Building an Off-Grid Community: Lessons from Abundant Earth - Jo Bolton & Matt Whitaker - BS101

Ever wondered what it's like to create an intentional community from the ground up? Join us for a heartwarming conversation with Jo Bolton and Matt Whitaker, co founders of Abundant Earth, as they share their journey of building a sustainable, off-grid life for themselves and their families. With experiences ranging from living in cabins on the outskirts of Newcastle to navigating the planning permission process, Matt and Joe have come a long way, and their story is sure to inspire and uplift anyone interested in intentional living.

In this episode, we discuss the importance of communication, conflict resolution, and the power of friendship in community building. Jo and Matt share insights into the systems they've put in place, such as land management, weekly meetings, and seeking external support for conflict training. Plus, learn how their experiences have led them to work with probation services to help those in need, making a tangible impact on the lives of others.

Finally, we explore the joy and gratitude Jo and Matt have experienced as they reflect on their journey together and their friends' role in establishing the Abundant Earth community. From building oak-framed houses to sharing meals and memories, this conversation is a testament to the power of connection and the beauty of living life with intention. Join us for this uplifting episode and discover the magic of creating a community from scratch.

Episode Links

• Jo Bolton Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joimbolc/
• Matt Whittaker Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/matty.whittaker/
• Time Lapse of Frame Raising - https://youtu.be/JMlqLREh49k
• Beautiful 17m video of frame raising - https://youtu.be/vhU6qDBmN9E
• Abundant Earth - https://www.abundantearth.coop/
• NVC Non-Violent Communication - https://www.cnvc.org/
• Co-ops UK - https://www.uk.coop/
• Somatic Experiencing Association - https://www.seauk.org.uk/
• Northern Bowl - https://www.abundantearth.coop/new-page
• WWOOF - https://wwoof.org.uk/

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