This post is a bit like a Community Log for 2025 where we have collated updates from Community organisations and members. This is not EVERYTHING that happened but it is a good glimpse into the vibrant and complex Community we are.
Click here for the Community Log 2024, and Community News 2026.
Please click the arrow on the left to expand the text for each item. The sequence of news listed below is random, as they come to us, therefore does not indicate importance or preference.
Solstice December 2025
Nature Mandala Community Gathering 2025
Ecovillage Findhorn Community Benefit Society
7th November – 💫 EF CBS AGM – need to knows!💫
12th November – 💫EF CBS AGM – Part 2 Info!💫
21st November – 💫 Welcome to our AGM update! 💫
28th November – Crisp Community Chronicles 🌬️❄️
13th December – 💖✨🎄One Last Gift of the Year: Solstice, Voting & Seasonal Wishes 🎄✨💖
18th December – Big Changes for our Community
19th December – New Name Reveal & Holiday Emergency Cover🏠✨💖
Findhorn Foundation SCIO
11th November – 🌟 Newsletter 🌟 Findhorn and Iona New Beginnings 🌟
1st December Exploration Updates
FF SCIO Trustees would like to thank the community (and Suzanne Quinney, Tim Slack) for the wide participation during the week of Internal Conferencing – especially in the SOAR morning. We are exploring the many suggestions for Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations and Resources/Results – that will help guide our explorations for Education Offerings.
We can also share that FF SCIO are contributing to the:
- Ongoing asset-transfer conversations and exploring joint ventures
- Expression of interest in stewarding the Park Building for Educational uses
- Work with contractors we have hired from the community and Education Circle exploring Business Planning, Curriculum Development, and the Website
- Regular meetings of the SEEN Group (SCIO, EF CBS, Education Circle, NFA) to engage the wider community
We are delighted to report that 3 recent zoom calls – the first to FF SCIO Donors and Legacy Circle; and the second to Resource People from around the world went very well. Both calls brought out strong encouragement and goodwill from a global community who are bringing both a legacy of expertise in spiritual education and resources for a world seeking sanctuary, coherence amidst chaotic change and opportunities for the next generations to build cultural capacities, hospitable to the soul. Our third zoom call was to thank and appreciate our online morning meditation holders. We were touched by how they have all been impacted by the spiritual impulse of the community and have felt called to give service
through stepping forward to hold these meditation.
Next FF SCIO explorations will continue to engage the Education Circle, other organisations in the community contributing to website collaborations and starting in the New Year, inquiries related to Tier 2 SCIO designs.
It’s been heartening to experience the spirit of collaboration, cooperation and increasing synthesis in recent community meetings which FF SCIO has participated in. We wish everyone in our community well for this sacred season.
We invite readers to join us for Daily Meditations and/or Weekly Inspirations which can be accessed by clicking here.
“Much is waiting to unfold, but it must be done in the … atmosphere of love, love and more love.”
Eileen Caddy.
Submitted by Marilyn Hamilton, Chair FF SCIO on behalf of FF SCIO Trustees.
Introducing Judy McAllister New FF SCIO Trustee
Cluny Hill
Birthday Celebrations organised by Dorota Owen and friends bring life and sparkle into Cluny Hill Hotel
Erraid
From the new Erraid Trustees: Yesterday we celebrated the official birth of the new Erraid SCIO (Scottish charity).
We planted a tiny walnut tree and buried a time capsule full of our hopes and dreams for the future.
We want to say a HUGE thank you to @findhornfoundation for carrying the torch for nearly 50 years. The baton has been passed to the Dutch family and current Erraid members to keep the show on the road and look to a new horizon.
May Erraid be a sacred place for the next 25 years and please come and be part of it whenever you feel it’s your time.
For more information go to their website.
63rd Community Birthday Celebrations
Park Ecovillage Trust (PET)
3rd December update: Asset discussions, Pineridge and PET membership
Dear Community,
Thank you to everyone who has shared with PET board thoughtful reflections about Pineridge. Your care for the residents, for the Park, and for our wider community is deeply appreciated. It is clear that this conversation goes beyond land or buildings, it touches the life, spirit, and relationships that shape who we are together.
Many of you have expressed that whoever may eventually take on stewardship of Pineridge, and we wholeheartedly agree, whether EF-CBS, PET, FF SCIO, EKOPIA, NFA, in a collaborative model, the guiding priority must be the ultimate wellbeing of the community. Stewardship is not simply the management of assets; it is an act of care, protection, and long-term responsibility. It is not our intention to undermine other organisations; rather, we want to empower all involved to help this community thrive. We also want to reassure you that no “carving up” of the Park is being proposed.
What matters now is open communication, shared intention, and working together rather than in fragments. We wish to make it clear that PET is detached from ownership. Our role is to support the community and help safeguard the Park, avoiding any speculation about parcellisation before we take ownership as a community.
If renewal, housing, care flats, or infrastructure projects are considered in the future, they must be approached with sensitivity, honouring the people who live there now, the natural environment, the heritage of the area, and the social fabric of Pineridge. The existing Findhorn Foundation Trust buildings will require significant asbestos removal, and any possible transfer would demand careful financial, environmental, and community-centred evaluation. Although discussions are progressing, nothing has been decided, and there is still ample space for consultation, reflection, and co-creation. Your ideas about sensitive renewal and community-focused development are deeply valued.
Re-Introducing PET and what we do together with you:
PET is committed to enhancing community life by:
- Supporting, funding, and facilitating access to essential needs through practical developments and innovative educational, social, regenerative, and environmental projects.
- Delivering an effective and affordable community housing programme. Currently, PET manages 26 dwellings, providing many people with the opportunity to live, grow, and contribute within the community.
- Setting and meeting targets to reduce and avoid fossil-based carbon emissions, working toward Net Zero.
- Supporting care and wellbeing initiatives that benefit the whole community.
Affordable housing has been a critical need for many years. Young people and families often leave the Ecovillage Findhorn due to lack of suitable homes. Long-term community members – who served the community all their lives – deserve secure homes for their retirement years.
We have an experienced and dedicated team for the many divisions and awarenesses we hold at the Park Ecovillage:
- Ursula Pfahler — PET Board Admin
- Flora Keiller — Finance Manager
- Housing Division:
- Alex Wright — Housing Manager
- Adrian Hutchins — Housing Coordinator
- The CCC Division
- Jen Hayward – Co-ordinator
- Jane Gambrill – Assistant
- Isabella Guerrini de Claire – Operations/Fundraising
- supported by volunteers Catherine Brislee, Ann Bilous, and a task force of ~40 people
- Carbon Team Advisors – Roger Doudna & Göran Wiklund
- Light of Findhorn Sanctuary Division:
- Lori Forsyth – Sanctuary Coordinator
- Kathy Tyler – Sanctuary Advisor
- Anni Broadhead – Sanctuary Finance
PET Board is:
- Amanda Haworth-Viklund, Chair
- Alessandro Daboni, Housing Strategy Director
- Leona Graham, CCC Director
- Isabella Guerrini de Claire, Carbon Strategy Director
You can find more about us on our website.
PET is a membership trust with 173 members. Membership is free, and you are warmly invited to join, especially if you are a Pineridge resident. Members receive direct updates and are always welcome to share ideas and perspectives. Click here to join PET Membership.
At this stage, PET is only undertaking due diligence regarding the possible stewardship of Pineridge. Nothing has been decided, not even at Board level. This is an investigative process and a significant and complex undertaking, and we intend to proceed with deep care, for the human, zoological, and botanical life of the area.
Any future consultation will be developed with you, not for you. Having your email through membership greatly helps us ensure that everyone stays informed.
With our love and blessings,
The PET Board
Findhorn Hinterland Trust
New Findhorn Association
This year the New Findhorn Association again hosted a Community Gathering. The theme for our Gathering carried on from the Birthday Transformation Game, as an intention to deepen our connection to the heart and soul of this centre – upcycling the old and building the new – together.
Given the twists and turns and surprises of the tumultuous year we have all experienced, the Gathering’s most prominent aim was to be together – engage in conversation, share our hopes and dreams and stories.
There were a wide variety of themes and activities throughout the week, beginning with the profoundly stillness of our opening ritual – to great the four directions. In the first session we deepened our understanding the Findhorn Angel and the Landscape Angel.. as you can read elsewhere in the Newsletter, and later reviewed our learnings from the Transformation Game. An fire on the village Green that first evening, encouraged ‘letting go’ and a renewing of our commitments to serve.
The week progressed — dreaming into our eco resilient Future on Tuesday, and considering the educational impulse of this centre from the lens of Appreciative enquiry and a the SOAR matrix — Strengths, Aspirations, Opportunities and Resources – lively conversations ensued.
Forming the Nature Mandala provides creative quiet time; we enjoyed Singing, Gardening, & dynamic Games. There was an opportunity for parent to meet. Annie offered her signature Quiz and Fizz event.
On the final Friday morning the FF Trust’s ‘successor organisations’ ( EF CBS, PET, FHT, FF SCIO and Ekopia ) – answered questions and spoke of their collaborative working and provisional sense of direction. In the afternoon we held a reflective session and closed the four directions that had held our week so well.
We were fortunate that coincidently – JP Newell’s Celtic Wisdom seminar was offered within the week, as was Margot Henderson’s book launch with her passionate readings. Affirming our rich cultural milieu, on Friday evening the Phoenix café hosted Shirley Barr, David Hammond, Nigel Sleaford, Ella M and Samuel Nye and we were serenaded by their original songs.
New Findhorn Directions (NFD)
Halloween/Samhain 31st October 2025
Findhorn Foundation Trust
2nd October 2025 Update – Traigh Bhan
In the time since Findhorn Foundation SCIO suspended its programmes on Iona earlier this year, FF Trust trustees have been considering what the future holds for our beloved house on Iona – Traigh Bhan. To help with this, we reached out to Roger and Katherine Collis, who were instrumental in Traigh Bhan being gifted to the Foundation in 1972, and they are now leading this consideration on behalf of
trustees.
Roger and Katherine have just spent five weeks on Iona, reestablishing local connections and taking care of some urgently needed repairs and maintenance. They have also been reaching out to people at Findhorn and elsewhere to explore and listen to what is being called for from Traigh Bhan at this time.
Although no final decision has been made, there is clear momentum toward establishing a new independent charity to safeguard Traigh Bhan and its spiritual purpose—honouring its deep connection with Findhorn while enabling it to flourish in its own right. This mirrors the path we are already taking with Erraid, where the creation of a new charity is well under way.
Roger and Katherine will be visiting Findhorn toward the end of October to share a fuller update on Traigh Bhan, meet with community members, and hold a special blessing for both Traigh Bhan and the possible emerging charity. Their visit is an opportunity to connect more deeply, exchange reflections, and explore together the relationship with Traigh Bhan and Iona.
Mark Anderson
Chair, Findhorn Foundation Trust
Findhorn Foundation SCIO
2nd October Community Update
This is a wee report from our SCIO Quartet of new Trustees. In the last week four of us have been appointed to the FF SCIO Board – Angus Marland, Liza Hollingshead, Marilyn Hamilton, Sara Trevelyan. (Later in November we expect to become a quintet with the addition of Judy McAllister who will be travelling for work until then).
We are encountering a deluge of meeting invitations to continue or develop relationships with: the Education Circle (and their Working Group); the collaboration constellation of EdC, Ecovillage Findhorn CBS and SCIO; ColCi; and Community Enterprise gatherings. We are also trying to weave in attendance at Friday Conversation Cafes (thanks Angus), the monthly+ NFA/EF Community meetings.
