Totnes and Dartington Community help build largest straw bale buildings in Devon
The largest straw bale building in Devon is being constructed on the Dartington Hall estate, as part of the new carbon and waste neutral community saw mill run by Greyfield Timber – a Dartington Land Scope project that will provide a year round supply of local, sustainable, and cost effective fuel to the Totnes and South Hams community.
The impressive 6.5m high saw mill is being built by Paul MacDonald, an ecological pioneer who is making a sustainable business out of the very real need for locally sourced energy and fuel. By experimenting with numerous sustainable principles and ideas (such as straw bale construction and woodchip energy generation), Greyfield Timber is proving that it is possible to be environmentally responsible and financially sustainable.
Paul said, “Greyfield Timber is a carbon and waste neutral integrated wood business that on completion will turn saw logs into timber and saw mill waste into biomass fuel (woodchip / charcoal /firewood). The saw mill sits at the heart of the business and will be a local asset – built by the community, rooted in the community and serving the community.”
Greyfield Timber are running a course on 25 and 26 of October with ‘Amazon Males’ to train local people how to construct the walls of the straw bale building and staff from Dartington Hall Trust will be volunteering their help throughout the following week – all keen to gain vital skills that will enable them to build their own straw bale structures.
Julie Richardson the Director of Land Scope said, “Straw bales are ideal for sustainable development, as they absorb carbon and sound – while remaining incredibly safe, quiet and warm. We believe by showcasing the versatility and practicality of this traditional building material, we can encourage more businesses and individuals to switch to straw bales – and significantly reduce their carbon footprint.”
Press are invited to visit Greyfield Timber site on Tuesday October 28th to film and photograph the construction of the new mill and to interview Paul MacDonald, Julie Richardson, members of the community involved in the project and Dartington volunteers who will be learning how to put up the walls.
[what's this?]
The Dartington Hall Trust is a registered charity no. 279756. Company no. 1485560 Registered Office: The Elmhirst Centre, Dartington Hall, Totnes, Devon TQ9 6EL United Kingdom. Telephone 01803 847000; Fax 01803 847007;