Self build courses 'increasing in popularity'

In the current economic downturn more people are looking to increase their practical skills, it has been suggested

According to the Telegraph, Europe's leading eco-centre, the Centre for Alternative Technology in Machynlleth, Powys, runs short courses as well as full-time MSc courses to teach people how to be more self sufficient

The publications claims that self build is a topic that is "becoming popular", along with straw bale building and building with earth courses.

It claims that anyone who is even mildly interested in self build should visit the centre to "see the whole set-up".

"They have developed the gardens considerably and they generate their own electricity mainly from renewable sources," the newspaper adds.

Potential self builders could also visit BuildStore's National Self Build and Renovation Centre in Swindon, which is the UK’s only permanent centre for self builders and renovators.