A new learning centre has opened in Castan Wood in Martlesham that will support children, young people and adults with additional needs.
The Castan Centre was officially opened by the Green Light Trust on Wednesday 15 July, a health and wellbeing charity that works with nature to transform the lives of people at a private ceremony.
Founded in 1989, the Green Light Trust hosts a range of woodland activities in Castan Wood, a 26-acre site that aims to give everyone the opportunity to connect with nature.
East Suffolk Council awarded £110,000 in funding to the charity in 2024 to enable the completion of the new learning centre which will provide a dedicated space for education, training and community engagement activities.
The environmentally friendly building was constructed using a hemp-based modular construction system with no cement, increasing its credentials as a carbon negative development.
Cllr Vince Langdon-Morris, East Suffolk’s cabinet member with responsibility for Resources and Value for Money, said:
“It’s wonderful to see the Castan Centre opening its doors today. The new learning centre is the result of years of dedication and support from the community and it’s fantastic to see the charity’s vision become a reality. By offering people a dedicated space in the heart of nature, the charity can provide further opportunities to allow people who need support most to engage with the natural environment, learn new skills and enjoy the benefits that spending time in nature can bring.
“The impact of that work extends far beyond this building. Through the council’s support we’re able to demonstrate a significant social return on investment, as the charity continues to generate substantial and lasting benefits to the local community, reducing the pressure on our health services while improving the mental health and wellbeing to support people to lead happier, healthier lives.
“The building itself is an excellent example of sustainable, low-carbon construction, showing how innovative approaches can create a greener future and support our share ambition of achieving net zero emissions.”
Helena Harris, Chief Executive of the Green Light Trust said:
“A project of this scale would never have been possible without the support, encouragement and generosity of many individuals and organisations. We are incredibly grateful to East Suffolk Council, who shared our vision and helped make it a reality.”
Support for the project was also provided by Suffolk County Council and the Suffolk Growth Investment Fund.