Under the guidance of our Angels: Clarity, Commitment, Release – every now and again we come up for air and have a SCIO meeting amongst ourselves. We are imagining our remit so that we can, in six months, deliver the results of a deep and wide exploration of how the SCIO can serve the educational impulse that flows through this community. We are also meeting with the current Trustees to create a transition plan to receive files, infrastructure, connections, etc.
One of our meetings in the very near future will be with the contractors who have, with great care, enabled the continuance of daily meditations and weekly emails – so we can agree on how this service can be woven into ongoing SCIO commitments.
We will continue to report into RB on a regular basis – and are very happy to answer any questions you may have.
16th October – Thoughts on our Community Education SCIO From Angus Marland, one of the new trustees.
17th October – How Subtle Assets Serve Community and Organisations
Findhorn Foundation SCIO is pleased to announce that Trustees have appointed Liza Hollingshead as Treasurer and Marilyn Hamilton as Chair. Together we are honoured to serve the SCIO’s next evolutionary phase along with trustees Angus Marland and Sara Trevelyan and Judy McAllister in November when she returns from running a workshop in Greece.
As we joined the October 10, 2025 Community Enterprise event to explore how the physical assets of the former Findhorn Foundation might be distributed, we noted:
- The SCIO is not a Charity expecting to manage or steward any physical resources at this time. Our role is to serve the organisations and community who take on these responsibilities — contributing to decisions that are well-informed by the community’s educational offerings, needs and the original spiritual impulse that inspired the birth of the Findhorn Foundation.
- The SCIO’s core purpose now is to carry forward the Educational Impulse of Findhorn — the learning that arises when we live in conscious community, in service to a greater whole, and in co-creation with the Intelligences of Nature. In practical terms, this means:
- We are in active conversation with Community Successor Charities to ensure that education venues and resources continue to serve both local and global learners through partnerships or other agreements.
- We are EXPLORING how the SCIO can serve the educational impulse. We hold responsibility for what we call the “Subtle Assets” — the spiritual, cultural, and relational capital plus the IP of courses, database relationships with global community, website, “brand” and donations that provide bursaries for future SCIO courses. All these subtle assets give this place its living heart: our shared practices, stories, wisdom, and deep listening.
- We seek to steward coherence — among people, organisations and the natural world — so that the whole ecosystem of the Park and beyond can thrive.
- The SCIO’s intention is to act as a bridge — between past and future, between the tangible and the invisible, between governance and spirit.
- We are guided by three Angels: Commitment, Release and Clarity and they give us 3 principles:
- Transparency, so the community can see and understand what is unfolding.
- Collaboration, so that we explore together with others for the benefit of the whole community.
- Co-Creation with the Intelligences of Nature, so that our choices remain
aligned with the wellbeing of Gaia and of all life here.
In this time of transition, we sense that the most enduring assets are not the buildings or the land, but the consciousness we cultivate together. We see ourselves in service to a higher purpose – the continuing educational and spiritual impulse of Findhorn which supports a living experiment in conscious community. We are grateful for the clarity, compassion, and understanding that, as always, work is love in action.
Findhorn Foundation SCIO Annual Report year ended 31st March 2024
23rd October – UPDATE – Due Diligence Start-Up Rhythms
The new SCIO Trustees appreciate the feedback that we have received from our – what is becoming – regular postings to Rainbow Bridge. This update adds to the responses we gave to the questions we received from our sharings in the Community Enterprise meeting October 6, 2025.
We are starting to develop a rhythm to our Due Diligence process through weekly engagements including: Monday meetings of the Trustees, bi-weekly Monday meetings with the Education Circle Working Group. Of course, we also attend the bi-weekly meetings of the Education Circle and every three-week meetings with the SEEN group (SCIO, EdCircle, EF, NFA).
One of the trustees usually attends the Friday Community Gatherings in the Phoenix Café (thanks Angus). Fridays at 1pm most of us participate in the Meditation for the Education Impulse in the Light of Findhorn Sanctuary. All are welcome to join us. We enjoy sharing afterwards and discovering the different voices of not only common ground but also “uncommon ground” that spark evolutionary ideas.
We are still in the start-up phase of the Exploration we have undertaken to discover if the SCIO is the optimum vehicle for the Education impulse. But we are also jumping in the deep end learning all the applications, Social Media and global participation that underpin the SCIO daily and weekly meditations, website and databases.
It has been vital for us to meet and thank the SCIO team who have been serving with great dedication the global community of the SCIO. They have been providing heartful human and expert tech attention to the development and delivery of the daily/weekly meditations on Zoom and through FB and Instagram. Over 100 participants regularly attend the Monday-to-Friday Zoom meditation. Thank you, Alex Wright, Kate Waring, Rudolf van Brederode and Britta Schmitz. (Click here to join the meditations.)
At this time in the SCIO’s annual finance and Annual Report cycle we are also reviewing with the previous trustees the draft reports that will complete the year ending March 31, 2025 (and will be filed with OSCR).
A casual reader might notice that our Due Diligence process is taking a tad longer than the 3 hours per week we anticipated – so we are grateful for the support of all the volunteers (Resource People (RPs) and others) who guide the daily/weekly meditations and Education Circle Working Group who are exploring the options for Curriculum and modes of delivery.
If you would like to connect with us any time, outside of all the engagements above – please send us an email at connect@findhorn.org. We would love to hear from you.
FF SCIO Trustees Angus, Liza, Marilyn, Sara
Ecovillage Findhorn Community Benefit Society
3rd October – From Assets to Opportunities: New Roles, New Visions, New Future!💫
Park Ecovillage Trust
PET at the Moray CAN Climate Conference 3rd Oct 2025
The scariest topic of our day: the air we breathe, was tackled head on by a variety of speakers at the Moray CAN Climate Conference on October 3rd in Elgin.
Keynote Prof Peter Stott (right) is a leading climate scientist who helped prove climate change from human activity is real – using data not debate.
Hopefully slides will be available from every presentation, because if you’ve been wondering where our rubbish and recycling goes there was a hot-off-the-press report with interviews 
of the co-workers at the various local depots, who explained how our choices can be climate-clever.
Also presented were ways Moray can create a more resilient and localised food system; coastal erosion was tackled by a senior engineer from the Council; our Whale and Dolphin Centre and Moray Beekeepers’ Association revealed a great deal about biodiversity; Moray Trades Union explained the resilience consequences of fair shares and future skills required in the transition from fossil to sustainable energy; and the panel of four youth reps added a young perspective on everything.
The final speaker was Kerry McInnes, who many of us know when wearing diverse hats, while in this context her research at UHI closed the day with helpful overviews.
Many of us from the community participated: Prof Stott is flanked in the photo by Tsi Moray Development Officer Edward Fitsell, Isabella Guerrini newly recruited to fundraising ops for the CCC, me (Amanda), Göran Wiklund of PET’s Carbon Strategy ops, and Ariane Burgess Moray’s Green MSP. Also there for the day were Fabio Villani and Cat McLeod representing SCCAN.
Amanda Haworth (chair)
19th Oct Letter to PET members
It was good to see so many of you at the AGM 25th September. We thought there was plenty to tell then, little guessing what would blow in with the Equinox winds! A month later and changes have blown in and through PET.
PET BOARD CHANGES AND APPRECIATION FOR FORMER DIRECTORS
Early October Anni Broadhead relinquished her role as Sanctuary Director. We are so grateful that Anni has committed to finishing the reporting work for the Community Ownership Fund (COF, that contributed generously to the construction of the Light of Findhorn Sanctuary), will also continue as PET’s Company Secretary and represent us at the FF assets allocation table together with Alessandro and Amanda. Kathy Tyler will act as Sanctuary link to the Board in the meanwhile.
As our former directors focus on their next steps, we offer them our heartfelt appreciation and our warmest blessings. Their time in service as PET
Directors is a true gift of commitment and care, one that continues to
inspire and enrich our community.
WARM WELCOME TO OUR NEW PET DIRECTORS
Leona Graham has very generously stepped up to fill the need for a CCC Director after Annie Crawford stepped down. Most of our readers know Leona from her years here as Peter and Eileen Caddy’s aide de camp. Her CV is impressive including years working with the Wild Foundation, but it was her earliest career in the Canadian air force that brought a giggle into the room when, while holding a welcome meditation for her, the Board heard an RAF helicopter fly directly overhead!
Our Carbon Strategy team is very excited to welcome a new Director! Isabella Guerrini de Claire (Izzy) has stepped into Roger’s shoes (the mind boggles a bit, she takes size 3.5) to shoulder this area of operations. She has a most impressive and varied experience in carbon issues, which Roger and Göran – as her experienced back-up team – are thrilled at the prospect of
together furthering this important area of PET operations.
Spirit does indeed work in mysterious ways, bringing us one director who connects us to the earliest days of our Community, and another nurtured in the field who can look ahead to the future of our Settlement.
Quite a few of us from the community participated in the Moray CAN Climate Conference on October 3rd in Elgin. Keynote speaker Professor Peter Stott is flanked in the photo by TsI Development Officer Edward Fitsell, Isabella Guerrini (at that time newly recruited to fundraising ops for the CCC), Amanda Haworth, Göran Wiklund, and Ariane Burgess, Moray’s Green MSP.
The Carbon Action Group launched in September, led by Margo van Greta and Göran and is hugely appreciated by the participants.
HOUSING AND ASSETS
PET is working closely with the NFD to assume ownership of Silvertrees that the FF Trust wants PET to steward. Heartfelt thanks are due to Alex Walker, Paddy Atkinson and Fasil Bogale who for well over a decade worked with dedication to construct all 26 units at the Park.
To support the continued provision of these highly-prized affordable homes on the Park, the Housing Team expanded when Alex Wright became Housing Manager in September. We look forward to another quality co-worker joining at the end of November. Warm gratitude is also due to Flora Keiller who, although tucked away in Glasgow, has been a lynch pin for housing operations, as well as managing accounting operations for the whole of PET.
Assets allocation: In September Alessandro, Anni and Amanda represented PET at the ‘table’ with EF CBS, Ekopia, FF SCIO and FHT (Findhorn Hinterland Trust) to explore which ‘legacy organisation’ will best be suited to take ownership of which remaining FF Trust assets at the Park, stewarding them on behalf of the Community. An historic step. The Light of Findhorn sanctuary is the first site being stewarded by PET in perpetuity.
We wish you a Happy Hallowe’en 🦇🌜🌚🦉🍂👻🧙🏻♀️🧹🦇🕷️🕸️🎃, and would remind those of you who live locally to buy your tickets for the pantomime available at the Phoenix shop. It’s a show that is guaranteed to bring merriment to the dark evenings of the 8th and 9th November!
With Love and Blessings,
PET Board: Amanda Haworth, Alessandro Daboni, Leona Graham, Isabella Guerrini de Claire
Advisors: Kathy Tyler (New Sanctuary), Roger Doudna (Carbon Strategy) Göran Wiklund (Carbon Action Group, Carbon Bites etc.)
Park Ecovillage Trust is a Company Limited by Guarantee, registered in Scotland as
Company No: SC354855
Also a Charity registered in Scotland, No: SC041279 Registered Office: 254 Pineridge,
The Park, Findhorn, Forres IV36 3TB
Introducing the SEEN Group (Education SCIO, Education Circle, EF CBS and NFA)
24th Oct – Rainbow Bridge (RB) Update
The group creates a regular opportunity to consult with each other and include feedback from members and subscribers. Based on an acronym of the groups represented, the name SEEN also has meaning. We are keen for the community to feel seen and heard as we explore the future of education and move forward in the spirit of collaboration.
