The Threshold Cohousing Community was set up about 13 years ago with the aim of being an example of a sustainable lifestyle, both in terms of the environment and a different way of living. It comprises 14 properties, including the original farmhouse and various barn conversions, plus an acre of rented land for veg and fruit growing, recreation and wildlife.
Hot water and heating are provided to all properties via a large biomass boiler, which at the time was one of the first to be installed and was considered to be very eco friendly, although now not so much….! Sewage is dealt with via a biodigester in the centre of our village green area, which again is environmentally friendly and produces clean water at its outlet, with which we can safely water our vegetable plots. Rainwater is collected from guttering into 3 large tanks plus various small tanks around the site, as well as from guttering on our 2 large polytunnels. Arrays of pv panels are installed on the farmhouse roof and several other properties, providing electricity and hot water to the occupants.
We are currently looking into further systems of solar powered energy and rainwater harvesting with which to improve both our sustainability and future resilience. We look forward to conversations with like-minded visitors, and tea and cake will be available.