Sustainability Centre

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Sustainability Centre

LEARN WITH US , STAY WITH US
An award-winning education charity based in the
South Downs. We provide inspiring
adult courses and a residential study centre.

Stay with us in our Eco B&B,
Hostel, Yurts and Campsite. Gift Shop - Mon-Fri
Café - Wed-Sun INSPIRING LEARNING AND CREATING CHANGE

The Sustainability Centre is an independent learning and study centre, a beacon for sustainability and an award-winning social enterprise charity in the heart of Hampshire's South Downs, UK.

With a holistic, practical and creative approach to education the Sustai

nability Centre is here to explore how we can all make greener, healthier and more ethical choices. Set in 55 acres of beautiful woodlnd we are open every day of the year. We offer rural skills courses, children's workshops and accommodation in our Wetherdown Eco Lodge, camping and yurts. Our vegetarian Beech Cafe is open Tuesdays to Sunday. We also host international conferences, events and celebrations. Come and explore!

27/08/2026

Volunteer Appreciation Post

Last week, we celebrated all our wonderful volunteers to thank them for all their hard work and support looking after and running The Sustainability Centre.

Staff and volunteers gathered together in our Woodland Hall, enjoying lunch surrounded by stunning views of the South Downs National Park.

Speaking at the celebration, Volunteer Co-ordinator Rachael said: "Thank you, we would not be able to do all the amazing things we do without you. I like to feel that we nurture the site, and you do that so very well. All of your hours together contribute 450 working days per year. That is split across our Trustees, Land Management volunteers, Forest School volunteers, and the occasional event support. That's because of the time and the love that all of you generously give."

CEO and Centre Manager, Anita said: "On behalf of the team, a huge thank you because we do really consider you a part of The Sustainability Centre family. I know that a lot of you view volunteering here as a part of your routine and something you just do, but to us, you have a huge impact with everything you do. You also echo our "muck-in mentality", if any of us - whether that's in work or personal - needs help, everyone surrounds each other and gives support. It's wonderful and makes me very grateful to work here with such wonderful people."

Throwback to this lovely photo of everyone together! 💚

26/08/2026

Only 2 months and coppicing season will be upon us. 🌳

Coppicing is a traditional woodland management method in which the wood from a tree is harvested by cutting a tree near ground level to allow wildlife and previously shaded forest floor to thrive. The ideal period to conduct this practice is widely accepted as during the winter months, once the sap has gone down.

That's why we're hosting our popular Coppicing Course in October. It gives participants the chance to learn a new skill in the stunning woodland at The Sustainability Centre, and then, there's still plenty of time to apply the newfound knowledge to their own land.

This informative day will be led by the brilliant Phil Clayton, a member of the Hampshire Coppice Craftsmen Group with many years experience and expertise of hazel and sweet chestnut tree coppicing.

Here's what some of our past participants had to say.

📅 Thursday 15th October or Friday 16th October
🕘 9:00am–4:00pm
☕ Teas and coffee included.
🎟 Book today to secure your place: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/sustainabilitycentre/2158725

20/08/2026

Word of the Month: Shinrin-Yoku

A Japanese word that directly translates as “forest bathing". This beautiful word refers to the meditative practice of visiting a forest or woodland area for relaxation and nature connection.

Video Description: A woodland area with green leaves gently blowing in the breeze. White text in a green textbox overlaying the woodland video.

18/08/2026

Please note that on Wednesday 19th August, reception will be closed throughout the morning due to a staff training day. The Beech Cafe will remain open as usual, but you will be unable to purchase items from our shop during this time.

We apologise for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.

14/08/2026

5 Sustainable Ways to Stay Cool

As another heatwave arrives, it’s important that we all take steps to stay cool, look after ourselves and others, and keep our environmental impact in mind.

Here are 5 simple ways to stay cool while being eco-conscious:

💧 1. Drink plenty of water
It might sound obvious, but staying hydrated helps your body regulate its temperature and keeps you feeling cooler.

