Getting there one step at a time
Sustainably working towards regeneration
When we moved into the Mill on 29th December 2022 we had exactly 3 days before we opened it up to guests.
Since then we have tried our best to improve how we do things. For the guests, for ourselves, the venue and the environment around us.
It is a constant work in progress. Sustainability and regenerative practices are the end goals as well as the journey.
We have learned to be patient and celebrate the little wins. We have embraced our guests’ suggestions and support.
And we are happy to share what we are working on in terms of the environment but also social and economic sustainability.
What is in place
Ecover cleaning products
During our last coliving season we fully transitioned to eco products for our laundry and washing up liquids. We use ECOVER.
Biomass boiler
The biomass boiler was there when we took over. There are of course pros and cons to using biomass but we are learning as we go and making sure we use and care for it properly.
Working with local businesses
From day one we have been working with our neighbours — from next door, to the next village, to wider Devon — for building materials, mushrooms, bread, soaps, spillover accommodation and renting extra land for events.
Light bulb audit
Two of our colivers spent hours auditing all our light bulbs and recommended energy saving changes, which we implemented in April 2024.
Guidelines for guests
Whether it is for our coliving or our events, we raise awareness around energy saving, waste and water consumption.
Solar panels
Just like the biomass boiler, we already had 38 solar panels installed on the roof of the Mill, from Good Energy.
We don’t drive
That tends to make people think we are crazy, but we walk or cycle pretty much anywhere. When it is too far we take the train, and when it is necessary we ask the local taxi driver for a lift.
Electric cargo bike
We were gifted a cargo bike in the summer of 2024. We can now explore further as well as go to local markets — and hopefully one day even deliver our own veggies.
What we are working on
Veg garden
Together with our neighbour and horticulturalist Chris, and the support of the amazing Chay from Crops no Shops, we are redesigning the veg garden to provide fresh food for our events.
Our own compost
We are also working with Chris to create our own compost. We are using the manure of another neighbour, from whom we also buy the goat milk soaps and honey they make.
Repair and re-use
We love going around the village finding furniture and items people are giving away, fixing them up and finding them a new place at Selgars. We have rescued desks, chairs, games, pots and even a chest of drawers.
What is in the works
Uffculme Community Fridge
Our village has a wonderful project called the Community Fridge. We want to support it more by checking the fridge before buying, and help reduce waste.
Buy Local map
We are working on a map that will show the different neighbours who sell their own produce — honey, eggs, vegetables or juice — to encourage our guests to buy there.
A system for coliving orders
As we get most of our food delivered weekly, we want to work out a system that can easily combine everyone’s individual order into one delivery. Harder than it seems.
What we dream of
Subsidised stays
At this stage we need all of our accommodation for guests. However we do dream of a day when we can host artists, volunteers or people with smaller budgets to take part in running Selgars and sharing their gifts with the wider community.
Renovating the Mill wheel
One day, when we have the time and enough budget to hire skilled professionals, we will look into renovating the wheel and making it a prominent feature of the main house, as it should be.
Every day is a new opportunity to get better