 by David Howdon open day 2011.JPG)
 by David Howdon open day 2011.JPG)
 by David Howdon open day 2011.JPG)
The idea
The Society is developing a new Education Centre at the Reserve, a 100 sq metre floor area to include a classroom suitable for a class of 30; there will be kitchen and sanitary facilities, as well as an office /laboratory for citizen science type work.
The building will be straw bale construction–it will be built as ecologically and sustainably as possible, and a community build as far as possible.
Work has been started; already constructed, using upcycled materials, a Disabled Person Accessible toilet, and our existing hut is being converted to form a tool store and mess room.
Planning consenthas been granted, and we are obtaining Building Regulation Approval.
An expert has been comissioned to write an educational programme for all key stages. We have already hosted a pilot “Forest Schools” programme, and a further pilot will be held next year.
In addition to enabling much improved educational work, the new building will be used as a focus for adult courses like hedgelaying.
What we'll deliver
- carry out environmental education with local, and central London Schools,
- hold "Forest Schools" and the like
- use the building for Environmental and Ecological "Citizen Science"
- act as a meeting place for environmental and community organisations
- Build a new building
- develop a programme of courses for use with schools
- extend our adult education programme to include woodcraft skills such as hedgelaying
Why it's a great idea
The Reserve is a wonderful place, exciting and inspiring; a great place to learn of the importance of caring for our environment; to learn and develop skills, to make new friends. All this needs to be done with out damaging the rich ecology that has existed since time immemoriam and has been protected from the urbanisation that has occurred all around it.
The Building will enable the Reserve to be an oasis in a concrete desert, enjoyed by many to enrich, enable, inspire and educate.
Steps to get it done
- A community build
- Education programme commissioned and in progress
- specialists and experts, and machinery to be used when necessary
- work has already commenced,
We laid the first bale at our open day, 26th April 2015, having completed the foundations and floor structure. The roof has been put on with 7000 plus cedar shakes and then the walls covered with lime plaster. We are constructing the internal walls and fitting out the laboratory and class room which we need more funds for
