An innovative centre designed to protect Derbyshire's rural heritage is celebrating its first anniversary.

Almost 800 people have taken part in 90 courses run at the Derbyshire Eco Centre in Middleton-by-Wirksworth since it opened in September 2010.

The £1.4 million centre – which boasts green credentials - was built to expand the number of courses the county council offers to help maintain the area’s rural heritage.

It also runs courses to help people gain skills to live sustainably including reducing energy use and recycling.

And to celebrate the centre's successful first 12 months people are invited along to free workshops to create a commemorative mosaic which will go on display.

They will be held on Saturday and Sunday 11 and 12 September from 10am to 4pm and no previous experience is needed.

People who would like to take part can pre-book by calling 01629 533038 or they can turn up on the day although children under 16 must be accompanied.


The event is also part of the Wirksworth Festival's art and architecture trail and several other artists’ work will also be on display during the weekend.

Councillor Mike Longden, Derbyshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Education, said: "We are committed to preserving Derbyshire's long history of rural building skills.

"The courses we offer not only enable us to do this but also help local people live sustainable lifestyles with courses helping them to save money and protect the environment.

"We hope to build on the success of the centre and have planned a wide range of courses including an introduction to stained glass, woodland and countryside management, charcoal making as well as family fun activities."

Over the past year 52 people have gained qualifications in dry stone walling while courses including carving, DIY for women and bread oven building have proved popular.

A sustainable building fair held in June attracted people from across the county while the centre is working with Anthony Gell and Highfields schools to offer B Tech construction courses to pupils.

Since its launch a volunteer group meets weekly to help landscape the area around the centre including traditional paving and building raised beds.

And once a month a new Eco Club for families meets on a Saturday to provide fun activities for people of all ages.

The eco centre includes many environmentally-friendly features including a grass roof, rainwater harvesting to supply toilets, solar panels to heat water and under-floor heating driven by an air source heat pump.

(CD)