Eco-Centre

In September 2001 Orielton Field Centre was awarded 'Eco Centres' status. This award is given to centres that undertake a programme of environmental improvements throughout their work with a view to reducing the impact of their activities on the environment. Centres are also expected to educate their visitors and the wider general public and inspire them to adopt “green practices”!

In 2005 and again in 2008 we were re-assessed and passed with flying colours. The assessor congratulated all staff on the way in which the Eco Centres initiative is no longer a 'separate' part of the work we do but part of the day to day running of the centre and our courses. We are hoping to be re-assessed in spring 2013 to demonstrate our continued commitment to green initiatives.

All staff at Orielton are involved in a continuous action plan and work towards making improvements in all areas of the centres work. Visitors are encouraged to play as big a part as possible during their stay, and displays showcase current actions that are being undertaken.

One of our main aims is to promote a GREENER way of working, and the following are some of the ways in which we are committed to protecting the environment:                                                                                  

• recycle and reuse (whenever possible) all waste produced at the centre
• compost organic waste
• use environmentally friendly products and local suppliers where possible
• use energy efficient lighting
• heat only the spaces needed
• shut doors, windows and curtains to prevent heat loss
• turn off electrical equipment and lights when not in use
• educate visitors and inspire them to adopt green practices back at home and school

Some of the exciting new developments we have recently been working on include:

·         *quarterly beach cleans of our local “adopted” beach West Angle Bay

·         *a “Big Green Day” in July where local schools will be invited to participate in a round robin of activities

·         *Glastir woodland grant to help manage our woodland more sustainably and make it more accessible for visitors

·         *a shared server so that more information can be stored electronically

·         *setting up a South Pembrokeshire Wildlife Watch Group for local children