Origins
The group arose from the desire to connect, communicate and collaborate and we realised it could meet the desire expressed in the referendum to establish a working group. We are all equal partners sitting around a point of stillness, rather than one organisation leading, based on the values of freedom, equality and cooperation from Steiner’s Three Fold Social order.
Minutes from 15 October 2025
Present: Marilyn, Sara and Angus (SCIO), Christine, Jonathan and Dell (EdCw), Larry (EF CBS), Sue (primarily NFA, referencing EF CBS), Annie (NFA). Apologies: Lisa (EF CBS)
Minutes: Dell. RB update: Christine.
The group has now met for the third time and agreed to meet every three weeks on Wednesdays at 2pm. We are in the early stages of shaping the group going forward. Christine and Annie will co-facilitate the next meeting.
A concise summary of the minutes will be shared in the Rainbow Bridge after approval by the group, with the intention to invite trust from the community. A minute taker will be appointed. The funding model of the Collaboration Circle has been suggested – that the groups share the cost.
NFA and Education Circle relationship
Moving forward the NFA confirmed and clarified that the Education Circle will continue to operate as an autonomous group with NFA representative(s). Appreciation to NFA for holding the process and reaching an agreement.
In light of the new working group, SEEN, the NFA and EdC relationship will further develop there, along with Education SCIO and EF CBS.
Cullerne House Update
Cullerne House in 2025 – From Rescue Mission to Prime Multipurpose Venue
Trees for Life
Reintroduction of beavers
Beavers released in Glen Affric 400 years after extinction in Scotland. A family of five beavers and a beaver pair have been released at two sites on Loch Beinn a Mheadhoin in the Glen Affric National Nature Reserve in the northwest Highlands. Click here to read more.
Alan Watson Featherstone, founder of Trees for Life, shared his story of attending this exciting event. Co-Creation with Nature in Action – Beavers reintroduced to Glen Affric.
Launch of Missing Species Programme for Scottish Highlands
“By bringing back the forest-planting red squirrel, flood-preventing beaver, deer-managing lynx, and landscape-shaping aurochs through their modern-day descendant the tauros, we can restore nature at scale and breathe new life into the Highlands, so people and wildlife can thrive together,” said Trees for Life’s chief executive Steve Micklewright.
We are fundraising £25,000 to support our Missing Species Programme which is bringing back Scotland’s lost keystone animals – the architects of the wild. By restoring these species, we revive natural processes, boost biodiversity, build climate resilience, and inspire people to rediscover the wonder of a wilder Highland landscape.
Findhorn Hinterland Trust
7th October – Shaping Our Future Together: Chair News & Your Voice on the Asset Transfer
Equinox September 2025
Light of Findhorn Sanctuary and Community (aerial) photo Mark Richards
Ecovillage Findhorn Community Benefit Society
8th August – Lúnasa & Listening 🎶
27th August: At last! Community Decision Making Policy 📖
30th August – Updates and gratitudes!
19th September – How much do you use the Universal Hall? 🏛️
Park Ecovillage Trust (PET)
August 2025 Update from the PET Chair
How has this strangely hot, pleasant summer been for you?
At PET we’ve been busy with new developments as well as established areas receiving new impulses:
Carbon Strategy is gradually gaining traction with the Carbon Action Group launching in September, led by Margo van Greta and Göran Wiklund who you can meet at the Enterprise Day 6th September in the Universal Hall at the Park. Click here to read more.
The dear CCC is absolutely buzzing with the effects of Jen’s energy and inspiration. She is a force whose time has come and is a great boon for Jane who has been able to resume her role as assistant co-ordinator. We are forever grateful for Jane steering the CCC ship over last winter and spring when we had no coordinator in post. 
New life is being breathed into the CCC activities, its scope and the task force, which latter were invited to afternoon tea and cakes on 20th August. More than 35 people poured into the Sunshine Room at East Whins! One of Jen’s innumerable talents as bee-keeper, and she generously brought a basket loaded with these sweet gifts for the task force.
The delivery and provision of Affordable Housing remains a key raison d’être for PET. Our continued ambitious intention to attain 25 units in our portfolio by 2025 is on track. PET will be going from 18 to 26 units in the near future. With much appreciation and heartfelt gratitude, PET is being gifted Silvertrees’ 8 units, from the Findhorn Foundation Trust and will be taking on paying the outstanding loans on this property.
As our Housing provision grows so does our team and we look forward to announcing very shortly the appointment of some well known and loved faces from our community.
A massive heartfelt vote of thanks to all of you who contribute to our efforts, and to Ekopia because without you being our delivery partners we would not be able to do what we do.
The Light of Findhorn has shone forth since opening at Easter and during these initial months of grounding and listening.
Many thanks to Karen Grant, our first Focaliser for shaping the initial schedules, supporting the Sanctuary Group and being part of helping us all to find our way. Karen steps down from her role on 7th September and conversations are currently being held with those who might be called to continue this work and come in as new Co-ordinators. We are grateful to all those who hold and participate in meditations, as also for periods to hold silent space throughout the week. The return of the Children’s Sanctuary has been a real joy – see the sleeping bunnies awaiting David’s call to wake up and hop!
Anni Broadhead has given countless hours of her professional expertise to ferrying the substantial
government grant through complex requirements that are ‘just’ part of being awarded taxpayers’ money. We are forever indebted to her for taking on this responsibility on behalf of the Community. As the plaque explains, we are also grateful to the Findhorn Foundation for ‘gifting’ the land (it actually required payment … Kathy has the £1 handed to her by Anni with a twinkle in her eye), as also to the thousands of groups and individuals who contributed towards the costs. And still do. Bless you all!
In September Alessandro and Anni will represent PET at the ‘table’ with our fellow Park organisations: EF CBS, Ekopia and FHT (Findhorn Hinterland Trust) to explore which ‘legacy organisation’ will best be suited to take ownership of which remaining FF Trust assets at the Park. We will report back to you as soon as anything definite has been agreed. As you can imagine this step is exciting as well as sobering.
We look forward to seeing all of you at the Enterprise Day on Saturday 6th September! PET will have a table in the Universal Hall, and the CCC will have a presence both there and in the East Whins Sunshine Room.
🕊 ✨ 🕊 💞 🕊 ✨ 🕊
With Love and Blessings,
Your PET Board: Amanda Haworth, Alessandro Daboni, Anni Broadhead, Annie Crawford
Advisors: Kathy Tyler (New Sanctuary), Roger Doudna (Carbon Strategy) Göran Wiklund
(Carbon Action Group, Carbon Bites etc.)
Park Ecovillage Trust is a Company Limited by Guarantee, registered in Scotland as
Company No: SC354855
Also a Charity registered in Scotland, No: SC041279 Registered Office: 254 Pineridge,
The Park, Findhorn, Forres IV36 3TB
Park Ecovillage Trust Annual Review 2025
Chair’s Review – Amanda Haworth Viklund – September 2025
Since our AGM in July 2024 every activity has increasingly been against the backdrop of the challenges of the Findhorn Foundation’s unfortunate closure. Much as it’s tempting to make simplistic analogies with the strange events in the macrocosm, our microcosm is more than slightly challenged on an almost daily basis.
We cherish memories and, as acknowledged on our web page dedicated to supporters:
“The Findhorn Foundation (FF) is our spiritual parent without which PET would surely not exist, since the Foundation has held the ambience that for over half a century has attracted people from around the world, and given rise to activities that have created the most fertile environment for a spiritual ecovillage to grow in this otherwise unlikely stretch of land.”
We are therefor grateful for any reassuring stability in our sphere: the affordable homes and their tenants, the indefatigable efforts of our senior carbon citizen duo, the admirable constancy of the Caring Community Circle and the sensational springtime ‘arrival’ of the Light of Findhorn Sanctuary.
Alex Wright recorded this podcast in June.
Although legally PET does own the sanctuary, it effectively is steward of the building which – again in law – can never be used for any other than spiritual purposes. It is not a hot piece of real estate that could be converted into luxury bijou executive pods. It is held in perpetuity for purely inner work.
Having completed invaluable service since the Easter inauguration, Karen Grant stepped down as focaliser in September. Among many things she gathered an impressive support group to hold regular meditations, established standards for use of the space, sorted construction snags, cared for the grounds and organised this powerful new addition to the Community through its initial months of settling in. Heartfelt thanks, Karen, and very best wishes for your exciting next steps!
A new chapter begins: We are delighted that Lori Forsyth now steps into a newly-fashioned role as Sanctuary Coordinator, welcoming her “with open hearts as she steps in to her new role… May this new chapter be filled with joy, clarity and deep fulfilment … and may the sanctuary flourish under your coordination, becoming ever more a plane of peace, renewal and belonging.” (quote Kathy Tyler)
***
Caring Community Circle – Director Annie Crawford
In March we welcomed Annie Crawford onto the Board to hold focus for the Caring Community Circle (CCC). Jane Gambrill had generously stepped up her hours to cover Coordinator tasks for vital winter months until local SRN Jen Hayward was hired as CCC Coordinator in April. Jen has stepped into the role with gusto, she has a keen eye to needs and an ability to multi-task while rapidly gaining an overview of our complex situation.
She has formed a new Steering Group comprising Annie, Leona, Jane, Catherine and Ann Bilous. Annie will tell us about this initiative at the AGM.
The Task Force – comprised of 50 signed up with 20 blessedly active volunteers – continues to respond to requests on a daily basis, providing help and assistance like lifts to appointments, assisting with meals and visiting to be friendly company or a listening ear.
The Hoose on Pineridge is a cosy home space which hosts a multiplicity of different events.
The work of the CCC is possible thanks to the generous donors who give regularly.
***
FCCC/Forres and Area Caring Community Circle – Prime Mover Leona Graham
“The FCCC was created in 2019 as a ‘wing’ of the CCC by Forres-based Community Members* as a Volunteer support group. Its main function is a social gathering of like-minded friends and members of the Findhorn Foundation Community.
I have held this group endeavour since its inception with support from the CCC teams. We have met in various places, including Cluny Hill College’s Sycamore Room and Pavilion, Transition Town Forres, while in more recent years, Auchernack House hosts us with the kind support of owner Mark Morley (we especially thank Mark for providing the facilities for refreshments)! It has worked well as a midweek social event 3-4 times a year.
Communications: I manage two local Mailing Lists to whom a Newsletter (News4Us) carries information of gatherings and other interesting local events. This attractive poster appears in various Community-linked social media outlets including the Rainbow Bridge. Following GDPR Guidelines, all mailings include the CCC and PET information.
2025: Gatherings held in February, June, and September have all been at Auchernack House. Mark presented the admirable Sustainable Planet Project which he founded. We were delighted that new CCC Coordinator Jen Hayward came to update us on the continuing good works and status of the CCC, and that NFA Councillors have reported on the NFA. There are generally about 20 of us, although when we began in Cluny we filled the Sycamore Room!
Future Prospects: We could grow and mature into a deeper and more useful mode, serving the CCC, our Community and the wider community.
* Barbara Vincent, Diana Brockbank and myself, Leona Graham, joined by Marcus Lindner and Terri Guest as well as Cornelia Featherstone and Sylvia Robertson as link-ins with The Park based entity.”
***
PET Housing – Director Alessandro Daboni
As Housing Strategy Director Alessandro Daboni has applied his keen talent for logistics and structure, re-evaluating all the tasks involved in maintaining PET’s portfolio of affordable homes. In September Alex Wright joined his housing team as Housing Manager and is already a warmly-appreciated asset to our tenants and the organisation.
Negotiations with the FF Trust and the NFD are expected to culminate before year’s end with the intention that Silvertrees will transfer to PET’s affordable housing stock.
