Our Staff Experience - Centre For Alternative Technology

It was a wet day when we travelled to CAT, but we did not let the rain put us off. I found that lots of CAT’s attractions were either indoors, or under cover, such as a large wooden structure with lots of interactive games for the children, and captivating information about many alternative, sustainable ways for generating electricity. For the outdoorsy bits, and the walks up at the top, a small umbrella was a godsend.

We both had such an amazing time at CAT, despite the rain, and we found it suitable for ALL. From baby sensory objects, to interactive stations for small children, as well as fascinating displays for those a bit older. I took my younger sister who, at 13 years old, was the perfect age for CAT to have a very positive impact. Not only does her new knowledge help with schoolwork, but she began asking all sorts of questions about why we still do not use renewable energy as a standard. She’d begun thinking about a peaceful, off-grid life, and felt particularly inspired by CAT’s water source. 

Unsurprisingly, the café at CAT boasts a huge selection of fresh, hot vegan and vegetarian lunch options, from pastries to hot meals and scrumptious salads - we were not leaving there hungry. Their hot drinks were heavenly on a drizzly day, and an oat milk latte was the perfect pick-me-up before we continued our adventure. The café not only offered food, but also a vast selection of vegan cook books, gardening books, and souvenirs that are all designed with sustainability in mind. If you choose not to sample the café, there are ample tables and benches throughout the centre that make perfect picnic spots – just ensure you dispose of any waste responsibly.

If you’ve ever wondered about becoming more independent and growing your own fruit and veg, CAT is the perfect place to start. I wasn’t lucky enough to attend one of their independent courses, but it was evident - from the biodiversity across the site - that the gardeners knew what they were doing. It was intriguing to see a completely paved area, full of plants growing out of old welly boots, saucepans, rubbish bins and essentially anything else you may have laying around.