Talamh
Talamh is Gaelic for earth or soil, and the housing co-op is fortunate enough to be set in 50 acres of land around a 17th century farmhouse and courtyard. Talamh has been in existence since 1993, and a housing co-op since 1996. It currently houses nine adults and two children and often has visitors. We mostly live in the shared farmhouse and cottage, and in a few caravans on the land.
Talamh is rural, next to intensive dairy farming and a gravel quarry, with the M74 nearby. Talamh allows people access to land and resources, and is idiosyncratic and chaotic at times with a DIY style. Decisions are made by consensus at weekly meetings.
We have vegetable gardens and terraces, woodland, a lake, burns and bogs, a polytunnel, and lots of wildlife about. To help look after Talamh’s land and resources and to co-ordinate volunteers, a charity was set up called Talamh Life Centre. It is an educational environmental charity involved in habitat management, gardening, and works with a Clyde valley orchard. It co-ordinates events through the year including regular native tree planting weekends in the autumn and spring.
Those interested in membership or visiting (for up to 2 weeks) should first phone. All meals are vegetarian/vegan and the evening meal is usually communal. Minimum donations of £3pd to cover food and board are asked. Heating is by wood burners. All backgrounds welcome.
