Sustainability Centre

14/10/2026

LAST CHANCE TO BOOK!
Looking to develop your Forest School skills and outdoor learning knowledge? Don't miss these two fantastic training opportunities with renowned Forest School trainer Jon Cree, taking place this weekend at The Sustainability Centre.

Climbing Frames, Ropes and Ladders
17th October | 9.30am – 4.30pm

Learn how to create exciting play structures using rope, wood and natural materials. Explore practical techniques for building safe yet adventurous structures that encourage creativity, confidence and physical play.

Supporting Children with Anxiety and Trauma
18th October | 9.30am – 4.30pm

Discover how outdoor learning practitioners and educators can better support children experiencing anxiety and trauma. Drawing on current neurological understanding, Jon will share practical ideas to help support children's emotional wellbeing.

Both courses offer a great opportunity to develop your knowledge, share experiences and gain practical skills in our beautiful woodland setting in the South Downs.

Spaces are still available, but don't leave it too late! Book your place now via our Ticket Tailor box office – link in bio.

Sustainability Centre – Set in 55 acres of beautiful woodland, The Sustainability Centre is a hub for learning, practical skills and positive environme...

14/10/2026

On Thursday, 24th September 2026, some of our team, along with our Patron Angela, had the pleasure of attending The Big Sustainability Awards & Gala Dinner hosted by the Partnership.

As the Charity Partner for the Southern Sustainability Partnership, all the money raised during the evening was donated to our Fair Share Fund.

And we can now reveal the brilliant news…

£2,500 was raised for our Fair Share Fund!
That’s enough to help 276 pupils from local state schools experience a day of outdoor learning at The Sustainability Centre.

Our Fair Share Fund helps make our educational visits more accessible to schools where cost can otherwise be a barrier. It means more children can explore the woodland, get hands-on with nature and learn practical ways to care for our planet.

A huge thank you to everyone who helped make this possible, from the Southern Sustainability Partnership and everyone who attended the Gala Dinner, to those who donated and supported the fundraising.

12/10/2026

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us at The Sustainability Centre for the People’s Emergency Briefing. We had a full house, followed by some fantastic discussion and thought-provoking conversations after the screening. We’d also like to say a special thank you to everyone who donated to support the Centre.

So, what’s next?
Why not join us for our informative Carbon Footprint Awareness Workshop on Saturday 7th November, led by tutor Gill Harris? Discover practical, simple steps you can take to reduce your carbon footprint and make more sustainable choices in everyday life. Book your place today – click on the first link in our linktree in bio.

As a follow-up action, we’ve written to our local MP, calling for a national, televised briefing on the climate and nature crises, delivered by independent experts. Everyone deserves access to the science and the opportunity to understand the challenges we face.

Would you like to take action too?

You can write to your local MP and show your support - the link in our linktree will tell you how to contact your MP.

Together, we can help make sure these important issues get the attention they deserve.

07/10/2026

Get creative this Christmas!
Festive Painting on Wood – Sat 28 Nov | 10am–4pm

Join us for a relaxed day of painting with artist Andy Lean.

Take inspiration from our woodland, then learn how to paint your own festive, nature-inspired artwork on recycled wood. Perfect for beginners and a lovely way to create something unique for your home or as a Christmas gift.

To book your place, head to the linktree in our bio, click ‘Buy Tickets - Box Office’, and select the course you’d like to join!

30/09/2026

Word of the Month: Waldeinsamkeit

Waldeinsamkeit means a "Sense of peaceful solitude experienced in the woods". Wald means forest, and Einsamkeit means loneliness or solitude. Waldeinsamkeit locates the familiar feeling of solitude down in the depths of the forest. This is not a negative feeling, as it brings an air of peace and introspection to it.

28/09/2026

There's only 3 months left in 2026 - time is flying!

We’ve got some fantastic workshops coming up this October, ranging from land management to our forest school CPD courses. Our popular Level 3 Forest School Leader Training course is fully booked for 2026/27, but enquiries for our 2027/28 cohort are now open.

Don't forget: if there’s a course you’d like to attend but it’s sold out, join the waiting list via our Courses page. You’ll be the first to hear when we release new dates.

Check out our Courses Diary to see the full list of upcoming courses. We're always adding more courses, so make sure you check regularly.

Find out more and book via the link in our bio.

24/09/2026

We're Hiring! Come and join our amazing team! 💚

We’re looking for a full-time Facilities & Operations Manager to join us at the Sustainability Centre near East Meon in the South Downs National Park for a 12-month maternity cover.

You’ll help keep our 55-acre site running smoothly, from our buildings and accommodation to our education spaces and outdoor facilities.

And what do you get in return? A beautiful woodland workplace, lovely people, meaningful work… and Cake Club. Did we mention Cake Club?

If you’ve got facilities experience, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply by 9am, 8 October 2026
Interviews: 15 October 2026

Find out more and apply via our website.

Any questions? Please email [email protected]

23/09/2026

Want to join a course but need a little help with the cost?

Our bursaries can help make our courses more accessible, from sustainable living and crafts to woodland skills and Forest School training. We believe everyone should have the chance to learn and grow. You can also help someone else by contributing to our bursary fund. 💚

Find out more: sustainability-centre.org/bursaries

22/09/2026

Check out our Sustainable Snack Selection!

Visiting us on a Monday or Tuesday when our café is closed? Or fancy taking home an edible gift for yourself or a loved one? Fear not, our Eco Squirrel shop has recently expanded its food and drink offering to help you refuel, keep cool or try something made locally and sustainably.

Food and Drink now in stock includes:
🐝Honey harvested from on-site apiaries!
🍓Locally made jams and chutneys from Southampton maker Fresh from The Field
🫖Loose leaf teas to take home from Southsea's own Tealicious,
🍫Ethically crafted Montezuma's Chocolates
🏕Vegan marshmallows for toasting over the campfire,
🍭Organic and vegan children's sweets made without gluten, gelatine, lactose or artificial colours,
🪺Plastic-free 'kinder egg' chocolates with a 3D animal puzzle - free from dairy, gluten and nuts,
🍎Organic Apple, Pear, or Apple and Ginger juices and sparkling cans of goodness,
🍪Nuts, dried fruits, biscuits, healthy crisps, popcorn and high-protein snacks to keep you refuelled on your nature adventures.

Let us know what you're excited to try!
Our Eco Squirrel shop is open Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm. Or pop by our Beech Cafe for some delicious fresh, homemade, locally sourced food, Wednesday to Sunday, 8am to 4pm.

18/09/2026

A huge thank you to Claudia Hazard!

We’d like to say a big thank you to the incredibly talented Claudia Hazard for creating this beautiful mural in our Green Room.

The mural captures the heart of sustainability, bringing together nature and people in a colourful and inspiring design. We love how it reflects our values at the heart of The Sustainability Centre and brings the space to life.

Thank you, Claudia, for helping us create something so special that visitors can enjoy.