We are a group of 11 adults who live co-operatively together in three buildings and a static caravan, set in 7 acres. Earthworm Housing Co-op Ltd has been here since 1989.
Before then, the place was known as “The Wheatstone Commune” since 1976 (see the History page here).
Our aim is to provide housing for our members.
Together we:
- Renovate and maintain our three buildings,
- Run the finances of Earthworm Housing Co-op Ltd, to ensure the mortgage gets paid and that we have enough money to continue renovating,
- Maintain and improve our 7 acres of land including kitchen garden, woodland, orchards, ponds and lawn,
- Improve insulation, reduce draughts etc to reduce our impact on the planet.
Large projects completed over the years include total renovation of a stone lodge building into a 3 bed family home, installation of wood-fired central heating, improved infrastructure including a wetland waste water treatment system, better electrics and better access.
The current projects include renovation of shared house rooms and windows and doors all over the oldest, biggest building, Wheatstone House.
Some areas of land are still quite unmanaged but could provide part of land-based livelihoods in woodland crafts, veg growing and fruit orchards. Hosting events and small courses is another possibility. There is also good shared workshop space.
It's beautiful all over here, with loads of wildlife, clear stars and space to play, at the edge of the well-resourced village of Leintwardine.