​​The Sustainability ​Centre

Eco evolution in action . . .       Empowering real change . . .  

​We are a learning and study centre, a beacon for sustainability, based in the heart of Hampshire's South Downs National Park in the UK.

​We are an authentic model of sustainability. We share practical solutions to inspire and enable people to become the planet protectors and change makers that our world needs.

We offer an immersive, practical and creative approach to education. We inspire and support change-makers. We make it possible for everyone to be part of eco evolution in action. 

​​The Sustainability Centre is owned and operated by ​The Earthworks Trust (Reg No.1079866).

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New Job Opportunity
​Accommodation Live-In Hostel Warden

We are looking for a dynamic and practical person to join our busy accommodation team.  This is a part time live-in post with some weekend working.

We are seeking someone able to undertake practical work both indoor and outdoor, has excellent communication skills, food and hygiene awareness, a competent and confident IT user who is able to take responsibility for high standards of customer service.

​HOURS     22.5 Hours per week including 
SALARY   £10,700 per annum

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Friends Scheme
Become a Friend today!

​We have lots of loyal supporters, followers and people and you may be one of them. If you are , we would like you to consider becoming a Friend.

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Christmas Carols

​19th December 2019
From 6pm

Join us in singing carols around the fire in our beautiful Woodland Hall. The Southdowns Burials team will host a candlelit walk.

Please dress very warmly and bring a torch.
Booking is not required, everyone is welcome.

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Give an Alternative Gift

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Gifts for this Christmas!

To help you find gifts with a chance to help the planet this year please consider giving a unique gift and at the same time help us to give life-changing outdoor learning experiences to children and support our New Learning Centre.

​Your donation to the Sustainability Centre will give a gift back to the planet by making it possible for everyone to be part of eco evolution in action.
 
Use your buying power to help us to inspire and enable people to become the planet protectors and change makers that our world needs.

​​Earth Protectors Conference
For Primary Educators

​28th February 2020
1pm to 4pm
This Event is FREE for Teachers 

The event will showcase eco-friendly learning using case studies. We will focus on how to embed Eco Topics into your primary years planning, this will be delivered by teachers for teachers. 

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​Wetherdown Lodge Eco Renovation

As many of our regular visitors will know, one wing of our eco-hostel (formerly an accommodation block for HMS Mercury) has been awaiting transformation since 1995. We have decided that it deserves to take priority in our building transformation programme, so that more school children can come and stay here.

We have been working on detailed plans for the past few months and hope to start early in 2020.
 
This new wing will have 12 new ensuite rooms; a specially fitted room for wheelchair users; a ‘changing places’ toilet; a kitchen, a common room and a staff flat.

The outside will be clad with western red cedar from a local plantation and a new ground-source heat pump will contribute to an overall carbon saving of over 50%.​

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​Our programme of ‘learning alongside the build’ will create opportunities for training in eco-build techniques for many, including young people as part of their apprenticeship.

​Thank you to all those who have contributed to our fundraising. We have already raised an amazing £682,000 and have a few funding bids under consideration. With the help of our supporters we are confident of reaching our total of £925,000 in time.

​Children's Holiday Workshops

We have a wonderful programme of workshops for children for the summer and moving on in to Autumn. These are for children with their parents and care givers to experience together. Immersive, lots of fun and truly different.

Come and experience something you don't get anywhere else. 

• ​Adventures for ages 3+  
• Pond Dipping  
• Shelter Building               
• Clay Fairy Doors
• Bush Craft & Survival
• Overnight Camp
• Clay Bug Houses       
• Clay Bugs  
• Family Camp Fire             
• Folklore Tales
• Fire Lighting
• Lantern Making

book now

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Gift Shop

We have a wonderful Gift Shop with lots of lovely things made by local makers. Sally Mareike is the artist who made these beautiful pots.
Our shop sells gifts and items which are locally made or are eco friendly.

​We also have Permaculture books at 10% off the RRP. 
All the profits help us to raise funds. 
Come in and see us Mondays to Fridays, 9am to 5pm.

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Wood Mouse Forest School

A Parent and Child ​Woodland Experience for Ages 3 to 5
Hands on outdoor, exploring and learning experience. Sustainable and green, we only use natural resources and work in our forest school area which has a shelter, fire pit and seating. If children attend regularly it develops their motivation, stamina and motor skills. It also supports emotional and social development, and increases confidence. Each child will get the chance to develop their own interests within the Forest School setting.

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CPRE Countryside Awards 2019​
​We Won! 

We are proud to have won the 'Young People' Category with our outstanding work offering our 'Sustainable Landscapes' courses to vulnerable young people.

This category had a particular focus on developing an appreciation, knowledge and love of the countryside.
Sponsored by Forest Holidays.

The Countryside Awards Ceremony took place on 17th September 2019. Nigel Atkinson Esq, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire presented the Awards and Certificates to the Winners and Finalists.

Countryside Awards

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