ActiveEarth Center
for transformative learning
Overview
The ActiveEarth Centre for transformative learning is a place of great natural beauty and power. It is in the Alta Garrotxa Nature Reserve, 2 hours by car northeast of Barcelona and 50 minutes north of Girona.
Our vision for the project is the creation of a world-class adult education venue hosting individuals, students and organisations on programmes and courses that encourage and support human flourishing.
The project has two phases: In phase 1 (running), we are inviting collaborators to run programs and courses on the site, with accommodation in the neighbouring area. Phase 2 will commence with completion of the guesthouse for the center, scheduled for late 2013.
The Valley
Overlooking the Sant Aniol valley the site offers stunning 360 degree views and abundant wildlife. A pristine mountain stream, carving its way through deep and colourful limestone cliffs, defines the valley. Within a 20-minute walk there are crystal-clear swimming pools and well-marked hiking trails. Adventure activities such as rock climbing, canyoning or mountain biking are here at its best. An easy 60-minute hike leads to a series of cascading waterfalls. Many course participants who visited the valley in the past have commented on its magic and grounding effects.
Facilities on Site
Two geodesic domes offer beautiful spaces for group facilitation, yoga sessions, meditation, etc. The domes have parquet flooring and are furnished with comfy seating areas. The large dome (8m in diameter) also holds a kitchen area to prepare meals. Next to the domes is an atmospheric outdoor dining and sitting area. We have a small shower house and basic compost toilets on site.
Community of Practice
We invite visitors to help us co-create this beautiful space by helping with the forest garden, tree planting and other site improvement works. All visitors are invited to participate in working on the land. We see this working time as a skilful way to establish a ‘community of practice’. Working mindfully, joyfully and in concentration visitors enjoy an opportunity to come back to the present moment and nourish the qualities of mental clarity and peace.
Giving back to the earth in this way not only has therapeutic value but also creates a possibility for visitors to shape and become part of the projects success, not just consumers. We invite all visitors into our wider community of practice and are committed to find ways that help us stay in touch and continue to reconnect to and nourish the relationship with this place.
Accommodation
We are working with two rural guest houses in the area:
Can Serradell
20-minutes drive form the Centre is the house ‘Serradell’. The traditional stone house has been renovated recently and now offers modern accommodation in shared rooms. Two flats sleep up to 10 participants in double rooms.
Can Terrades
45 minutes from the Centre (and only 30 minutes from the valley) Can Terrades is our partner for groups seeking more luxurious accommodation. Can Terrades sleeps up to 20 people, has two swimming pools and a great overall style going for it.
It is an ideal base for professional groups. For more images please visit www.canterrades.com
Food & Catering
We provide catering services up at the Centre during the day and at your accommodation. Food is delicious, organic and locally sourced where possible.
Logistics
The site is located near the little village of Sadernes, in the foothills of the Spanish Pyrenees (see google map above). Only 45 minutes drive from Girona Costa Brava Airport or Train station we are easily reached by car, plane or train.
By Train: From London: with the Eurostar leaving in the afternoon, to Paris. From here leaving at 22.00 with the sleeper straight to Figueres (arrival at 7 am). There is also a new TGV high speed connection from France to Figueres.
From Barcelona Sants Estaciòn regular trains leave for Girona in an hourly rhythm.
By Bus: T.E.I.S.A. Buses run a very good service from Barcelona to Argelaguer ( a village near to the valley). Please check their website for further information.
By Plane: See www.ryanair.com for flights to Girona Airport. Barcelona Airport offers a wider selection of flights from within Europe as well as from North America / Asia.
By car see Google Maps at: http://maps.google.com/maps?daddr=Sadernes,+Sales+de+Llierca,+Espa%C3%B1a&hl=de&ie=UTF8&sll=42.126238,2.708817&sspn=0.370233,0.699005&geocode=FQsAhQIdf58nACn7RikqP7e6EjEx51Uf4foAJg&mra=ls&doflg=ptk&z=11
- A lot about the beauty of nature. That you can do things you never thought you could do. I got a very good feeling. I made me think of things in a new way.
- To relax and enjoy all things. I ca