Frugaldom is a project based in Dumfries and Galloway in Scotland providing a place for biodiversity and wildlife to thrive. This is now our third time at Frugaldom, and each time we visit, the progress is incredible and inspiring. Immediately as we pull up in our van, Susan from Frugaldom greets us with a warm smile and open arms. Since posting photos and videos of our time at Frugaldom on our Instagram page, we’ve received messages and comments asking about the unique place we’re staying at. This blog will hopefully tell you a bit more about Frugaldom and everything it represents in the heart of the Galloway Forest.

So, what exactly is Frugaldom?

Frugaldom is a project in Dumfries and Galloway based on sustainability, low-impact living, environmental consciousness, animal welfare and so much more. Frugaldom is spread over 5 hectares with winding pathways surrounded by sculptures, birds, and trees just waiting to be explored. Whether it’s tree planting or pony care, there’s always something to do at Frugaldom!

Aidan and I first visited Frugaldom back at the end of 2021 when we decided to explore Scotland during the depths of winter. This probably makes us sound a bit nutty, but the 5 months we spent in the north of the UK allowed us to climb mountains, sleep in breathtaking locations, and enjoy a slower pace on the run-up to the holiday season. While many were probably panicking about the Christmas nut roast or turkey, we were scraping snow off our solar panels and making sure we had enough power for the day ahead #realvanlife.

We quickly fell in love with the Galloway Forest and shared pictures on Instagram, only for a fellow vanlifer to leave a comment telling us about an off-grid project we ought to check out. We had only been dreaming of purchasing land in Europe at this point and were very much excited to see an off-grid project and hear the stories of shaping a patch of the raw Scottish wilderness. 

Frugaldom is an official CAMpRA-accredited aire offering donation-based spaces for up to 5 self-contained campervans year-round, and visitors can admire the ponies, goats, birds, trees, and natural beauty throughout the site. Depending on the season and the projects going on at Frugaldom, campers can volunteer to plant trees, help build structures, or simply lend a hand where it's needed most. The first time we were here we helped clean up after the ponies, install guttering, and build an outside kitchen by the barn.

Life is busy, and it’s very easy to settle into a routine of working a lot and resting for a very little amount of time. Even living on the road, Aidan and I still have to work a substantial amount to support our lifestyle, and often it can be hard to switch off. Adventuring to Frugaldom and spending a few days surrounded by birdsong and pony stomping is the ideal way to calm our minds and spend some quality time in the stunning Dumfries and Galloway landscape.

Visiting Frugaldom not only provides a great stopover for campervans but also gives visitors a look at an off-grid project that has developed and transformed over 8 years with the help of friends and volunteers. Each time we leave Frugaldom we are full to the brim of ideas and inspiration, and now that we have off-grid land of our own in Portugal, we can implement some of these soon.

Susan, Harvey, and everyone involved in shaping Frugaldom have created an oasis for nature and wildlife to thrive, and for humans to reconnect with the planet we live on. The video below is a drone shot capturing what Frugaldom looked like on the last day of 2021. Since then, Frugaldom has been sculpted further with new additions across the land, transforming the space one gravel path at a time!

We always seem to leave Frugaldom with new knowledge and tips about animals care, crop-growing, and tree planting - there’s always so much to learn! Although the focus of Frugaldom surrounds nature, simple living, and frugality, there is also a creative and artistic side represented by the many sculptures throughout the land. These sculptures are created by Susan’s partner Harvey, who transforms wood, wire, and reclaimed materials into an array of animals such as sheep, birds, and horses. You can learn more about these creations by visiting their website here.

In addition to growing trees, fruits, vegetables, and herbs, Frugaldom has also grown a community, where like-minded individuals have come together to help transform what was once a piece of clearfell land, into a space for every aspect of nature to thrive. Goatis Redding and Vincent Van Goat, the characterful rescue goats at Frugaldom will bring a smile to anyone’s face as they happily roam around their pen. Whilst cleaning up after the ponies in the morning, a couple of them will likely enjoy a little nose scratch before diving into some scrumptiously golden hay.

We sat down with Susan in her hut to talk about the future of Frugaldom and how she sees the land getting shaped over the next few months. Spending time with creative individuals who too are sculpting their own piece of paradise, is indescribably inspiring and lets us in on the kind of things we’ll be tackling when we head back to our land in Portugal. We headed into the hut with three big questions, two cuppas, and a pack of biscuits…

The plan for Spring is to erect an additional two huts on the land at Frugaldom with a focus on getting the huts completed before winter creeps up again!

There is always something going on at Frugaldom, but to stay up to date with specific projects such as tree planting, keep an eye on the Frugaldom website and follow Susan, Harvey, and the gang across their social media platforms. There’s something to be done every day such as feeding the animals, cleaning poop, and keeping on top of all the work that has already been done, so grab some boots and get stuck in!

The two biggest goals for 2023 at Frugaldom are upgrading the goat’s accommodation and getting both of the new huts in place and ready to go. The addition of the huts on the off-grid land will bring dry, warm, spaces able to be enjoyed even when it’s pouring with rain outside!

Once you’ve visited Frugaldom, you’ll be able to find it without any hassle, but if you haven’t visited before, you can easily get into a bit of a pickle. Frugaldom is now registered on searchforsites and park4night, and if you have Google Maps directing you too, you’ll reach Susan and all the animals in no time!

Frugaldom,

Kircowan,

Newton Stewart,

DG8 0ET

To check if there’s a spot available for your campervan, contact Susan on the Frugaldom website, send a message on the Frugaldom Facebook page or head over to the Frugaldom Instagram. As there are no facilities on-site, Frugaldom is only open to self-contained campers, so make sure you’re full up on water and have emptied your grey waste before you arrive. Well-behaved dogs can enjoy the off-grid oasis too, as long as they don’t attempt to play tag or stuck in the mud with the ponies!

Frugaldom is a place we will keep returning to when we are in the UK, and we encourage others to put some wellies on and get involved with this amazing rewilding project.

Thank you Susan and Harvey for sharing your enchanting corner of the world with us - we will be back soon!

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