The vast empty plains of the Russian steppe may seem inhospitable to many, but for some it offers the chance to return to a simple life and escape from today's pressures and problems.

Sergey Borisov and his wife Olga have abandoned urban life for what they call a more natural existence – living on, and off, the land.

“I was born in the city and I know it very well. People are always drawn to nature. They regain their energy from the trees. Being with nature is more natural for people than city life,” said Sergey.

Sergey built this wigwam, which became his and Olga’s main living space, himself. To do so he needed to learn some new skills, like thatching.

The family grows their own vegetables and working towards self sufficiency.

So while Olga is in charge of preparing a meatless borsch, Sergey collects and chops the necessary firewood.

They say their new lifestyle is all about respecting the environment and that requires a return to a more traditional way of living.

Sergey and Olga plan to stay here for the winter. But in spring they will be joined by more environmentalists and a small group of tents and outhouses will grow into a much larger ecological settlement.

One of those joining them will be the founder of ‘ISTOK’ Ecological Organisation, Irina Andrienko, and her family. She says Russian environmentalists are just part of a much bigger and more international movement.

“This process is global; it’s happening all over the world. Russia will blossom. The whole planet will become a beautiful blossoming garden. And we won’t hear any more about those problems that we learn from television,– like news about water and air pollution, chemicals being used to grow fruit and vegetables,” Irina Andrienko said.