Alessandro will provide more details in the slides to be shared at the AGM. These will be mailed out to you after the event.
***
Carbon Strategy – Advisor Roger Doudna
The past year has seen another Community Footprint Assessment effort by Göran Wiklund, albeit with insufficient responses from both individuals and businesses to make many definite conclusions. But, on the basis of roughly a 20% response rate from Park residents, Göran reckons we have reduced our average footprints to something like 4.7 tonnes CO2e. That’s due largely to guests no longer being a significant, or at least measured, contributor to the equation, but it’s also roughly half the average UK rate of 9.7 and the Moray rate of 7.4 tonnes of CO2e.
The Local Place Plan (LPP) went off to the Moray Council before the end of January 2025. It includes a raft of proposals that will have the effect of taking the Park Ecovillage Findhorn towards Net Zero by 2037, mainly by the greater use of heat pumps, solar panels, district heating schemes, electric cars, flood control measures, etc.
PET received a grant from the Berry Burn Community Fund 2025 in early March for £4,600 to run a Climate Action Project. The group of nine participants first met 20th September and will do so a further five times through early December 2025, with the purpose of reducing participants’ carbon footprints. It is facilitated jointly by Margo van Greta and Göran and immediately proved a dynamic, stimulating arena in which to explore carbon issues, starting with food. Results will be communicated to our funders in hopes that this will prove to be a prototype that can be replicated elsewhere.
Roger Doudna stepped down from his role as Director of Carbon Strategy in the spring. PET is grateful that he has remained as Advisor of Carbon Strategy, keeping operations alive while we await the appointment of a new Carbon Director to the PET Board. A more youthful person is sought to serve in that capacity.
***
PET pet projects
Over the years start-up projects have approached PET to benefit from our charitable status. In some cases there are hindrances like insurance liability, while the organisation has been able to adopt a few. These have become affectionately-named PET pet projects.
One example:
Although PET – holding as it does a Scottish Association of Landlords license with concomitant standards – has not been able to shoulder the responsibilities of landlord for the bungalows occupied by Ukraine families, we have been able to adopt book-keeping for the Refugee Action Forum (RAF = a slightly awkward acronym in view of our military neighbours) thus facilitating donations which is a crucially supportive service.
Here we see Anton and Hennadii, his father-in-law, outside Joanie’s bungalow where the grandparent generation lives, while parents Anton and Katja – who customers in Moray will remember fondly as the super-effective Manager of the Phoenix café – occupy nearby Sunrise bungalow with their two small children. They are valued additions to the social fabric of the Park and to the younger workforce we need.
.
News from Erraid
August blog: This is a note from the Erraid Community – from our remote, tidal isle.
Findhorn Hinterland Trust
Ekopia Enterprise Fair
The 2nd annual Enterprise Fair was a great success. Click here for a report with presentation summaries and lots of photos and session videos.
New Findhorn Directions (NFD)
Drumduan School 40th Anniversary
The Community School started in the Family House in 1985. In 1987 the school moved to Drumduan, a mansion in substantial grounds near Cluny Hill at the edge of Forres and became the Moray Steiner School. It is now Drumduan School. Click here to read Dorota’s story of he celebrations.
Global Ecovillage Network (GEN) 30th Anniversary
In August the annual European Ecovillage Gathering 2025 took place in Manas Garden, Hungary, celebrating 30 years of Ecovillage Movement. Read more about it in the September GEN Newsletter. Did you know that 18th October is Global Ecovillage Day?!
GEN was launched in Findhorn in October 1995 during the Eco-villages and Sustainable Communities Conference.
Dorota Owen shared with us the chapter After the Fire: A Timeline of Renewal at Ecovillage Findhorn which she co-wrote for the GEN 30th Anniversary book (first edition). GEN Europe offers the following invitation:
This first edition of our GEN Anniversary book is still a draft. More articles will be added before the final version is ready in October, with photos etc. At that time, the download link will be shared again.
Still, this first draft, to a big part prepared during the official GEN Europe Gathering in Hungary in August 2025, is already offering great insights into our network from very different perspectives and with different writing approaches.
We invite you to dive into the words from many different people within the network.
Findhorn Foundation SCIO
🌈Announcement: Appointment of Trustees to the Findhorn Foundation SCIO
Beloved Community,
We are delighted to announce the appointment of new trustees to Findhorn Foundation SCIO. With gratitude and hope we ask you to welcome: Angus Marland, Liza Hollingshead, Marilyn Hamilton, Sara Trevelyan (and later in November Judy McAllister). (The existing Trustees will step down after a brief transition period).
This appointment follows months of listening, discernment, and due diligence. The new Trustees have accepted responsibility for carrying the SCIO forward into its next chapter, in service to the community and its global family.
The purposes of FF SCIO remain rooted in the vision of Findhorn:
● to demonstrate the spiritual nature of life,
● to advance spiritual and holistic education,
● to protect and honour the natural environment.
In these early days, the new Trustees (reflecting shared values) are exploring deeply:
● how and whether FF SCIO may be a viable vehicle to serve the educational impulse
● with guiding Angels of Commitment, Release and Clarity, collaborating with other successor charities, the Education Circle and wider community,
● reviewing the SCIO’s assets, finances, and governance structures,
● and reaching out to build trusting constellations across our local, regional, and global networks.
As Sara Trevelyan expressed in an earlier RB, this is a time of both tenderness and possibility. We acknowledge the doubts, tensions, and hopes that surround this transition, and we invite the whole community to hold us in a field of trust. Behind and beyond differences, there is a shared yearning for love, connection, and the thriving of this community we call home.
The Trustees’ commitment is to steward the SCIO with integrity, to listen deeply, and to explore and amplify the educational impulse in service to the highest good of all.
With warmth and respect,
Marilyn Hamilton marilyn.hamilton@findhorn.org
for Trustees of Findhorn Foundation SCIO
Mark Anderson (Chair), Jim Simpson (Treasurer), Barbara Vacarr, Marianne van der Sluis, Angus Marland, Liza Hollingshead, Marilyn Hamilton, Sara Trevelyan
September 23, 2025
Lammas/Lunasa August 2025
Photo: Saad Chaudhry
Findhorn Foundation Trust
27th June Collaborating in Community Update
Since we announced our intention a couple of weeks ago to collaborate on developing a facilitated process in order to achieve consensus by October for a proposal covering how remaining Findhorn Foundation Trust assets could be distributed, we have been working on laying the foundations for this process.
FF Trust is building a short list of appropriate independent organisations to facilitate and guide the process and will seek proposals from these organisations.
We hope that the selected facilitator organisation can be appointed in July, so that work can begin on planning how the consultation process will function, with the intent of reaching a consensus proposal which has broad community support by mid October.
We will provide further updates once we have selected the external facilitator organisation. In the meantime, we have set up a FAQ to answer some common questions about the consultation process which you can view at pre.si/faq
The FAQ will be updated from time to time as questions arise, so please check back occasionally and if you have questions not covered in the FAQ, please use the form linked from the FAQ to ask additional questions about the process.
Mark Anderson – Chair, Findhorn Foundation Trust.
Celebrating Erraid: Honouring the Past, Embracing the Future
Ecovillage Findhorn Community Benefit Society
27th June – Pilots, People & Possibility – What’s Happening at Findhorn 🌻
28th June – Must Read: Community Decision Making Policy 📖
30th June – Shaping the Future of Education at The Park Ecovillage — Your Voice Matters!
4th July – Donations, Decisions & Community Connections – EF July News 🌱
11th July – Change Is Afoot – Come Step In! 👣
18th July – July Joy 🌼
25th July – Celebrating Progress: Our Report, New Logo & Lunasa Festival 🌟
29th July – EF & NFA Joint Decision Making Poll 2025
Park Ecovillage Trust
Update 28th June:
Dear PET Members,
Please find below an invitation from The Education Circle. As members of PET you are warmly invited to participate in this important opportunity.
PET News: With so many weeks of sunshine leading up to midsummer the proposal placed before PET and our fellow organisations at the Park by the Findhorn Foundation, that we form a group led by an independent outside consultant to explore the best way for the community as a whole for the redistribution of physical assets, is both welcome and hugely challenging.
Ekopia and PET have collaborated extensively over the years, while EF CBS and FHT are more recent additions to the field, yet the mix immediately feels right and hopeful. Nevertheless, challenging it will be due to a myriad of complexities – indeed after only the first two preliminary meetings where we merely established the agreed approach we’re invoking a new age of miracles!
Anni and Alessandro will represent PET at these explorations, keeping Amanda and Annie closely appraised of progress. The FF’s call for each organisation to examine its aspirations and capacity sets the tone clearly as a high note.
We’ll report to you our members as and when there is anything of significance.
We very much appreciated all the responses you sent in to our last newsletter, and want to encourage more participation in both our visions and operations. So if you have anything burning please let us know.
After decades of service including as a founder of PET, Roger Doudna has semi-retired by leaving the Board while remaining as Carbon Strategy Manager, continuing the work in this field together with Göran Wiklund. The 2024 Carbon Report is nearing completion, and the Carbon Action Group is attracting participants. A few places are beckoning… Do you hear the call?! Please get in touch!
Btw, these are exhilarating groups to be in, sharing experiences, knowledge, fears and hopes in a safe space.
N.B. PET’s Annual General Meeting will be held on 25th September at 7pm
Amanda Haworth Viklund M.A.
Chair
Education Circle
Presentation 11th June 2025
Update 4th July
The Education Circle continues to expand and welcome new members and is now a group of nearly 90 people. You’re welcome to engage in the nomination process of interim SCIO trustees.
Are you wondering what EdC members are up to?
Come along to our next meeting Wednesday 9th July 10:30am – 12:30pm at Cullerne House
COIF website – Cornelia Self Study Guide Love streams – Yvonne
Sacred Song and MusicTrain Game – Barbara Swetina
Integral City – Marilyn Hamilton Gaia Education – Sally and Maria
Appreciative Inquiry – Suzanne Quinney
Non-Violent Communication – Bridget O’Donnell
Ecovillage Experience with Mana, RP in Japan – Joern, Laura & EF CBS
Shamanic workshops – Cinzia Sarigu Performing Arts – Sharon
Community Learning Circles – Liza, Chris, Christine, NFA & friends
Inner Work for Outer Action – Margo van Greta
Psychosynthesis and Growing2gether – Diana Whitmore
Carbon Footprints – Goran Wiklund Creative Writing – Mary Inglis
Beekeeping, Sharing Nature with Children, welcoming school groups,
and partnering with FBHP – Ranger Roy, Jonathan & the FHT team
Co-Creation – Mary Inglis and Judy McAllister
Ecovillage Visit from Steiner School in Italy – Christine & Community
Findhorn Sacred Dance and Festival – Peter Vallance & Kathyrn Kusa
Game of Transformation w/s & trainings – Yasko with the Game Group
Theatre of the 7 Directions – Laura Pasetti
Coordinating a range of workshops & the Visit website – Dell Horler
This is just a flavour of the inspiration and experience within the Education Circle, we couldn’t fit all the initiatives on one page!
Update 9th July
The Education Circle invites you to explore with us and shape a definition of education.
Come along and join our next meeting Wednesday 23rd July 10:30am – 12:30pm at Cullerne House.
The Latin word for education, “educatio”, is derived from two verbs: educare and educere. Educare means “to train or mold,” while educere means “to lead out” or “to draw out.”
