Strong social connection at ecovillage

A recent community cohesion survey conducted at Narara Ecovillage has revealed that its residents experience levels of social connection that significantly exceed the national average.

Ecovillages are intentional communities designed to foster sustainable living and social collaboration.

The survey, aimed at establishing a baseline for the ecovillage’s strategic objective of creating community, gathered responses from 146 residents and compared the results to national averages.

The findings show that Narara Ecovillage achieved an overall cohesion score of 3.2 out of 4, surpassing the national average of 2.8.

Adjunct Professor, Sustainability and Social Capital at Western Sydney University and Narara Ecovillage resident Rosemary Leonard said the study was significant in showcasing the benefits of intentional community living.

“The survey results are a testament to how living in an ecovillage fosters deep connections, trust, and a sense of belonging, aspects of community life that are increasingly rare in today’s world,” she said.

“Narara Ecovillage stands as a beacon of what is possible when people intentionally come together to live with kindness, awareness of their interdependence, and a shared commitment to sustainability.”

The survey highlighted several key strengths in the community, with residents scoring particularly high in areas of practical support (3.5), trust (3.4), helpfulness (3.4), and community commitment (3.4).

“Acts of kindness, community activities, willingness to address and resolve conflicts and a strong sense of safety for children were key sources of belonging for our residents,” Leonard said.

“Our organised activities, from working bees to festivals, as well as smaller interest groups, provide a platform for meaningful connection.

The survey found that 23% of respondents lived alone, with similar cohesion scores to those living with others.

Unlike those in the wider community, single residents at Narara Ecovillage reported less loneliness and greater access to support.

“We’re seeing that single residents here don’t face the same barriers to engagement or loneliness as those living alone in conventional housing,” Leonard said.

“Our culture of kindness and proactive social interactions helps everyone feel supported, regardless of their living situation.”

The survey also highlighted the power of intergenerational living at Narara Ecovillage, where residents of all ages, from infants to seniors, build strong, cross-generational bonds.

“Our intergenerational model creates a vibrant, inclusive community where everyone, young and old, supports each other adding to the sense of connection and shared responsibility,” Leonard said.

One resident highlighted community interactions such as dinners with friends, working together, yoga together, having a voice in projects, catching up virtually and in person, resident meetings, watching children grow and invitations to social events and festivals.

Leonard said Narara Ecovillage showed that strong social cohesion and collaboration was possible.

“We’re proud of what we’ve built – a community where people support one another and live in harmony with the natural world,” she said.

“None of us were experts, but together we’ve achieved more than we could alone.

“This survey shows that when we come together, we can create stronger, more connected communities, and we hope it encourages others to do the same.”