After fetching our daily milk and cream from the village dairy, I wander back through intensively planted garden beds, up the path to my rammed earth house that also serves as my place of work. I find the lack of vehicles a constant reminder of why I chose to live in an eco-village, the walk to the village business district is pleasant and safe enough for myself, my children and the gaggle of geese I see meandering their way between the houses.

Of course, some of the community work away from home and they can rest easy knowing their home is secure under the watchful eye of friendly neighbours and that their children are being safely looked after in the security of their own community.

I see the community homeschooled children looking so proud as they lead a visiting group of local high school kids on a tour of our village then I look up the valley toward our community building that doubles as a base for the homeschoolers, my view unfettered by pylons or high tension cables. It's true all kids seem to thrive here, even the ones just visiting grandma for the weekend.

Grid electricity is always an option, as in every suburb but every encouragement has been given to those who wish to invest in alternatives such as the house with the biogas generator and the couple of households who have decided to pool their resources and invest in a substantial solar harvesting program.

The possibilities are ours to explore.

When you step into your house or cross your perimeter you know you are standing on your own turf. But equally, everyone is on their own turf when they wander through the village.

Individuality enhanced.