We work with groups of young people and students aged 8-19 from a wide range of backgrounds and in particular we specialise in working with 'hard-to-reach' young people, including those with emotional needs and learning difficulties.
Young Peoples Wild Flower ProjectWith our experienced NCFE and BELA qualified tutor Jonathon Huet, young people have been engaging in long-term conservation tasks to improve the biodiversity of the lowland woodlands and chalk-downland of our land in the heart of the South Downs. This is the project that caught the attention of the CPRE judges in 2019.
The pupils are growing the plants, planting them out and then seeing them flourish in our meadows on the top of the site as well as on the chalk downland area adjacent to our natural woodlands burial.
The biodiversity achieved on the site has created the opportunity to look at basic botany and plant identification which when connected to the uses of plants has really excited the pupils. "We are going to collect and bottle wild plants and create our own pharmacy" Pupil Comment. The pupils set about creating their own natural apothecary collecting wild plants and creating syrups from berries, herbal teas from leaf, bud and flowers enabling them to get to know the plants with a hands-on approach. Sourcing the plants worked a treat at keeping their interest and they were even able to teach their own plant identification walks! Young Peoples Woodland ProjectOur NCFE trained tutor Sean has worked with a wide variety of individuals and groups starting in 2005 and the Centre is proud to have played a part in each of these young peoples lives.
Sean specialises in bushcraft, woodland conservation and traditional and historic crafts. He has a wealth of experience in working with hard to reach young people. Feedback from schools and pupils highlights the value of this long term programme for young people. "Sean is an expert in getting the most out of the students. General attendance at school has improved and behaviour has changed for the better. The whole concept of working and being treated as an adult (the students words) has helped them immensely to become rounded, more mature students able to cope with school life."
Head Teacher, The Petersfield School. "The tailor- made programme we created for him with the help of Sean has clearly had an impact on the choices he is making for his future". Pierre Neollier, Little Green School. "I have found that the Centre has helped me in school and on the streets, I feel that Sean and Anna have showed me how to communicate better." Edward. |
CPRE Countryside Awards 2019
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We have been able to offer a Bursary place to a young person giving them the chance to gain experience of traditional crafts and outdoor skills. This 18 day bursary placement has been spread over a year period enabling participants to work from home on projects started here at the centre.
We have run 6 years of this bursary and previous participants have chosen to focus their time on a range of different skills from bushcraft and conservation to ancient saxon crafts. |
Earthworks Trust & Earthworks FoundationThe Sustainability Centre is owned and operated by The Earthworks Trust (Charity No.1079866). Our trading company is Earthworks Foundation. All profits go to support our charity The Earthworks Trust. SITE VISITORSPlease be aware that our 55 acre site is privately owned. Customers and clients are welcomed at their own risk. All visitors are reminded that this is a countryside site and all tracks, paths and car parks are informal, uneven and may not all be suitable for people with mobility issues. As we are located in the South Downs National Park dark skies zone, there is no lighting on site after dark. We advise sturdy, appropriate footwear at all times and use of a torch at night. |
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Main AddressThe Sustainability Centre
Droxford Road, East Meon, Hants GU32 1HR 01730 823166
Reception01730 823166
info@sustainability-centre.org |
South Downs Eco Lodge & Camp SiteSouth Downs Eco Lodge
The Sustainability Centre Droxford Road, East Meon, Hants GU32 1HR 01730 823549
accommodation@sustainability-centre.org Cafe01730 823755
infobeechcafe@gmail.com |
Burials01730 823425
burials@sustainability-centre.org Education01730 823166
education@sustainability-centre.org Courses01730 823166
courses@sustainability-centre.org |