It is now thirty years since a bunch of young idealists colonised a derelict slate quarry in Mid-Wales. They were inspired by the notion of building a living community to test the emerging sustainable technologies, in order to find out which ones worked and which ones didn’t!

At that time what we meant by being green was a lot less defined, and a lot less tested. Britain had just emerged from the swinging sixties, and few were people were watching the problems, let alone looking for the solutions. The original community set out to develop and prove, by a positive living example, new technologies which would provide practical solutions to the problems that are now worrying the world’s ecologists.

Today, the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) receives around 65,000 visitors each year to its 7 acre demonstration site near Machynlleth and is one of the UK's premier eco-tourist attractions. Visitors enter via a state-of-the-art water-balanced cliff railway which carries visitors up a 180ft slope to the heart of CAT’s positive environmental message, the main visitor complex. Once inside, the site contains an exciting and enjoyable range of interactive displays which are continually up dated, reflecting the ways in which our society is taking seriously the need to adopt sustainable technologies and lifestyles.

Inspiration is backed up by a wide range information services. CAT’s free information service now deals with tens of thousands of enquiries each year, from all sectors of society and from all over the world. CAT’s role has now extended beyond a demonstration or education centre. It is now a large-scale clearing-house for practical help and information on actually achieving sustainability - often acting as the first port of call for anyone beginning a search for solutions.

CAT’s educational officers have years of practical experience teaching from key stage two upwards. Their enthusiasm is infectious and they offer frequent opportunities for informal talks as well as structured learning. Those who wish can book a guided tour, slide show or question and answer session. A visit can either be for the day or as a residential stay, in groups of 12 or more, on site. The centre offers up to 67 bed spaces. The Eco cabins offer a unique and very stimulating environment where pupils can manage their own independent electricity, fuel (wood), sewage and water supplies.

CAT produces a diverse range of publications, covering many aspects of sustainable living from a very practical perspective, combining a level-headed overview with ‘hands on’ information based on our experience of living with such technologies. CAT’s publications are available on site or through our mail order service.

CAT also operates an annual programme of residential courses, taught by experts with many years practical experience. Core topics include: grid linked and stand alone renewable energy, solar water heating, ecological building, eco renovation, sewage treatment, water supply, organic food production, composting, and solid waste disposal.

CAT’s membership organisation is a natural step for anyone wishing to implement sustainable technologies. With a growing Membership of over 7,000 individuals and families pioneering green lifestyles across the UK, CAT membership can provide support, information and contacts. ATA subscribers are kept up to date via a quarterly magazine ‘Clean Slate’.

For those with projects requiring specific or detailed advice such as project design and assessment, CAT can provide a professional, tailor-made consultancy service.