Tucked away in central, west Wales is the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT). We visited it for the first time recently, whilst taking part in the summer art, craft & food festival.
OK, so it was a warm & sun-filled day, which does tend to paint things with a rosy glow, but even on the second day of the festival, with the rain bucketing down, we kept coming across blissed out visitors wandering around, covered in smiles.
The name ‘Centre for Alternative Technology’ may sound a bit cold and geeky, but the reality is a green oasis that pleases the senses and inspires the mind.
Leaving our car in the woodland car park, we took a slow, smooth ride up the astonishingly steep cliff railway, powered entirely by water. (The railway runs 9th April to 30th October.)
At the top, we entered a spacious woodland village, laid out especially for the visitor.
Bark and gravel paths meandered through groups of intriguingly green-built cottages, some complete with ‘planted roofs’.
Large modern buildings of natural wood and lime were clad with banks of shiny solar panels.
Organic herb beds filled the air with scent.
The verdant gardens, full of beautiful and edible produce arranged in informal, human-sized ‘rooms’ gave frequent opportunities to sit and enjoy.
Although we were told visitor numbers were relatively high, it didn’t seem particularly crowded, and there was still an air of peace, calm and tranquility.
Kids and adults alike seemed to be enjoying the exhibits and environments. (How could anyone resist a gigantic reconstruction of a mole’s burrow, complete with sounds and smells…?)
Like these oversized bugs and grubs…
…and ferocious claws and teeth!
As well as the casual visitor, just there to enjoy the grounds and facilities, CAT would definitely appeal to those with an interest in building, science, architecture, design, horticulture as well as those wondering how to live with less impact on the earth.
Every aspect of the Centre was able to demonstrate practical examples of green building, living and technology, and in a very accessible way.
CAT also runs workshops and courses on a range of subjects including green woodworking, sustainable architecture and renewable energy.
This would be a wonderful day out for those with children and without. We found the staff amazingly warm and welcoming & the facilities were excellent
We enjoyed delicious, home cooked food at the (licensed) cafe…
…and enjoyed browsing in the light & airy shop, filled with inspirational books, publications, home & giftwares.
We were amazed we hadn’t visited before, despite living less than an hour away, and look forward to returning.
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UPDATE!!!
Loglike will be taking part in the ‘Apple Harvest Weekend’ at the CAT Centre,
Sat 1st & Sun 2nd October 2011
Centre for Alternative Technology,
Machynlleth,
Powys, Wales
SY20 9AZ,
UK
Entrance fees: adult tickets between £5.50 – £8.50
(discounts available if traveling by public transport!)
Annual membership starts at £22
Winter opening times:
10 January – 8 April and 31 October – 31 December: 10am-5pm
Summer opening times:
9 April – 22 July and 30 August – 30 October : 10am-5.30pm
23 July – 29 August 2011 (school summer holidays): 10am-6pm
The cliff railway runs from 9 April to 30 October.
website: www.cat.org.uk
telephone: 01654 705950
Visitor Centre Christmas closing & January maintenance shutdown dates:
The Visitor Centre will be closed Friday 23 December – Tuesday 27 December 2011 inclusive, and Monday 2 January – Sunday 8 January 2012 inclusive.
steve
jen
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October 10, 2011 at 14:01
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