Therefore, “education” in Latin encompasses both the idea of shaping and guiding individuals, as well as developing our inherent potential. From this we weave in the Findhorn approach of experiential learning, the concept of the mystery school, that life itself and the community is the classroom, everyone can be the teacher and student at different times, and synchronicity is at play. Through the lens of spiritual psychology (Psychosynthesis), Soul is the great synthesis of immanence and transcendence, our soul is responsible for meaning and purpose in our lives as well as inherent within our challenges and obstacles.
‘Education’ is the term we are using to describe all aspects of learning, training and personal and spiritual development in the community, for guests as well as residents, both long term and newer arrivals. This could include training and Continuing Personal Development, as well as retreats, workshops, events, festivals, performing and creative arts, conferences, courses and guest programmes, with scope to offer accredited and online programmes and include the global network.
We can also consider an integral approach and training in developmental stages, consciousness states and shadow work, to ‘transcend and include’ as we consciously evolve as a community. Education may also include hosting volunteer programmes, regular orientation programmes and Living in Community opportunities into the future, with an awareness of the three founding principles and personal and planetary transformation.
You’re welcome to engage in the nomination process of interim SCIO trustees. Nominations are open until 21 July.
News about the sale of Cluny
Cluny photo Mark Richards Aurora Imaging
Our local newspaper, the Forres Gazette, reported on 16th July that Cluny Hill had been bought by a 27-year-old Saudi businessman. It mentions a company Cluny Hill Properties Ltd. This news differs from what we heard in March this year, when we could share that it was bought by a London-based group that operates a number of small hotels across the UK. At this point there are no further details.
News about Erraid
The Isle of Erraid is now managed by a new charity. Led by the Dutch family which owns the island, it will hold the community and its educational activities going forward. Click here to read about A New Chapter for Erraid.
Erraid 2021 photo Mark Richards Aurora Imaging
New Findhorn Directions (NFD)
Community based learning
Place-based learning – By us, With us, For us, Through us …
The Park Ecovillage Community is buzzing with ways to take forward our educational work.
By us
In June we saw the first introduction to the community. It was a Japanese Findhorn Experience organised by Mana, a Findhorn Foundation Resource Person, and focalised by Laura Pasetti and Jörn Fiebig. Another one will take place in August.
With us
Well-established programmes returned such as the Findhorn Festival of Sacred Dance, Music & Song, and Homecoming in Song & Stillness Retreat, and the Permaculture Design Certificate.
For us
A new initiative is the Community Learning Circles are bi-weekly sharing meetings that reveal the amazing legacy of this place. Championed by Liza Hollingshead, inspired by Chris Hart and Christine Lines, we have explored subjects such as the Mystery School, the early days, conferences, and the Universal Hall.
Through us
The Park Ecovillage has been the venue for events by workshop leaders who brought their own programmes to the ecovillage.
Solstice June 2025
Solstice Fire on Findhorn Beach photo Mark Richards Aurora Imaging
Ecovillage Findhorn Community Benefit Society
5th May: Community Photo and Logo Exhibition 📸
9th May: Celebrating Community Springing Together! 🥳
30th May: Loos, Ledgers and Listening Spaces 🤪
Findhorn Foundation SCIO
8th May – Change Is happening for us
Findhorn Foundation Trust
Collaborating in Community – 12th June 2025
With the wind down of Findhorn Foundation Trust, all the Trust’s remaining assets must move to new ownership. We believe that it will be in the best interest of our local and global community and the purposes of our organisations, that the decisions about who will own and steward FF Trust’s assets at The Park emerge from a collaborative process which is open to all organisations and groups at The Park and their members, and all residents at The Park.
In support of that aim, Ecovillage Findhorn CBS, Ekopia Social Investments Ltd CBS, Findhorn Hinterland Trust and Park Ecovillage Trust have come together to collaborate on developing a facilitated process in order to develop consensus by October as to how remaining assets could be distributed. This will then enable agreements to be formalised, blessed and celebrated at the community’s birthday on 17th November, and allow sufficient time for assets to be legally transferred before the end of FF Trust’s financial year end in March next year.
FF Trust trustees fully support this process but will not participate directly. As long as the consensus proposal aligns with FF Trust’s charitable objectives, and meets all necessary legal, financial and regulatory requirements, FF Trust trustees expect to fully support a consensus proposal. In support of this, FF Trust will cover the costs of engaging an appropriate independent organisation to facilitate and guide the process.
We anticipate the process beginning in July and will be working over the next few weeks to define in detail the schedule, format and scope of this process.
We look forward to working together in collaboration and in the spirit of community. We hope that this journey will help to foster collaboration, strengthen links in the rich tapestry of our community and help us progress with confidence and in service to spirit.
Mark Anderson – Chair, Findhorn Foundation Trust
Howard Davies – Chair, Ecovillage Findhorn CBS
Fasil Bogale – CEO, Ekopia Social Investments Ltd
Jonathan Caddy – Chair, Findhorn Hinterland Trust
Amanda Haworth – Chair, Park Ecovillage Trust
New Findhorn Directions (NFD)
Park Ecovillage Trust
June 2025
Celebration and Search over
The blessings of an exquisite new sanctuary are already evident in a greater sense of cohesion in our collective body. PET is grateful to have been approached by the FF in December ’22 to take on this essential aspect of our purpose and existence in this spiritual centre.
The two and a half years since have seen unceasing practice of the 3Ps: Patience, Persistence and Perseverance. It took three brain-teaser applications to the Community Ownership Fund (COF) to reach success in December ’23 bringing in a crucial £194,600; Greenleaf Design & Build generously prioritised the building work before a full order book, and broke ground already in October ’23, getting to grips with construction in May ’24.
-
- Photos by Amanda Haworth
The COF grant imposed a tight time schedule for delivery yet GLDB rose to the occasion.
Photos by Mark Richards, Aurora Imaging
Deep gratitude to Jay, Ruari and their GLDB team for an exquisite result. Also to Alessandro and Anni, who contributed countless hours of pro bono professional services in support of Kathy as she ferried this complex and constantly – if gloriously – challenging labour of love through to completion.
Jonathan poured his agape into organising Love in Action work parties, who devotedly produced the pillars and benches from storm or fire-downed trees; Amanda as chair of PET rose to the Findhorn Foundation’s request that PET become ‘steward’ of the building, to hold it in perpetuity on behalf of the Community; and now Karen has answered the call to be Sanctuary Focaliser.
Karen is doing a magnificent job of organising the dozens of willing helpers who lovingly care for this jewel that now graces our Community. She has exercised logistical skills in balancing the many daily, weekly and monthly meditations and multiple etceteras.
PET’s primary motivation to step up was in order to coalesce and draw down the higher energies that flow through this centre, thus healing the wounds of Covid and arson, and in support of the next phase of our service to the world. The Light of Findhorn sanctuary is for everyone – near and far – who wishes to use this sacred space to mark significant moments in their lives.
For details on how to arrange your event (including a donation towards running costs) please get in touch with Karen, sanctuary.focaliser@parkecovillagetrust.co.uk
Maybe a sign that the magic is indeed flowing again was that the month of May saw two important positions at PET being filled: our ever versatile Anni Broadhead has taken on the role of Finance Coordinator, providing an on-site anchor point for Finance Manager Flora Keiller (who is based in Glasgow);
and the CCC is very pleased to have recruited locally born- and raised Jen Hayward, a former SRN (State Registered Nurse, for the acronym-fatigued) who is settling into her role with gusto and pas-sion. She is warmly welcome to the CCC Team!
Huge appreciation to Jane Gambrill for her unending commitment, especially over the last six months.
On a final note, our heartfelt thanks go with Roberto Mirelman who has has stepped down as book-keeper for the CCC, a task he has diligently performed for five years, and on a pro bono basis. ¡Muchísimas gracias, Roberto!
N.B. PET’s Annual General Meeting will be held on 25th September at 7pm
With Love and Blessings,
Your PET Board: Amanda Haworth, Anni Broadhead, Anne Crawford, Alessandro Daboni, Roger Doudna
Advisors: Kathy Tyler (New Sanctuary), Göran Wiklund (Carbon Bites etc.)
Park Ecovillage Trust is a Company Limited by Guarantee, registered in Scotland as
Company No: SC354855
Also a Charity registered in Scotland, No: SC041279 Registered Office: 254 Pineridge,
The Park, Findhorn, Forres IV36 3TB
Findhorn Hinterland Trust
Ekopia Enterprise Fair 2025 on 6th September
Enterprise Fair 2025 IN PERSON in the Park Ecovillage or ONLINE
Sat 6 Sep 2025 10:00 AM – 5:15 PM BST
🌍 Buy Local, Buy Social – Empower Your Community! 🌍
To present your enterprise on the day register here.
Save the date the diary and come along on the 6th Sept in person or click here to book your online participation.
Education Circle
16th May Update
The Education Circle has been meeting informally for nearly two years and sits under the NFA.
It’s always been an open group and has now grown to over 50 members! If you’re interested you’re most welcome to come along!
We now meet on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month
From 10:30am – 12pm noon at Cullerne House
The group consists of long term residents and educators within the community, as well as newer folk. Some people are organisers, some represent an organisation, others are independent. We grapple with
solutions to some of the challenges around streamlining education, helping to make it easier for people and groups interested in hosting programmes and events here, as well as people keen to visit and engage.
We discuss logistics such as insurance, safeguarding, bookings, accommodation, catering, website and marketing. We share curriculum ideas, explore themes for internal education within the community and
further afield. We do research, seed ideas for partnership and collaboration, and honour the educational initiatives that already exist!
To find out more contact Jonathan Caddy (EdCircle chair) or talk to Christine, Dell, Marilyn, Yvonne, Mary, Cornelia, Patrick, Rupert, Jörn, Laura, Cinzia, Maria, Liza, Diana, Gail or Pip to name just a few!
View events and courses on Visit website or EF CBS website
Book a venue info on NFA website or view the NFA calendar
Explore the Self study guide for residents and visitors.
30th May Update
The Education Circle has been meeting informally for nearly two years and sits under the NFA.
It’s always been an open group and has now grown to over 60 members! If you’re interested you’re most welcome to come along!
We meet on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month
From 10:30am – 12pm noon at Cullerne House
In our meeting on 14th May, everyone present stood in unanimous support to create a vision for the future of education in the community. We then invited people to self-select to form a working group.
The 12 or so members of the working group met twice last week and enjoyed robust discussions. In the meeting on 22nd May, Patrick then proposed a sub group of Pip, Dell and Christine to develop ideas further and they enjoyed their first meeting on 24th May.
This week Mark Anderson reached out to connect with the Circle and joined the sub group meeting already scheduled for Tuesday with Jonathan present as well. In essence, FF SCIO trustees are open to
explore if FF SCIO is the right vehicle for EdC to become an incorporated charity, with the intention to become clear by the end of June, and if so to transition in July/August. There is much to explore and we’ll continue to share updates as the journey unfolds. Our vision is an educational impulse that serves the whole community and strengthens our impact in the world.
To find out more contact Jonathan Caddy Edcircle Chair or talk to Christine, Dell, Pip, Marilyn, Mary, Patrick, to name just a few…
6th June Update
In the two years since the Education Circle began we’ve explored the logistics of marketing, bookings,
payments, insurance, safeguarding, risk assessments, policies, internal education, outreach, our relevance to the world, our reputation and the importance of communicating a cohesive message.
Come along to our next meeting Wednesday 11th June
10:30am – 12:30pm at Cullerne House
In this meeting we’ll continue to focus on how best to hold the rich
diversity of community based education that can
strengthen our impact in the world.
With the FF SCIO pausing educational activities, a possible step is to move the FF SCIO from the Findhorn Foundation to the community.
