The Eco Centre story unfolds…

March 2026: Derbyshire Eco Centre CIC group launch their brand-new website. Another landmark is reached! Masses of work happens behind the scenes to prepare for re-opening later in the spring. If this gets delayed we'll offer the advertised courses at another local venue.

February 2026: The Derbyshire Eco Centre CIC group, with its partners the Institute of Quarrying, are notified by Derbyshire County Council that they are the preferred leaseholders for the Derbyshire Eco Centre. Time for a celebratory toast! 

December 2025: The Derbyshire Eco Centre CIC group, with its partners the Institute of Quarrying, submit a tender to Derbyshire County Council for the lease of the Derbyshire Eco Centre site.

September 2025: Grassroots Wirksworth successfully nominates Derbyshire Eco Centre as an Asset of Community Value, giving it some protection from disposal.

July 2025: Community meeting voices concerns at the loss of the Derbyshire Eco Centre. Some protest and some meet with potential partners to build a business plan that is credible and viable. Some do both!

June 2025: Derbyshire County Council announces the closure of several Adult Education Centres across the county, including the Derbyshire Eco Centre.

Autumn 2010 - Summer 2025: The Eco Centre’s courses change lives, raise awareness of the environment and help to spread sustainability learning across the county. The Centre survives both the economic difficulties of the 2010 – 2020 era and Covid.

Autumn 2010: Derbyshire County Council’s Adult Community Education Service opens their brand-new Derbyshire Eco Centre, a model of sustainable design.