Helen Iles from Undercurrents

In 2006 undercurrents was invited to collaborate with the Community Channel on a 12 month project following the progress of Lammas. We produced a series of monthly web-based instalments which culminated in the creation of a 50 minute documentary. The film, which charts the development of the ecovillage movement in the UK, was released in August 2007 in association with Permaculture Magazine. EcoVillage Pioneers brings together many of the key movers and shakers who have established, inhabited and championed land-based communities in Britain and Ireland.

Undercurrents is a media charity specialising in environmental and social justice issues. We became infamous for our coverage of the road protests in the early nineties, and ten years later of the anti-capitalist gatherings. However, what begins with dissent must lead to discussion.

If not that, what?

So my own personal interest has been in positive alternatives- sustainable solutions to environmental destruction, peace-making over war-mongering, community against isolation. Eco-villages bring together these ideas into a lifestyle which makes more and more sense as we contemplate current concerns such as affordable housing and climate change.

If you’d like to see the film or arrange a screening in your area, the DVD of EcoVillage Pioneers is available from www.undercurrents.org/lowimpact.

Or you can contact me direct: helen@undercurrents.org.