An eco-village does exactly what it says on the tin: it is a settlement which lives harmoniously with nature, in a sustainable way with harm-free intentions.   To achieve this goal, energy is obtained from renewable sources, natural resources are used sparingly to create the minimum possible impact on the environment, and the availability of water and food production are taken into account before making the settlement, so that each village is self-sufficient as far as possible.   The key idea is sustainable living in an environmentally friendly way.

Eco-villages are not strictly confined to rural areas, as "urban greenspace" is a feature of the government's vision for a more sustainable country.

To find out more about eco-villages visit these websites:

http://gen.ecovillage.org  The Global Ecovillage Network, providing information on the concept of eco-villages and with sections for GEN Europe and Africa, GEN Oceania and The Ecovillage Network of the Americas.   The website also has information on how you can get involved with supporting or setting up an eco-village.

http://www.evnuk.org.uk An information resource for sustainable communities, based in Bristol, Eco-Village UK aims to provide a website of UK eco-village projects, skills and resources; provide up-to-date information on theories, practices, alternative technologies, legal and financial resources; and hold regular meetings.

http://www.living-organically.com - Including articles written to help those develop successful eco-villages, this website has information on not only eco-villages but also co-housing, a popular concept in Denmark, the Netherlands and Scandinavia.   There is a section on an eco-village in Gillingham, Dorset, which is available to visit.

http://www.ecovillagefindhorn.org - Arguably the best known eco-village in the UK was set up by the Findhorn Foundation in 1985.   The website has extensive information on every aspect of eco-villages and runs tours by request.

For information regarding "urban greenspace" look at these websites:

http://www.cyberium.co.uk/parkhistory/sustainablecities.html - A website with limited information but very useful for photos including an urban greenspace in Mainz, Germany.

http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/index.php?section=environment:forum  Part Wildlife Trust, the urban greenspace section has information on the organisation, projects, resources and toolkit pages.

http://www.cleanersafergreener.gov.uk  A government website with information on making urban areas for eco-friendly.

To visit an eco-village near you check these websites for further information:

http://gen.ecovillage.org/activities/ecotourism/europe.php - A list of eco-villages where you can visit as a residential guest.

http://www.gen-europe.org/addresses/EVindex.html - This link will take you to a website where you can search for eco-villages by country, amongst other criteria.