Introduction--List of homes and gardens--Dates of open days--Location map--Products, builders and suppliers--Our sponsors--More on eco-renovation

Summary

Serena Roney-Dougal’s council house is rated at 0.15 carbon emission – virtually zero carbon. This is mainly down to a mix of renewable energy sources from old DIY solar water tubes, to new state-of-the-art photovoltaic panels providing electricity, backed up a wood burning stove with a back boiler that uses coppiced ash from Serena’s own woodland in Butleigh. Serena’s low impact lifestyle extends into the garden where organic fruit, vegetable and herb growing is complemented by a wildlife pond fed from water butts. Serena is now planning an extension to the south-facing front of the house, to provide passive solar heating there.

Green features in the home

• DIY solar water heating
• solar PV electricity
• wood burner with back boiler for heating house and water in winter
• wall and loft insulation
• some double glazing

Green features outside

• composting
• organic fruit and vegetable growing
• medicinal herb growing
• wildlife pond fed by rainwater butts
• own coppiced ash woodland (elsewhere) provides wood supply

Energy use

Electricity use is 40kw/week on average.

Directions

From Glastonbury High St. take the road to Wells. About 50 metres along turn right onto steep up hill road called Leg of Mutton Rd. Follow this to the end which is a T-junction, and turn left onto Selwood Rd (there is no street sign). Number 14 is half way down on the left behind a wild cherry and rowan tree.

See the calendar for open days and times