🪟 2. Keep windows and curtains closed in direct sunlight
It might seem counterintuitive, but closing windows and curtains on the sunny side of your home can help prevent extra heat from getting inside.

🧊 3. Turn your hot water bottle into an ice pack
Fill your hot water bottle halfway with water and place it in the freezer for a few hours. No hot water bottle? Try wetting a cloth or T-shirt and freezing it instead.
Please note: Always wrap frozen items in a dry cloth before placing them against your skin to avoid direct contact.

🌿 4. Try a cool, damp tea towel
For some quick relief from the heat, wet a tea towel and drape it around your shoulders or neck.

🥗 5. Avoid using cooking appliances where possible
Ovens and hobs can quickly heat up your home. On particularly hot days, opt for a picnic, seasonal salad made with local in-season produce or another no-cook meal instead.

We hope these tips help you stay cool while keeping things a little kinder to the planet. Please look after yourselves and others, and stay safe during the heatwave. 💚

13/08/2026

Is your little one always exploring and getting their hands dirty? They will love our Wood Mouse Forest School.

Located in our stunning woodland, each session offers a safe environment for children 2-5 to experience the joy of nature through play. Led by our qualified and experienced Forest School Instructor, they will discover den building, mud play, nature crafts, stories, songs and much more. Whatever the weather, the fun never stops!

🍂 Autumn Term 2026
📅 13 weekly sessions
💷 Just £130 for the whole term
👶 For children aged 2-5 accompanied by a parent, grandparent or guardian

There are only a few spaces available; book today to give your child a fun and educational experience that either of you will forget: sustainability-centre.org/wood-mouse-forest-school.html

12/08/2026

🌙 After some unique evening plans? Look outside and witness a solar eclipse.

Tonight, from 6pm, the Moon will pass across the face of the Sun, creating a partial solar eclipse, with the eclipse reaching its peak at around 7pm.

With clear skies forecast, take a moment to experience one of the many wonders of our world. From the smallest creatures to the vast night sky, there’s always something incredible to discover when we take the time to take in our surroundings.

Please remember to protect your eyes and only view the eclipse using proper solar viewing glasses or other approved equipment.

07/08/2026

Are you too busy to relax this summer? Don’t worry, we hear you.

When life begins to slow down a little before the festive season begins, take some well-deserved “me time”.
Join us throughout autumn for a whole host of wellbeing workshops, designed to encourage you to recharge and practise mindfulness because self-care is incredibly important and nature has wonderful grounding properties that leave you feeling calm and refreshed.

Find your calm in nature this September, visit our Courses Diary to book: https://www.sustainability-
centre.org/courses-diary.html

06/08/2026

You can now purchase hand-thrown pottery from our shop!

As part of our aim to showcase and support local makers and artists, we now have a beautiful collection of handcrafted plates, bowls, vases, and more.

Alec John Roberts has been making pots since 2014. His unique, earthy designs are inspired by Korean and Japanese clay work and are designed to be held, displayed and used. You will find Alec at local shows such as the Emsworth Art Trail, or in his sunny Southsea studio.

Alec's work is the latest edition of ceramic items available in our shop alongside leaf ornaments, and terracotta incense burners and candle holders by Sally Mareike Ceramics.

We are grateful to all the local people who provide fantastic additions to our shop and thankful to all those who shop with us. You are lowering your carbon footprint, keeping local creativity alive and supporting our work as an educational sustainability charity.

05/08/2026

Summer is a season full of family fun, reflection, and memory-making. Experience life's little moments with our beautiful natural world as your backdrop.

Switch off from work and life's responsibilities with a few hours exploring our peaceful grounds and surrounding areas. Walk, cycle, or meander through the countryside; it's up to you. Bring your dog along; they will love frolicking through grass safely on their leads.

If you fancy expanding your woodland adventure, check out The South Downs Way Trails located a short distance from The Centre: https://southdownsway.org/

Address

East Meon
Petersfield
GU321HR

Telephone

+441730823166

Website

http://www.sustainability-centre.org/

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