Tinkers Bubble, a thriving off-grid community nestled in the heart of a Somerset forest, offers a unique and sustainable way of life. Celebrating its 30th anniversary in January 2024, the village prides itself on being “fossil fuel free” and a pioneer in the UK’s off-grid and intentional community sectors.
Located near Norton-sub-Hamdon on a 40-acre site, half of which is woodland, Tinkers Bubble operates as a self-sufficient village. Residents cook communal meals at the central “roundhouse,” wash clothes by hand, and use compost toilets. The community also manages the land in a cooperative manner.
With the ability to produce almost all its food, as well as cider, apple juice, vinegar, and timber for local sales, Tinkers Bubble sustains itself economically. It is estimated that an annual income of £1,500 to £2,000 per person is sufficient, keeping the cost of living remarkably low.
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After 24 years of temporary planning permission, Tinkers Bubble was granted permanent planning permission in 2023, securing its future for years to come. The village attracts a fluctuating number of residents and regularly hosts short-stay volunteers, showcasing a truly communal way of life.
Despite the challenges of off-grid living, including limited electricity from a solar system and seasonal hardships, Tinkers Bubble continues to thrive. From a hand-built sauna to sustainable forestry practices and communal meetings, the village embodies a harmonious and organized lifestyle.
Given its sustainable practices and self-sufficient ethos, Tinkers Bubble stands as a testament to the possibilities of a simpler, more harmonious way of life.