The Monimail Tower Project is a small environmental charity that offers

• opportunities in environmental and horticultural education
• carries out organic gardening and woodland work with volunteers
• maintains the historic buildings and walls on the property
• models a sustainable lifestyle

There is a small group of residents, four acres of walled gardens, 12 acres of woodland and the historical and recently renovated 15th or 16th century Monimail Tower, once part of a summer palace that was used by the ancient bishops of St. Andrews.

Originally established as an educational retreat by a group of educational psychotherapists from Edinburgh, the project's work has gradually shifted to have an environmental focus. The gardens and woodlands are slowly being reclaimed and brought back into productive use on an organic, permaculture basis. This approach, together with new habits such as ponds, allows a rich diversity of wildlife to flourish. 

With a small permanent community of around 6, the Project organise a wide range of courses and workshops in subjects as diverse as basket-weaving, charcoal making, music and traditional building skills. Download the 2008 MTP Events programme.

Throughout the year there is also a programme of volunteer days where volunteers help with a variety of out-door jobs in the woods, orchard and garden. Watch the events calendar for these opportunities or email monimail@phonecoop.coop to be added to their contact list.

Gradually improving the 16 acres and replacing the temporary buildings with permanent facilities, the group are building a progressive and sustainable lifestyle around the Tower. 

Visitors to the Tower

For a £1 entrance fee visitors can enjoy fine views of the Howe of Fife from the Monimail Tower tower rooftop and explore its fascinating history in an interesting exhibition on the first floor. The other parts of the Tower and its grounds are not open to the public but visitors are invited to visit the historic graveyard to the north.

Monimail Tower Project SCO 01481 is a registered charity. Supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Fife Environment Trust.

Events

18-19 Oct 08 Permaculture at Monimail 
V21 Sep 08 Monimail Tower Open Day
6 Sep 08 Monimail Medieval Fair 
16-17 Aug 08 Basket Making Course