Derbyshire Eco Centre is set to reopen this September after a successful community-led campaign secured its future, bringing sustainability education, community events and skills training back to the region.
A group of Wirksworth residents, and their supporters from across Derbyshire, have been successful in their bid to save the Derbyshire Eco Centre, at Middleton-by -Wirksworth. This hails the return of a wide range of community courses and the chance to create a ‘Centre of Excellence’ for learning skills essential for a sustainable future.
The success of the Centre puts in motion a plan to make it a vibrant community hub where courses run alongside both Centre led and private events. It will bring together community, young people and businesses to build a future that respects the needs of everyone and the environment in changing times.
The Centre is located on the outskirts of Wirksworth, near to the Peak District National Park. It was built in 2010 to high eco-standards and was run by Derbyshire County Council for 15 years, earning a reputation in sustainable adult education courses. It was closed by the Authority in summer 2025.
Recognising the importance of this resource for the local area and wider region, community members united to take action. Working in partnership with the Institute of Quarrying (IQ), a campaign was initiated enabling a Community Interest Company (CIC) to be formed.
The new Derbyshire Eco Centre CIC’s business partners, the Institute of Quarrying, submitted a bid for the lease to Derbyshire County Council. IQ provides financial stability and the CIC meets the social and environmental education elements of the lease. Both organisations were able to complement each other resulting in the success of the bid.
Cathy Cooke, a Director of the Derbyshire Eco Centre CIC, said:
“We couldn’t have achieved this without the enormous support from local people, businesses and organisations. Hundreds of hours of time have been volunteered by many different people to make things happen, pulling together a viable business plan and getting the Eco Centre ready to start a new life. We are extremely grateful to the Institute of Quarrying for its support, believing in our mission and providing practical and financial help.”
James Thorne, CEO of the Institute of Quarrying said:
"Through securing the Eco Centre, we can significantly accelerate delivery of our shared ambitions, expanding sustainable development education, strengthening community partnerships and enhancing opportunities for local people."
There will be several outdoor courses this autumn, including ‘Growing Together in Autumn’, ‘Countryside Skills’, and the ever in-demand, Dry Stone Walling qualification courses.
A varied programme of courses will also get underway in mid-September, including pottery, gardening, green woodworking, nature-inspired art, a creative activity group for people with dementia and their carers, herbal remedies and photography amongst many others. Events to help us live more cheaply by using less and re-using more will also feature, as will community support for the most vulnerable and for the next generation. The CIC will work with experts to make some big issues accessible to wider audiences - issues such as renewable power, green tourism, regenerative farming, public transport and flood control.
IQ will deliver courses for the mineral products industry, which underpins much of Derbyshire’s (and the UK’s) economic development, to ensure that the sector is as safe and sustainable as possible, and to help the public understand its role.
There will also be the opportunity for people to use the space for their own courses and other activities linked to learning for all generations and sustainability. A community-led pottery group and alternative provision for young people who are not thriving in school are being planned already.
Lorelei Jarvis, also a CIC Director, added:
“The Eco Centre is unique, not least because of the building and its tranquil, rural setting.
The first two years after re-opening will be a pilot. We’ll learn what works best for us and for those attending, and we’ll build links with the Derbyshire community, with businesses and regional partners, to understand how we can work together.”
Courses can be booked online from Monday 10th August at www.derbyshireecocentre.co.uk.
The Centre will reopen its doors on Monday 14th September and an official opening event is planned for later in the year. This will be a chance to come together and celebrate this addition to the community and for more people to come and see what the Centre has to offer.