The Education Circle has been offered the opportunity to support this transition over the next few months in order to meet the OSCR requirement timelines and avoid closing the FF SCIO.
The NFA is sponsoring a whole community meeting to explore the vision for education
Wednesday 11th June
7 – 9pm in the Universal Hall
The vision will take time to formulate and evolve while we all
co-create and collaborate. We invoke the journey being held with
openness, love, respect and kindness.
Explore with us contact Jonathan Caddy Edcircle chair or talk to Christine, Dell, Mary, Patrick, Yvonne, to name just a few…
20th June Update
The Education Circle continues to expand and welcome new members and is now a group of nearly 80 people as we listen and explore.
We offer a brief recap of the journey so far…
Come along to our next meeting Wednesday 25th June
10:30am – 12:30pm at Cullerne House
We’ll focus on next steps for Education and the FF SCIO
14 May ~ Full support within EdC to form a working group and research needs and organisational forms to support the development of education
27 May ~ Mark A shared the FF SCIO trustees are open to explore if FF SCIO is the right vehicle for EdC to become an incorporated charity
28 May ~ EdC supports this proposal bar one voice
11 June ~ EdC largest attendance so far in full support of this proposal
11 June ~ NFA Community meeting with people also present via zoom
17 June ~ EdC working group shared our yes to explore further and in more detail with FF SCIO
We recognise there are other voices in the field
Please join the NFA meeting to further explore
Education in Community and options for the FF SCIO
Monday 30th June: 7 – 9pm in the Universal Hall
The current EdC FF SCIO working group includes Christine, Dell
and Marilyn, with Liza as NFA link, and Howard as EF CBS link.
Our advisors include Fabio, Jonathan, Mari and Tim.
We welcome any questions or considerations and trust in each
next step unfolding in the spirit of collaboration, with the wellbeing
of the whole community in our hearts and minds.
May Day Celebrations photo Mark Richards
Beltane May 2025
Findhorn Foundation SCIO
Findhorn Foundation SCIO Update – April 2025
Since Findhorn Foundation SCIO started operating in May last year, we have been working on steadily building our capacity to deliver spiritual education programming. Last year, we successfully launched Experience Week inspired retreat programmes in Traigh Bhan on Iona, and this year we have been working hard to launch Experience Week on Erraid – the first programme starts on 12 April.
Our intention has been to then bring Experience Week programming back to The Park next year.
Unfortunately these plans will need to change as two key FF SCIO staff will be leaving in the coming months. Andrew Powell will be leaving at the end of May so he can relocate to Wales to be closer to family, and Terry Gilbey will also transition out in the coming months. Andrew and Terry have been key holders of the work to relaunch our education programmes and I would like to thank and honour them
both for the dedication, care and skill they have brought to FF SCIO.
When Terry joined Findhorn Foundation Trust in January 2023, it was with the goal of stabilising and leading the charity through a very difficult time. Now, with the sale of Cluny complete, FF Trust’s wind-down in its final stages, and with FF SCIO operations established, it is time to find someone new to steward the next phase of FF SCIO’s evolution.
While there will need to be some change to our plans going forward, trustees remain committed to exploring how best to provide Findhorn inspired spiritual education through FF SCIO.
To that end, we will be discussing with leaders and educators in and around The Park over the coming weeks about how best to move forward. Please bear with us as we work through this and seek an outcome which all our future selves will, hopefully, see as in perfect timing and a natural evolution of our many decades of the important work of the Findhorn Foundation.
Mark Anderson
Chair, Findhorn Foundation SCIO (SC051938)
Park Ecovillage Trust (PET)
PET bursting-with-good news letter April 2025 😇
What a month it’s been! And April brings so many blessings with a truly special and precious one featured further down.
Firstly, it’s high time our Carbon Team of Roger and Göran landed recognition for the vital importance of this area, where they have worked with dedicated practice of the 3Ps to attract funding. Then it came as a ketchup effect double whammy when we heard that the Berry Burn Community Fund had awarded Carbon Strategy £4,600.00 towards running the carbon action group. While only a few days earlier £5,000.00 had been donated from Moray Carshare’s surplus assets arising as a result of its winding up activities, “to be applied to activities conducted under its commitment to its Net Zero and environmental objects”.
They are just launching the next iteration of surveys to gather data that will map our Community’s carbon footprint – an essential step towards our held ambition to become carbon neutral by 2032.
The next good news is that two new people recently joined the PET family:
As of this week the Board warmly welcomes Annie Crawford as Director for the CCC. Her experience as a healthcare professional makes her ideal for this role, while her achievements working with Jane Gambrill have ensured that the task force has been delivering all its customary services.
The CC Co-Ordinator recruitment is underway again offering a meaning-filled paid position for a local person.
We thank Anni Broadhead for the countless hours she has given to healing and restorative support work for the CCC over the past four months.
On the housing front, our Housing Director, Alessandro, and tenants are grateful to the NFD (New Findhorn Directions) that the Living Machine is finally back to regular operations after a difficult three month period; and the Woodside Waste 2 Heat system is also returned to normal operations.
The Light of Findhorn Sanctuary team has appointed Karen Grant as Manager. Karen brings a superb skill set to the tasks and “hit the ground running”.
Which segues elegantly to…
With Love, Blessings and Joy,
Your PET Board: Alessandro Dabon, Amanda Haworth, Anni Broadhead,
Annie Crawford,Roger Doudna
Advisors: Kathy Tyler (New Sanctuary), Göran Wiklund (Carbon Bites etc.)
Park Ecovillage Trust is a Company Limited by Guarantee, registered in Scotland as
Company No: SC354855
Also a Charity registered in Scotland, No: SC041279 Registered Office: 254 Pineridge,
The Park, Findhorn, Forres IV36 3TB
25th April: PET Newsletter: Special edition Light of Findhorn Sanctuary
As we had anticipated and dearly prayed for, the energy at the Park has uplifted markedly with the opening of the beautiful Light of Findhorn Sanctuary.
It is with profound gratitude for everyone’s efforts at multiple levels, near and far, that we share details of the inauguration opening ceremonies in the attached pdf.
Relax and open your Being to the gifts of this powerful new step in our evolution.
With Love and Blessings,
Your PET Board: Roger, Anni, Amanda, Alessandro and Annie
Ecovillage Findhorn Community Benefit Society
11th April: Let’s Spring Together! 🦘
18th April: Beltane Celebration 1-4 May! ❤️🔥
25th April: You’re Cordially Invited!💌
New Findhorn Directions (NFD)
Findhorn Families in Community
Leah Findlay and Karen Grant, NFA Family Co-ordinators, have put on a rich programme of children’s workshops, activities and gatherings throughout the last year including professionally led events and grassroots happenings. A big thank you to everyone who has stepped forward and volunteered their time and energy offering storytelling, bubble performances, music, knitting, circus skills and gong-baths. Wow!
Over the last year The NFA have funded an incredible programme of professionally run workshops and festivals:
- pottery classes (24 sessions, attended by 224 children)
- storytelling (12 sessions, 132 children have been taken to The Land of Story)
- Winter Festivities: Spiral and Winter Gathering (enjoyed by 110 children and their families).
Please see Family Events listings for monthly clay classes run by Craig Gibsone ( for 2- 4 year olds) and Leah and Peter Findlay (for 6 – 15 year olds).
A monthly joy has been the Intergenerational Jam, led by Karen, which is a great success on all levels: children and adults playing and gathering together on The Green – children singing, adults playing Lego, sharing food, music and creativity. Do join us on the 1st Sunday of every month at The YP: 1.30pm – 5pm.
Karen has been holding weekly sessions of intergenerational football where the team spirit has been absolutely magic to experience: a true coming together of community of all ages, supporting each other in fun and play. Some members with lots of experience helping those who have never played before. Karen will continue to hold this event on the village green for all ages and abilities alongside volleyball. Re-starts Sunday 4pm on the 27th April.
Leah and Karen have returned the Youth Building to the children, families and young people: providing a space to create, meet, make friends, learn new skills, drink hot chocolate and feel the warm glow of having a space to call their own. A big thank you to EF for making this possible. Since the YP Building was leased by the NFA in December 2024, over 250 children have attended 43 events and workshops including grassroots gatherings held on a weekly basis: The Home-Education group, Thursday Family Gatherings as well as many children’s birthday party celebrations.
The Youth Building is hired out to the wider community for £12 an hour and given by-donation for families to enjoy. Every booking supports the YP in continuing in the hands and hearts of families, children and young people in our community. The YP now has cleaners and caretakers employed to look after it. To book a slot in the Youth Building you can do so through the NFA website: ‘Useful info; Book a Venue’. Or through the online booking link.
Children’s Sanctuary, led by David Hammond, has been re-ignited by Karen, supported by Leah and returned to the heart of our community with David’s beloved songs and stories from Peter Findlay. All ages are welcome to join: Sundays 11am – 11.30am.
Other things to look forward to are:
- Easter Picnic (1.30pm Sunday 20th April on The Green)
- The Highland Games (Sunday 18th May, 2 – 5pm, MAC Green)
- A Youth group for older kids.
- Family Gong bath with Gay Taaffe (Friday 4 th July 4.30pm – 5.30pm, YP)
Thank you to the NFA and all its’ members for supporting the dreaming-in of a vibrant, youthful hub of creativity and joy which is Findhorn Families in CoMmunity: FINDHORN FAM. Thank you.
Leah Findlay and Karen Grant x
The Arc of Solstice: Invitations for all beings seen & unseen
A weekend filled with offers to highLIGHT the sun’s yearly dance through music, practical & subtle nature connection, movement & celebrations.
For now, please save the date for 20–22 June 2025.
Further details and a complete overview of the weekend’s invitations will be shared soon via Facebook and upcoming newsletters.
Ekopia Enterprise Fair 2025 on 6th September
Enterprise Fair 2025 IN PERSON in the Park Ecovillage or ONLINE
Sat 6 Sep 2025 10:00 AM – 5:15 PM BST
🌍 Buy Local, Buy Social – Empower Your Community! 🌍
The Enterprise Fair showcases the brilliant talent and enterprise in and around the Park Ecovillage Findhorn.
Why you’ll love it:
Find out what’s happening – Learn about the many enterprises in and around Ecovillage Findhorn
Be inspired – By amazing speakers and enterprises. Exchange stories with others either in person or online
Buy Local Buy Social – Explore how you personally can support small businesses, artisans, and farmers wherever you are
Enjoy the fun – there are great keynote speakers, organisational presentation, and lots of stalls
Help celebrate enterprise – through Honouring Life Cycles of Organisations and the Ekopia’s Lifetime Achievement Award 2025
Reach across the globe – with active online participation.
To present your enterprise on the day register here.
Save the date the diary and come along on the 6th Sept in person or click here to book your online participation.
Equinox, March 2025
Nature Mandala in front of the Nature Sanctuary
Ecovillage Findhorn Community Benefit Society
7th Feb – Growing Resilient Together🌱
14th Feb – Sharing Community Love 🌹
21st Feb – Community Engagement 👂
Correction: We are sorry, the links in the newsletter don’t work, please use the following links for the Logo Brief and the Entry Form. Thank you!
28th Feb – EF Newsletter: Short and Sweet News Week 🍭
7th March – EF Newsletter: BIG news! 📣
14th March – EF News and Reviews 💬
21st March – EF Newsletter: New Membership Perks & Updates! 🤩
Park Ecovillage Trust
Many PET activities have made grateful use of the East Whins Sunshine Room since the new year with:
- The CCC which held a gathering with tea and cakes on the afternoon of Sunday 2nd February that was very well attended by over 35 community members. A huge thank you to everyone who came. It was lovely to have your presence, your contributions and your support as the CCC progresses through this transition period. Over tea and cakes the CCC team of Jane Gambrill, Annie Crawford and Anni Broadhead opened the space for a much appreciated open discussion where various themes were covered.
