/connect/un_intro_new.php
Ecovillage at Findhorn - http://www.ecovillagefindhorn.com
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