An accredited course for people wishing to expand on their knowledge and skills in the art of dry stone walling, with the possibility of a new career path, and culminating in a Level 1 test (DSWA/LANTRA) (7 days + test day)

An accredited course to build on existing skills learned at Level 1, to include the theory and knowledge to build a wall end (cheek end) and culminating in a Level 2 test (DSWA/LANTRA) (9 days + test day)

BOOK COURSE, OR INDIVIDUAL SESSIONS

Get your hands dirty with other beginners to learn the basic skills for successful gardening. We’ll learn how to manage and make wildlife friendly plans for a garden as we move into the cooler months (Weekly)

Discover how to create art using materials found in nature, learn ancient paint making techniques and how to make your own art tools (Weekly)

BOOK COURSE, OR INDIVIDUAL SESSIONS

Textile art offers endless opportunities for creative expression. On this course, you'll have the opportunity to try various techniques and materials to produce a beautiful piece of art. No previous art experience is necessary (Weekly)

BOOK COURSE, OR INDIVIDUAL SESSIONS

A supportive and inclusive group for everyone wanting to learn hands-on outdoor skills at our unique and beautiful countryside Eco Centre site.  Enjoy working as a team, and learning new skills, while keeping active and well in the outdoors and nature, doing practical activities together (Weekly)

BOOK COURSE, OR INDIVIDUAL SESSIONS

Look at photography from a different angle. Learn what makes a photograph stand out from the others. Understand the ‘rules’ and experiment with breaking them. This course is suitable for anyone with an interest in photography. You can use any device on which you can take images (Weekly)

Suitable for beginners and those with a little experience. We will cover the basics of hand building and surface decoration in clay through a series of playful exercises and projects (Weekly)

FREE EVENT

Come and visit the recently re-opened Eco Centre! Course taster sessions, refreshments and information about what is coming up. Find out about courses, hiring the spaces and working with us. Everyone welcome. Refreshments available. (Sunday)

ADDITIONAL DATE

A half day introductory course for anyone who wants to gain the basic knowledge and skills to repair dry stone walls. A practical session with added information on how to take the craft further if you wish (Sunday - pm)

A supportive group for people who are feeling stressed and in need of some outdoor time. You’ll meet friendly people in a safe space and learn some handy gardening skills (Weekly)

Bushcraft is about using natural resources to live in the wild. This weekend course will introduce you to the range of skills needed to do this successfully (Weekend)

A supportive group for those living with dementia and their carers, to enhance wellbeing, joy and connection. Exploring creativity through art, crafts and gardening (Weekly)

A deep dive into ways of building up your immune system ready for Winter. Another fun and practical workshop including making an immune boosting tonic to take home (Saturday)

Pallets are incredibly versatile sources of wood and can be re-purposed in a great many different ways. Using a pallet breaker and simple hand tools, we’ll be making useful items from unwanted pallets. No woodworking experience necessary (Sunday)

Alastair bought a second-hand bike in Karl Marx Allee in Berlin and set off to ride 650 kms almost to the Dutch border. This talk tells the story of the places he discovered and the people he met (Evening talk)

This two-part smoke firing workshop is ideal for all abilities whether you are a complete beginner to pottery or have some experience of working with clay. You will explore and make a variety of different forms ready to prepare for the firing on the second weekend (Sunday over two weekends)

Enjoy a leisurely walk around the easily accessible paths from the Eco Centre and learn to identify the diversity of trees and shrubs to be seen (Saturday)

No matter how well you are prepared, any situation could occur requiring you to take immediate action to protect yourself and others from danger (Sunday)

This course is a hands-on introduction on how to create natural dyes, produce colourful textiles using natural materials, identify dye plants, mordanting, over-dyeing and tie-dye. Suitable for everyone who loves colour and fibre. No previous experience necessary (Weekend)

Design, play and experiment with shape, texture and colour to create unique personalised jewellery of your choice, using fabric, threads, yarn, raffia, beads etc. Perfect for people who like to wear their art or try out new techniques. No previous experience necessary (Sunday)

Robins are not just for Christmas! Throughout the year enthusiasts come together to share their knowledge of birds and how to conserve them. Find out more about what they do and how you can get involved in an informal session where everyone is welcome (Evening talk)

Come and join us to learn how to make natural products to use at home such as moisturising creams, lip balm, hair care products and much more at our 1 day workshop (Saturday)

Spending two years with Voluntary Service Overseas on an education project in the tiny country of The Gambia in West Africa brought adventures, challenges and lifelong friendships with those Emma lived and worked with (Evening talk)

ADDITIONAL DATE

A half day introductory course for anyone who wants to gain the basic knowledge and skills to repair dry stone walls. A practical session with added information on how to take the craft further if you wish (Saturday - am)

Built in 2010 to showcase sustainable building design, the Eco Centre is still inspiring. Take a look at the special design features, inside and out, hear the Centre's story and our plans for the future. Wrap up warm! (Saturday)

This ancient Portway trading route once ran along 'Porter Lane' right past the Eco Centre and continued to Mam Tor. While much of this ‘way’ is steeped in mystery, the existence of the Portway is evidenced with documents, place names and in a few cases with physical paths on the ground (Evening talk)

FREE EVENT

Raising a toast, supper, bar, DJ Su-Ki and more. Tickets FREE. Fund raising and donations welcome (Saturday)

A look at the hill farm Sally lives on, how it is run with the seasons, the conservation work being done, the restoration of species rich hay meadows, and the support for ground nesting birds, as well as the animals' year, and what it takes to get from farm to fork! (Evening talk)

We start with a short winter walk of about an hour followed by a session back in the warmth of the Eco Centre to explore and share winter traditions from around the world (Sunday)