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- CCC Gathering in Sunshine Room
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- Anni Broadhead, Jane Gambrill, Annie Crawford
Recruitment for the new CC Co-Ordinator has commenced – please do spread the word! We want to cast the net as far as possible to see who might be called to come into the role – exciting times!
Thanks to our individual and organisation donors, CCC finances are healthy, and we hope to place a short financial report in the Rainbow Bridge soon.
The Family Hoose lease will continue and we have arranged dates for the next End of Life Planning programme (starting 3rd March through to the end of Easter, more details to follow) led by Laura Shreenan who has been commissioned to run this for the CCC.
It feels a stable time to welcome in the new – and just in time for Spring!
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- The Emerging Sanctuary Group had its first meeting 5th February. It was very well attended by over 35 people while several unable to attend had written in advance expressing their willingness to serve.
For three months people have been gathering in the Original Garden at 12.30 on Fridays to hold a brief focusing attunement to anchor the energies of the new Light of Findhorn Sanctuary. This is open to all and you are welcome to join us when you can.-
- Sanctuary Attunement
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- Sanctuary garden photo Anni Broadhead
In addition to the number of people, can you spot the difference between the two photos of the site?! YES! It’s snowdrops!
And the handrail on the steps leading up from the Original Garden, also along the wheelchair ramp; and the righthand bench has been moved away from the window. From here the grounds look neat, no longer a construction site. Almost.
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Fun Dance
A new regular weekly FunDance on Thursdays from 11-12 noon. This is an independent initiative organised by two of our tenants Ann Bilous and William Martin, together with EW resident Sabine
Kawano. These hours give carefree space for dancing without inhibitions to Williams’ glorious
medleys of 60s, 70s and even occasionally 80s tracks. The author is an enthusiastic participant, wryly noting that a twenty minute stint is enough to require sitting out for a couple of songs and seat-jiggling … a far cry from our youth, while absolutely what the doctor ordered!
Meanwhile, everywhere at the Park is affected by the climate issue, thus PET’s Carbon strategy is gratified that at a recent meeting of the Collaboration Circle the decision was taken to move ahead after years of Covid, fires and big changes. So, all Park-based organisations have committed to reducing their carbon footprints. In addition, an appeal is going out to residents and businesses in the community to do likewise.
PET will also report the Park’s carbon impact for 2024, which gives a basis for comparison. A survey will soon be sent out for all to complete. For reliable data it is important that we have a high response rate, so sharpen your pens and polish your keyboards!
What will PETs’ angels for 2025 Discernment and Purification bring next?!
🕊 ✨ 💞 🕊 ✨ 🕊 With Love and Blessings 🕊 ✨ 💞 🕊 ✨ 🕊
Your PET Board: Amanda Haworth, Anni Broadhead, Alessandro Daboni, Roger Doudna
Advisors: Kathy Tyler (New Sanctuary), Göran Wiklund (Carbon Bites etc.)
Park Ecovillage Trust is a Company Limited by Guarantee, registered in Scotland as
Company No: SC354855
Also a Charity registered in Scotland, No: SC041279 Registered Office: 254 Pineridge,
The Park, Findhorn, Forres IV36 3TB
Photos by Amanda Haworth unless stated otherwise.
Ekopia Enterprise Fair 2025
Enterprise Fair Day is back by popular request!
Mark your calendars for Saturday 6th September 2025 and join us in person or virtually in the Universal Hall for an inspiring day centred around this year’s theme:
🎉 Buy Local, Buy Social – Empower Your Community! 🎉
This year we are offering a participatory online experience to our Global Community.
Sign-up information coming soon – for now, please save the date!
Why Attend?
🌱 Buy Local – Support small businesses, farmers, and artisans while enjoying fresh, high-quality products.
💙 Buy Social – Every purchase from a social enterprise contributes to a fairer, more sustainable world.
🤝 Meet Local Entrepreneurs – Connect with passionate producers and ethical businesses driving change.
🌍 Sustainability Matters – Reduce carbon footprints and build a greener future by keeping supply chains short and local.
What to Expect:
✅ Marketplace featuring local vendors and social enterprises
✅ Inspiring keynote speakers discussing the theme
✅ Interactive side-shows to keep you engaged and entertained
✅ Tailored interactive online participation through breakout rooms, webcams, videos and hosted conversations
If you are part of an enterprise in and around the Ecovillage Findhorn – consider presenting yourself at the Enterprise Fair – click here to submit your information.
Let’s come together to celebrate ethical businesses, local talent, and sustainable growth!
We welcome sponsorship and in-kind support—please contact anyone on the team.
📢 More information coming soon! Contact: celebratingenterprise@gmail.com
Looking forward to seeing you there!
EFD Team: Fasil Bogale, Cornelia Featherstone, Lorraine Rytz-Thériault, Edward Fitsell & George Goudsmit
Click here for more details and the report of the 2024 Enterprise Fair.
New Findhorn Directions (NFD)
Findhorn Foundation SCIO
Findhorn Foundation Trust
Cluny Update
On Friday 7th March, Findhorn Foundation trustees completed the sale of our beloved Cluny to its new owners, a London-based group that operates a number of small hotels across the UK. We understand that they intend to operate Cluny as a hotel, but don’t have details about their plans.
This marks the end of our collective journey with Cluny, over 70 or so years since the Caddy family and Dorothy first arrived there. I am sure, though, that the love and care that has been woven into the fabric of Cluny over all these years will continue to be felt and appreciated by those who follow.
Over the past 50 years under the Foundation’s custodianship, Cluny has been a beloved home, sacred space and place of transformation for our community and for visitors from around the world. And, for me personally, Cluny has been an important place for 35 years, ever since I first arrived for Experience Week.
While the closing of this chapter is not without sadness, it does not diminish my deep gratitude and appreciation for Cluny and all those who have made it such a special place. As we let go, may we continue to carry forward the spirit of all that Cluny has meant to us, and trust that its legacy will live on in ways yet to unfold.
Mark Anderson
Chair of Trustees
Update – March 2025
As Findhorn Foundation Trust continues its wind down process, I wanted to give a short update on where we are at, and on how we expect this to progress.
As we announced a couple of weeks ago, the sale of our beloved Cluny completed on 7 March, and the following week we also completed the sale of Bag End 2 to returning community members Angus and Elizabeth – welcome back!
Although it might appear that after these sales the Trust should be in a very strong financial position, the reality is that during our 2024/25 financial year to the end of March, we will have paid off about £1,200,000 to creditors. While we will enter our new financial year next month in a much stronger position than we were a year ago, the Trust does not have a lot of cash beyond an appropriate level of reserves. Trustees will continue to sell assets over the coming year to ensure the Trust is able to meet all its obligations, and as such we will shortly be putting Foxglove on the market.
At the end of February, we also passed another significant milestone when we said goodbye to the Trust’s last employee, Harriet Wilson, who had been holding our accounts from her home base in England. She is, however, continuing to support FF SCIO by leading some 9am morning meditations on Zoom (to which all are welcome – https://www.findhorn.org/experiences/meditate-with-us). Going forward our accounts will be held from even further afield, by Jim Simpson in Canada. Jim has been working closely with Trust trustees for a number of years as Treasurer, and is doing this on a voluntary basis.
Although lots of progress has been made in the Trust’s wind down process, there is still lots to do over the course of the coming year. We are preparing to gift Wilkies Wood to Findhorn Hinterland Trust, and Traigh Bhan on Iona to Findhorn Foundation SCIO, and are actively working on how best to transfer the Trust’s remaining property at The Park. We are in regular discussion with the Trust’s successor charities (Ecovillage Findhorn, FF SCIO, Findhorn Hinterland Trust and Park Ecovillage Trust), and other key Park organisations including THA and NFA, about how best to do this in support of the Park community and the Trust’s charitable objectives.
While the Scottish charity regulator, OSCR, has not set a specific timeframe for the Trust to complete its wind down, charities are required to actively work in support of their charitable objectives and that work must be for public benefit. As the Trust is no longer actively operating, we are obliged to progress the wind down with reasonable speed, and we keep OSCR updated quarterly on our progress.
Most of the work of the Trust is now entirely in the hands of our Trustees – Kathy, Francine, Nicola, Helen, Paul and myself – and Jim as Treasurer. We continue to do this work on a voluntary basis, to the best of our ability in service to our spiritual and charitable purpose, and with gratitude for the many people who have and continue to support and advise us in that work.
Mark Anderson
Chair, Findhorn Foundation Trust
Opening of our New Sanctuary
The long-awaited opening of the Light of Findhorn Sanctuary is almost here!
It’s a time to gather – heart to heart, soul to soul, in Spirit, celebration, reflection, and dedication – whether you join us in person or from afar.
On Easter Sunday and Monday, 20 and 21 April 2025, we’ll be celebrating a truly special moment in the history of the Park Ecovillage Findhorn as we gather, in person, or online, to celebrate the opening of the Sanctuary.
This beautiful new space, designed to hold up to 80 meditators, stands as a symbol of our collective resilience and renewal, replacing the much-loved sanctuary that graced this site for 53 years before the fire in April 2021. Its creation has been a true labour of love and community endeavour, shaped by years of community visioning, attunements, donations, and collective action.
Light of Findhorn Sanctuary holds a deep invitation for meditators to connect with their core Source, and all of us at Park Ecovillage Trust are profoundly grateful to our entire community – both near and far – as well as to our partners, donors, and collaborators. The Sanctuary stands as a testament to our collective resilience, community spirit, and unwavering commitment to our shared spiritual and
ecological values.
As Kathy beautifully expressed at the blessing ceremony held in October 2023:
“May the Light of Findhorn Sanctuary be a place where each and everyone is welcome,
and may the Love of the Sacred prevail in all Hearts that enter into its inner sanctum.”
This is a milestone for us all, and we warmly invite you to come together in gratitude and celebration as we welcome Light of Findhorn Sanctuary into being.
Join us in-person or online for a special hour-long ceremony, which will include:
An invitation to personally meet and connect to the Light of Findhorn Sanctuary
- An invitation to personally meet and connect to the Light of Findhorn Sanctuary
- A guided meditation followed by 20 minutes of silence
- Time for reflection and connection with this sacred space
- A closing blessing, sending the energy out into the world
LOCAL PARTICIPATION (ALL TIMES ARE BRITISH STANDARD TIME, BST)
Children’s Sanctuary 3-3.30pm | 20 April – David Hammond will lead a joyful start, setting the tone for this sacred space to flourish for generations to come. Contact Karen Grant, sanctuary.focaliser@parkecovillagetrust.co.uk for details
4pm or 6pm (2 ceremonies) | 20 April and | 11am 21 April – Join us outside the Sanctuary to hold the space in silent presence, or sign up to meditate inside during one of two ceremonies, led by Kathy Tyler (each ceremony accommodates 80 participants).
In person booking link (Choose ONE ceremony, either 4pm or 6pm on 20th, or 11am on 21st April to attend.)
Meditate in the Sanctuary overnight 7pm, Sunday 20 April – 10.45am, Easter Monday, 21 April (with Guardians) – The Sanctuary will remain open all night for meditators, with Guardians present, from 7pm Easter Sunday until 10.445am, Easter Monday, 21 April (no sign-up required).
