For lots more information about the Hockerton Housing Project and up to date news on activities and courses, have a look at their website: www.hockertonhousingproject.org.uk

For more information on Sustainable Hockerton (SHOCK) see this website: www.sustainablehockerton.org

Quick overview

The Hockerton Housing Project is a development of five earth-sheltered, passive solar heated houses. The houses were largely designed and built by a group of ordinary people, who had a big vision and a lot of energy and determination! On our tour we looked at the organic veg garden, sheep, orchard, water harvesting system, solar photovoltaic panels, wind turbines, composing, reedbed sewage system, air source heat pump and, of course, the houses themselves. The community at HHP are totally self sufficient in water, and produce the majority of the elctricity that they use. The homes are clevery designed with high thermal mass, big south facing windows and super insulation, and are heated entirely by the sun.

On the tour we also heard a bit about Sustainable Hockerton, or SHOCK, a community group in the village of Hockerton. SHOCK have recently recieved planning permission to put up a wind turbine, which will hopefully generate income for the village which can be reinvested in sustainability projects.

Some photos from the day

For better photos in the sunshine, see the HockertonHousing Project website!

Feedback from the study tour

"I found the tour hugely informative and inspiring'

'The tour guides were truly excellent'

'Has provoked as many questions as provided answers!'

'I enjoyed the tour - very informative - but could do with lunch and cup of tea a bit earlier!'

'very useful to also hear how their experiences have affected the rest of the village re the copycat housing and the moves to get a community owned wind turbine in the village...'