Communal living options that suit Natural Humanists, based on the values of kindness, equality, pacifism, simplicity, nature, responsible consumption, freedom, celebrating difference, tend to share four traits: non‑materialism, cooperation, ecological awareness, and gentle community life.
Across the UK, several existing models and real communities align strongly with those principles.
Ecovillages and intentional communities focused on nature and simplicity
These are the closest match to natural humanist values: low‑impact living, shared resources, and a cooperative ethos.
Findhorn Ecovillage (Scotland)
One of the world’s best‑known ecovillages.
- Strong emphasis on peace, cooperation, and ecological living.
- Shared gardens, communal meals, renewable energy, and non‑materialist culture.
- Very international and diversity‑friendly.
Lammas Ecovillage (Pembrokeshire, Wales)
A pioneering low‑impact settlement.
- Off‑grid homes, permaculture, and responsible consumption.
- Strong community ethos and nature‑centred living.
- Appeals to those who value simplicity and physical activity.
Trelay Cohousing Community (Cornwall)
A rural cooperative community.
- Shared land, communal meals, and egalitarian decision‑making.
- Emphasis on kindness, sustainability, and gentle living.
Earthworm Housing Co‑op (Shropshire)
A small, eco‑focused cooperative.
- Communal gardens, shared resources, and non‑materialist values.
- Quiet, rural, and nature‑centred.
Urban and semi‑urban cohousing communities
These suit Natural Humanists who want community and equality but not rural isolation.
Lancaster Cohousing (Lancashire)
One of the UK’s strongest examples of sustainable communal living.
- Passivhaus homes, car‑free site, shared facilities.
- Strong culture of cooperation, equality, and responsible consumption.
LILAC Cohousing (Leeds)
A mutual‑ownership cooperative.
- Focus on affordability, equality, and community decision‑making.
- Shared gardens, communal meals, and low‑impact design.
OWCH – Older Women’s Cohousing (London)
For women 50+.
- Strong emphasis on mutual support, equality, and community.
- Non‑hierarchical and socially conscious.
Cannock Mill Cohousing (Colchester)
Eco‑focused, intergenerational community.
- Shared meals, gardens, and collaborative living.
- Quiet, nature‑adjacent environment.
Housing cooperatives with ethical, non‑materialist values
These suit Natural Humanists who value equality, anti‑consumerism, and shared resources.
Radical Routes Co‑ops (various UK locations)
A network of housing and worker co‑ops.
- Strong focus on anti‑capitalism, equality, and ethical living.
- Many communities are vegan‑friendly, pacifist, and environmentally conscious.
Student and young‑adult co‑ops (e.g., Edinburgh, Birmingham, Sheffield)
- Non‑profit, democratic, and community‑oriented.
- Strong culture of sharing, equality, and low‑impact living.
Co‑Housing Bristol / Co‑Housing Brighton (in development)
Emerging communities with strong ethical foundations.
Retreat‑style and spiritually gentle communities
These suit Natural Humanists who value peace, kindness, and non‑violence.
Plum Village UK‑affiliated communities
Inspired by Thich Nhat Hanh.
- Emphasis on mindfulness, pacifism, compassion, and simple living.
- Often operate as small communal households or retreat centres.
Quaker‑influenced communal houses
- Strong traditions of pacifism, equality, and simplicity.
- Often run as shared homes or small intentional communities.
Animal‑friendly and vegan communal options
These align with the site’s themes of compassion for animals and ethical coexistence.
Vegan housing co‑ops (various UK cities)
- Shared meals, ethical consumption, and non‑violence toward animals.
- Often linked to environmental activism or community gardening.
Sanctuary‑based communities (e.g., animal rescue farms)
- Communal living combined with care for animals and nature.
- Strong alignment with compassion‑centred values.
What makes these communities a good fit
Across all these examples, the common threads, which link to core Natural Humanist values are:
Across all these examples, the common threads are:
- Cooperation over competition
- Nature over materialism
- Equality over hierarchy
- Pacifism over conflict
- Community over individualism
- Simplicity over consumption
- Celebrating difference over conformity
Choosing between them depends on whether you prefer rural simplicity, urban community, eco‑living, or ethical cooperatives. Which of those feels closest to the lifestyle you imagine?
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