The Centre of the Earth
A Centre of Excellence for Climate Change Education
The Centre of the Earth is the Wildlife Trust’s purpose built environmental education centre specialising in teaching and learning about wildlife, the environment and sustainable development. It is in Winson Green - just 1.5 km from Birmingham City centre. It offers opportunities for learning in areas such as:
- Conservation of wildlife and biodiversity
- Discovering the wealth and variety of urban wildlife
- Global climate change and its impact on people and wildlife
- Energy conservation and combating fuel poverty
- Pollution
- The impacts of globalisation on communities here and around the world
Every year thousands of young people take part in the exciting and varied wildlife and environmental education activities offered by the Centre of the Earth. We also run a range of courses on issues of the environment and sustainability for adults. The Centre is also widely known for the training it offers teachers to help them to use exciting and innovative activities in and around their school.
The Centre of the Earth is also an important community resource and is available for use by local community groups and environmental organisations looking for a unique and flexible venue for meetings and activities. Download the Centre's 2007-8 Annual Review.
What the Centre of the Earth offers
A wide range of education programmes for Primary and Secondary schools developed to meet the needs of the National Curriculum.- Training for teachers, community, youth and play workers on a range of topics relevant to the environment and sustainable development.
- Workshops for students in higher education and initial teacher training.
- After school activities and study support for children of different ages.
- Opportunities to explore the environment through regular arts projects.
- Demonstrations of appropriate technology applied to the home and school.
- Demonstrations of habitat creation in small urban spaces.
- A venue for meetings, workshops and training days for other local and environmental organisations.
Don't forget our envrionmental education staff also offer a wide range of activities and services at your local school or wildlife site. Contact the Trust Office for further details.
Visiting the Centre of the Earth
Schools and organisations wishing to book activities or facilities at the Centre of the Earth should contact the Trust Office..
Members and visitors to the Centre's grounds are welcome during the times the Centre is open but please check first as we are not open all day every day. There may also be temporary restrictions on visits when there are schools activities in the grounds for safety and security reasons.
The centre provides opportunities for visitors to observe, enjoy and study wildlife at first hand in a variety of habitats in the grounds and local neighbourhood.
The Centre's Story
In 1987 the Trust found the Norman Street site, which is next to the Soho Loop of the Birmingham canal. Originally a Corporation yard, this once derelict half-hectare site has been transformed with the help of the local community into an attractive and exciting natural landscape used as a learning resource and for play.
After four years, the Centre of the Earth was complete, as Britain's first purpose designed and built Environmental Education Centre - surrounded by new wildlife habitats and environmental sculptures - it is visited by thousands of people every year.
The Centre building, officially opened in 1993, was designed by architect David Lea, renowned for his ecologically sensitive building designs, and built by Keith Hall, a founder member of the Association for Environment Conscious Building. The building is a unique timber framed structure built to demonstrate the sustainable use of natural resources.
Contact
Centre of the Earth
42 Norman Street,
Winson Green,
Birmingham. B18 7EP
Tel & Fax: 0121 515 1702
email: info@bbcwildlife.org.uk
Click here for directions to the Centre of the Earth
Aims of the Centre
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| The COE has developed an approach that provides a unique resource both locally and nationally focusing on: |
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT EDUCATION
To share and develop innovative approaches to teaching and learning about sustainable development – "learning today with tomorrow in mind." |
WILDLIFE
To celebrate and enjoy the wildlife in the Centre’s grounds, immediate neighbourhood, and in the wider urban area as part of our education work. |
ENVIRONMENTAL ARTS
To explore the environment and environmental issues through practical involvement in a variety of arts based projects. |
HABITAT CREATION & MANAGEMENT
To demonstrate ecologically sound techniques for developing a diversity of wildlife habitats and creating an attractive landscape. |
APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY
To introduce ideas of appropriate technology and promote energy and resource conservation. |
COMMUNITY EDUCATION…… Working with Communities
To work with local people in order to find ways of improving their environment, including green open spaces and wildlife conservation. |
| The Centre is also committed to involving the local community in the development of the project |