Meditate in the new Sanctuary on Easter Monday, 12 noon to closing time
Easter Monday, 21 April after the 11am ceremony – The sanctuary will remain open until its ‘regular’ closing time (to be decided). So there are many opportunities to experience the opening energy of the Light of Findhorn Sanctuary. (no sign-up req.).
GLOBAL LIVESTREAM | 3.15-5.15PM BST | EASTER SUNDAY, 20 APRIL
Can’t be here in person? Tune in from where you are! Starting at 3:15pm BST, Yvonne Cuneo will bring you live updates, interviews, and insights before stepping inside the Sanctuary to share this sacred moment with all watching. Yvonne, known for her popular Facebook ‘lovestream’ series Walking Each Other Home.
There will be a recording available afterwards, more details to follow in future announcements.
We look forward to celebrating this special community milestone with you!
With Love, Deep Gratitude, and Anticipation,
Kathy Tyler Light of Findhorn Sanctuary Project Coordinator, Park Ecovillage Trust
Findhorn Hinterland Trust
Imbolc, February 2025
Life stirs again Original Garden 3rd Jan 2025
Community Angel for 2025
Chosen during the Solstice Spiral Meditation
Angel Card ©Drake&Tyler
Ecovillage Findhorn Community Benefit Society
EF Big January News: Updates & Opportunities!💥
EF Newsletter 24th January: Vote on the LPP! and other updates 🗳️
EF Newsletter 31st January: Big Step Forward! 🚶➡️
New Findhorn Association
A snapshot of what is going on in our community
Here we are at the end of January 2025. It is my privilege to be one of the 3 current NFA Listener Conveners along with Mari Hollander and Gordon MacAlpine. This feels like such an exciting time to be here in this amazing community. There is so much going on, so much emerging and many challenges to overcome. The Park is buzzing, but the whole community is too!
I just want to draw your attention to a few of the things that are beginning to unfold here.
1. Ecovillage Findhorn CBS with support from many community investors completed the purchase of the Village Green and the Universal Hall along with land and a number of other buildings in November last year and to me this felt like a vital new energy stream being set free. There is much activity going into getting dormant facilities into use and generating new income streams.
2. The new sanctuary is almost complete and is looking good ! It feels very significant that we are consecrating a new sacred space at a time when across Scotland literally hundreds of churches are being closed down. This new facility will provide the opportunity to really strengthen our spiritual core and also build on our sense of solidarity and common purpose.
3. More new arrivals are settling here. Over the last few years there has been a lot of change going on with resultant chaos and uncertainty, and yet the community is still attracting new folk who (the ones I have met) are very clear they want to be here and actively participate in what comes next. I find this immensely gratifying. We are far, far from being a sinking ship or a retirement home. The place is thriving!
4. We have the angel of “Synthesis”, chosen for the community at the winter solstice. For me this signals that now is a time when we need to learn from the old but also welcome the new. We are an evolving community. The world is in a very different place from when the Founders started us off and this is both an opportunity and a challenge. What can we offer ? How can we be of service in 2025?
5. The Local Place Plan (LLP) for the Park Settlement is just about ready to submit to Moray Council. This had been an epic undertaking whose origins go back at least two and a half years. It is our best effort to provide the Moray Council with a clear understanding of our dreams and aspirations for how the Park is developed over the next 10-12 years. So many people need to be celebrated for the work put into this and, in the end, it provided a vehicle for the NFA and EF CBS to start actively collaborating together and build good working relations. This has not been without some hiccups, but I believe that we are striving to learn as much as we can both from the things that have gone well and those that didn’t.
As I said, these are exciting times and I feel so grateful that there are thousands, perhaps tens of thousands of people around the world that hold this community and what it stands for in their hearts, and are as curious as we are how it will develop over the coming months and years.
Patrick Lewington
Findhorn Ukulele Group
The Findhorn Ukulele Group, which started in autumn 2023, is going from strength to strength. Its founder, community member Ken Walker, set the ball rolling with a series of six-part beginner classes.
The “graduates” of each of the four sets of classes moved up a notch, to become part of the growing Findhorn Ukulele Group (FUG) which meets weekly at the home of Ken and his wife Susie Minto.
Performing at the Universal Hall, taking part in the Artists Hunt and heading out to entertain in residential care homes are all on the list of FUG activities.
Hot off the press! The 2025 Findhorn Ukulele Festival is coming to the Park over Equinox in September! The Hall and other venues are booked, tutors have been signed up and participant bookings are coming in from around the UK.
New Sanctuary progress – big thanks to Mark Richards for this beautiful video:
The New Sanctuary – A Chance to Build Solidarity
by Patrick Lewington
Dear friends,
We are fast approaching the moment when the new sanctuary will be completed.
One of the challenges going forward is figuring out a way of paying for the ongoing running costs, including maintenance of the building. With the old sanctuary, the Findhorn Foundation Trust footed all the bills, now it will be up to the community.
As I see it, we can either approach this from the point of view of “solving a problem”, in which case one wealthy donor offering to pay everything would be a very easy solution!
Or, we can see it as an opportunity to align ourselves with our values and use it as a vehicle for building solidarity and collective pride. And, it’s never black and white, an opportunity not fully grasped may turn back into being a problem to be solved.
The second option also gives us a chance to grapple with the sometimes thorny issue of “fairness” – for we are a community where there is a broad spectrum of economic wealth.
In truth, writing this article has largely been prompted by two excellent conversations with my friend Hugo Klip, who has been meeting with others over the last year or so to explore how we fairly contribute to the upkeep of all kinds of shared facilities at the Park.
One principle that we agreed on is that it’s just not helpful to view everything through the lens of consumerism. This teaches that in order to give I need to get something in return. And consumerism operates in the realm of meeting “imagined” rather than real needs, and are hence limitless. In our view the new sanctuary meets a real need – a place where we can nurture our own connection with the divine, a place to welcome in others to do the same – that is real, that is important, that is central to the purpose of our community.
Another thing we think is important is that as many people get the chance to contribute as possible and that as much as possible the giving is out of a sense of generosity and gratitude rather than compulsion or duty, and that the contributions of those with smaller financial resources or none are as appreciated as those with wealth because they bind us in solidarity.
We can look to all our friends and neighbours, both near and far and say with pride “we care for this place together”. We can also make it clear that we want to welcome anyone who has been drawn here to nurture their soul, as we have been drawn here….this says a lot about who we are as a community, the welcome, the hospitality.
And lastly, let’s be real with how much things cost. Any home owner knows that buildings cost money to maintain and whilst a new building might cost less in the beginning, it too will need regular attention and it is good to factor that in from the outset. The gardens around need to be tended, bookings managed, electricity paid for and cleaning. Whether you plan to be a regular sanctuary goer or not, please, please feel into how you might be able to support this project ongoingly and contribute to building our thriving community.
A Call for Stories from the Subtle Realms and More…
Rose Deva drawing by Brian Nobbs
Community member Carolin Waldmann is putting out a call for you to share your stories to manifest her inspiration to create a small book or booklet that captures sacred stories of encounters with the unseen realm.
Caring Community Circle Update
We are happy to report that despite being in transition since last October, we are still very active supporting the most vulnerable in our community and providing advice and help wherever needed.
Due to the current challenges faced by both the healthcare and social care organisations here in Moray, the need for an organisation such as the CCC has never been greater – supporting the whole community from cradle to grave.
Jane Gambrill – the assistant co-ordinator increased her hours and is being supported in her role by Annie Crawford and by Anni Broadhead from Park Ecovillage Trust (PET) – through the development of this team, and the help of our volunteer task force, we have continued to meet all requests for assistance.
The recruitment process for a new co-ordinator is underway, once the post is filled we will then be able to restart our community programmes and be able to develop our strategy for the future.
But none of this would be possible without the amazing generosity of our funders, both individual and organisations. Without your support there would not be co-ordinators in place helping to make a difference to people’s lives – so from all of us – Thank You.
CCC Update Sunday 2/2 in the SR w cuppa ‘n cake – come join us! 🤗
You are warmly invited to gather in the Sunshine Room on Sunday afternoon at 3pm for an Update Gathering, to hear how the CCC has moved forward with strength and clarity of purpose from its challenges at the end of last year 📯.
Ably abetted by the angels of Discernment and Purification our team of Jane, the two Anni(e)s and Laura are keeping the CCC services and events alive and as greatly appreciated as ever 🐝, both in the Hoose at Pineridge and at Auchernack House in Forres 🙏🤗
Many of you reading this have already been enjoying the fruits of these gifts and may have inspired ideas for further possibilities. All of which you are welcome to share this coming Sunday 📯.
We look forward to seeing you there, and thank those who joined us Monday 13th for the presentation about the Light of Findhorn Sanctuary – your continued enthusiastic engagement is why we are here 🙏
On behalf of Jane, Anni, Annie and Laura 😇😇😇😇
P.S. If you’d like to bake (or bring) a cake or bikkies please feel free 🙏🤗 👌💞🎂
—
Amanda Haworth Viklund M.A.
Park Ecovillage Trust Chair
Park Ecovillage Trust (PET)
PET started 2025 with the angels of Discrimination and Purification beaming down on us.
Our heartening news is that the CCC (Caring Community Circle) is rallying after quite a setback in November. With the help of Anni Broadhead, Jane Gambrill continues to carry the torch ably assisted by Annie Crawford, so that services and events are continued after the usual Yuletide hiatus. And Laura Shreenan remains available on a contract basis for specific events. Thank you all, you worthy women. You are stars ✨❣️✨
The Light of Findhorn Sanctuary is very close to completion. Its gorgeous soft mauve carpet was laid last week, but there is a minor delay in delivery of the chairs. We will be releasing a definitive date for the opening very soon, and hope it’ll coincide with the Spring Equinox. Meanwhile, enjoy the photos people keep posting on Facebook (including some aerial views taken by Mark Richards using his drone), and click here to see those Kathy feeds onto PET’s website.
—
Amanda Haworth Viklund M.A.
Chair
Duneland Ltd
January 31st, 2025
Dear Community
It has been a while since we have submitted an update.
Greetings & Blessings to all, seen and unseen.
As I hope we are all proud of, our community has over the decades co-created an extraordinary and inspirational built environment. As you may or may not know, we have also built up organisational structures and safeguards to balance the expressed desires of the ‘whole’ with the love in action of those willing to manifest homes here.
As Duneland prepared for North Whins in 2018-19, there was a series of community meetings and consultations out of which the North Whins Design & Build Guidelines were created and legally registered. These guidelines integrated the concerns that we heard from the community as best we could at the time. Another key outcome of the 2018-19 process was the strong voice for innovation that resulted in the inclusion of an Off Grid site to be innovative, forward-looking and working to meet
the challenge of climate change.
Inevitably, new ideas and building styles emerge that were not taken into account six years ago. The Nature House approach to residential building, where a residential home is fully integrated with greenhouse growing space, is one such technique. In hindsight, it is sensible that these two things have come together in the Dune Croft proposal.
With attunement, compassion and insight Duneland have worked for many months with the Dune Croft project and we genuinely feel that we have been met part way in bridging the tension between the scale of the building in that site and the benefits this innovation will bring to our community. Duneland is proud to approve and endorse the Dune Croft proposal. We will update more next week after the Park
Planning Group meeting.
Duneland is grateful for the support of this vision of sustainable living that has been sent our way and for the hard questions when they arise. Further feedback and questions are always welcome, please get in touch with us via info@duneland.co.uk.
Blessings and Love! Eian Smith on behalf of the Duneland Team
Inspired by CommUnity, a group of NFA volunteers, manages this website. Hearing each others stories, and learning about the history of this community can help us all to find more cohesion and a sense of belonging. Read more.<
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