Suffolk environmental learning charity getting over £100,000 for new centre
Once built, the centre will host health and wellbeing programmes for children, young people and adults with complex needs
More than £100,000 worth of funding is going to a Suffolk charity dedicated to environmental education.
East Suffolk Council's giving £110,000 to the Green Light Trust, which will go towards the building of a carbon-negative learning centre in Martlesham.
Once built, the building, at Castan Wood, will host health and wellbeing programmes for children, young people and adults with complex needs.
The charity launched an appeal last November to raise the money needed for completion of the carbon negative, cement-free learning centre – built using a hemp-based modular construction system.
It already hosts a range of outdoor, woodland activities aimed at providing access to nature at the 26-acre site.
Councillor Rachel Smith-Lyte, East Suffolk Council’s cabinet member with responsibility for the Environment, approved the grant in consultation with cabinet member for Resources and Value for Money, Vince Langdon-Morris.
Cllr Smith-Lyte said: “I’m thrilled that we have been able to support the Green Light Trust’s appeal to raise money for completion of this new purpose-built eco exemplar indoor learning centre.
“This project utterly aligns with our determination to improve the wellbeing of our residents, tackle health inequalities in this case in a nature-based setting.
“This is a unique site and a unique organisation offering essential support in an important mature woodland that also stands to benefit from sensitive use, care and an extended lease.
“The hemp construction aligns with part of our net zero ambitions, while encouraging community wealth building by working with local companies, like Suffolk-based Natural Building Systems in this case.”
Lauren Shand, Green Light Trust CEO, said: “We are hugely thankful to East Suffolk Council for their support, which puts us in a position to be able to complete the build and start reaching many more people in need of our services.
“This building is being constructed with deep green principles in mind and we are delighted that this has been recognised and supported by the Council.
"We will be able to showcase through this build, new and sustainable ways of working which have the potential to positively influence the wider construction industry.”