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.
The Centre of the Earth provides opportunities for learning in areas such as:
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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
We are a Learning Outside the Classroom accredited site and 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.
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 Paula Reilly on 0121 454 1199 or paula.r@bbcwildlife.org.uk.
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. It is also the base for our Black Country Living Landscape officers for Sandwell and Dudley.
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.
Journey to the Centre of the Earth
Centre of the Earth
42 Norman Street,
Winson Green,
Birmingham. B18 7EP
By Foot or Bicycle
Cyclists and walkers may prefer to reach the city centre along the canals, especially on a fine day, rather than following the A457 Dudley Road. At Brindley Place near the City Centre head along the Mainline Canal towards Wolverhampton and turn right onto the Soho Loop at the signposted junction.
By Public Transport
Bus routes include 82,87 and 88 from the town centre run to the City Hospital on Dudley Road. City centre bus stops have recently changed - click here to download a map of their new positions.
You may catch the Metro service from Snow Hill station to Winson Green Outer Circle Stationabout 15 minutes walk from the Centre of the Earth.
By Car
The Centre of the Earth is about 2km from Birmingham City Centre. Follow the Outer Ring Road heading for the west of the city and then take the A457 Dudley Road. Turn right immediately after the City Hospital.
Conferences and meetings
The Centre of the Earth is available to hire for meetings and conferences. By holding your event at the Centre of the Earth, you help us in our work to make Birmingham and the Black Country a great place for nature, wildlife and people. In return, we offer all our customers high standards of service, excellent facilities and real value for money. Located in Winson Green, just 1.5 km from Birmingham city centre, we offer meeting and conference rooms to suit 2 -20 delegates.
All our rooms are fully accessible to people with disabilities. The Centre is available for hire during the day, evenings and at weekends, all year round. We can provide parking for disabled badge holders on-site on an advance-booking basis. Our catering service offers a superb variety of locally sourced food with options to suit all dietary requirements.
Whatever the event you are planning and however much help you require, we offer a range of services to ensure that your event runs smoothly. Please contact our events manager Paula Reilly on 0121 454 1199 or email paula.r@bbcwildlife.org.uk for more information or see the attachment below.
Downloads
| Filename | File size |
|---|---|
| Centre of the Earth Information and Booking Form 2011.pdf | 472.73 KB |