Nestled in the lush woodlands of the West Country, Tinkers Bubble, an off-grid community established in 1998, thrives in Norton-sub-Hamdon near Yeovil.
Embracing an “off-grid, low-impact community” ethos, Tinkers Bubble aims to sustain sustainable land-based livelihoods for up to 16 residents. The community is remarkably self-sufficient, eschewing fossil fuels and relying on its own timber production.
In addition to nurturing the land, residents craft cider, apple juice, and vegetables, which are sold locally. A traditional wood-fired steam engine powers their on-site sawmill, emphasizing the community’s dedication to sustainable practices.
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Tinkers Bubble stands as “a flagship project within the UK’s off-grid and intentional community sectors,” as noted by Bristol Live. The community, comprising eight adults and three children, upholds traditional crafts like hedge layering and foraging, as well as old-fashioned values.
The community’s unique homes, constructed from local timber and resembling charming hobbit dwellings, offer a picturesque representation of sustainable living. Visitors are welcomed annually for an open day in September, providing an opportunity to experience the community’s lifestyle firsthand.
Featured in a YouTube podcast called Self Sufficient Hub, Tinkers Bubble garnered widespread attention, with many expressing interest in visiting or volunteering at the community.