Orsted has awarded its first Hornsea 3 Legacy Fund grant of £100,000 to North Norfolk District Council to fund the creation of an eco-learning hub.
To be based in Holt Country Park, the facility will provide a dedicated space for environmental education and sustainability initiatives in the local community (image shows Hornsea 3 Project Director Jessica Westcott on the site of the future eco-learning hub in Holt Country Park).
Due to open in 2027, the eco-learning hub will provide a new space for environmental education and feature a year-round indoor learning hub providing facilities for schools, community groups and individuals.
One innovative feature will be an outdoor gym that can harness human-powered energy to charge devices and power lighting.
The hub will also use nature’s resources from rainwater harvesting to a living roof of plants and flowers to support biodiversity.
Cllr Liz Withington, Portfolio Holder for Community, Leisure & Outreach at North Norfolk District Council, said: “This generous grant from Ørsted will allow us to unlock the full potential of Holt Country Park.
“Having a dedicated, interactive learning hub will transform our award-winning woodland into an even more valuable resource for North Norfolk’s young people and wider community.
“We are thrilled to get started on this project and look forward to seeing the lasting impact it will have.”
Built using recycled materials, the eco-learning hub will feature outdoor spaces developed in collaboration with Park Rangers and local volunteers, fostering strong community involvement while boosting visitor numbers and promoting environmental awareness.
Imran Nawaz, Orsted’s Senior Advisor & Community Benefit Fund Manager, said: “We were truly inspired by North Norfolk District Council’s vision for an eco-learning hub at Holt Country Park, a space that is already much-loved by local residents and visitors.
“Projects selected for the Legacy Fund must demonstrate lasting benefits and this initiative stood out as an outstanding example of sustainability in action. We can’t wait to see the hub take shape and the positive impact it will have for generations to come.”
The Hornsea 3 Community Benefit Fund will distribute £7m over 10 years, supporting a wide range of community projects in North Norfolk and East Anglia.