Derbyshire Eco Centre is the county hub for sustainability learning. It is an inspiring new building designed to be a learning resource in its own right.

In tune with its beautiful natural setting and located close to Wirksworth, on the edge of the Peak National Park and the World Heritage site, it’s well placed for a visit to the Derbyshire Dales. The building uses local materials in new ways, has low energy needs, a grass roof and rainwater harvesting. It is managed by Derbyshire Adult Community Education Service, a part of Derbyshire County Council, which is keen to help adults learn exciting new skills in special settings.

We publish a seasonal programme of courses that are affordable and open to everyone. Some courses are for complete beginners looking for an opportunity to try something new, and others lead to recognised qualifications. Some courses are just for a day, or half day, while others are longer.

The Centre is fully accessible and has a hearing support system in the class room. It has cycle parking and changing facilities, and a well equipped workshop for practical sessions. It is close to public transport routes. Our courses are fun, they are often practical and we make use of the Eco Centre’s beautiful site and surroundings whenever we can.

Derbyshire Eco Centre is not a visitor attraction as such, and we do not have interactive displays about sustainability issues. Visitors are welcome, free of charge, when the Centre is open - midweek day times all year and at weekends when we have courses running. There is open access, on foot, to our site at all times. We have displays about the building’s construction and the technologies used and there is information about national organisations and what is going on locally for sustainability.

http://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/education/adult_education/centres/derbyshire_eco_centre/default.asp