CAT

The Centre for Alternative Technology is built in a former slate quarry in the Dulas Valley, just north of Machynlleth in mid Wales. For over thirty years a community has lived here developing technologies and philosophies of sustainable and environmentally friendly living. CAT is now recognised internationally as one of the world's leading centres for sustainability. Every year tens of thousands of visitors take a trip up the water-powered cliff railway to see a huge open air exhibition covering everything from composting to wind turbines.

Although CAT hosts many group visits, EcoWeeks are the only chance for individual children to spend time at the centre - while we are there we have access to the centre and all activities there whenever we want.

The EcoCabins

A residential centre like no other! The EcoCabins are completely self sufficient in electricity, using a combination of wind, water and solar power (there is a bio-diesel backup generator, but we think that's cheating so we don't use it!). Wood stoves soon warm the cabins up on chilly or rainy days - and although we have to fetch the logs, the store is very close at hand.

There are two cabins with shared communal areas. Accommodation is in small but comfortable four-bed dormitories: boys in one cabin and girls in the other. Staff bedrooms are also in the cabins, for maximum security.