March 2025 Newsletter
Welcome to the March edition of the Charnwood Eco Hub newsletter! As spring begins to bloom, we’re excited to share the latest updates, initiatives, and events that are helping to create a more sustainable and eco-conscious community here in Charnwood. The changing season brings new opportunities for growth, not just in nature but in our ongoing efforts to promote environmental awareness, eco-friendly practices, and green innovation.
Now that we’re officially open, we’d love for you to drop by and explore everything we have to offer. Whether you’re borrowing from our Library of Things, finding hidden treasures in the Scrapstore, or would like to volunteer with us, we’re here for it! Our opening hours are:
🕰️ Wednesday: 3 PM – 7 PM
🕰️ Thursday 10 AM - 1 PM
🕰️ Saturday: 10 AM – 2 PM
You can find us on the first floor at SOFA, Towles Mill Building, Clarence Street, Loughborough, LE11 1DY. Daytime entry via the SOFA main entrance; evening access via the Clarence Street side entrance (lift access daytime only)
Read on for exciting events, workshops, and community projects happening soon. Let’s keep the momentum going! 💚♻️
Our Birdspotting Competition is now live at Charnwood Eco Hub! We’ve hidden 15 beautiful birds around the Hub—can you find them all? Keep your eyes peeled as you explore, and jot down where you spot each one. If you manage to find all 15, you’ll be entered into a prize draw to win a delicious Ringtons hamper! Pick up an entry form next time you visit, and let the birdwatching begin! Entries must be in by the 31st March. 🐦🔍🍵
Announcing our new workshops!
We’ve been working on putting together some workshops (it has just been too cold in the Hub up to this point to even consider it - brrrrrr! Starting in April we’ll be running a workshop on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month. April’s workshops are a simple macrame plant holder on Saturday 12th April, and a beginners upholstery class on Saturday 26th April. Workshops cost £15 each and include all materials. You can book in person in the Hub, using the QR code on the relevant poster or here - macrame workshop or upholstery workshop.
We’re running a Plus Size Clothes Swap in the Hub on Sunday 27th April from 11am-2pm. All genders welcome, suitable for size 16/XL+, and tickets are on a pay as you feel basis (suggested donations of between £2-£5). You can book your tickets here.
Coming soon!
We’re excited to announce that Charnwood Eco Hub will soon be launching a new refill station! In response to the sad closure of Real Refills (and many thanks to Sandra for her guidance), we know many of you have been looking for a local, sustainable way to top up your household essentials. Our new station will offer a range of eco-friendly cleaning products, helping you reduce plastic waste and shop more sustainably. We’re running this as a pilot to gauge interest, so will look to expand our range if it proves popular. Stay tuned for more details—we can’t wait to bring this much-needed service to our community! ♻️✨
The Criminalisation of Environmental Protest
Lecture by Sir Jonathon Porritt Loughborough University March 11th, 6.30-8pm
Sir Jonathon Porritt CBE is an eminent writer and campaigner on sustainable development. Over his career, he has played a major role in helping to promote the importance of sustainability issues to government, the private sector and amongst the general public. He has provided strategic advice to leading UK and international companies to deepen their understanding of today’s converging environmental and climate crises.
He is also focused on intergenerational justice, supporting young people in their activities around sustainable development issues as they face a future defined by the twin crises of the Climate Emergency and Biodiversity Emergency.
Jonathon was formerly Co-Chair of the Green Party (1980-83) and Director of Friends of the Earth (1984-90). He stood down as Chair of the UK Sustainable Development Commission in 2009, after nine years providing high-level advice to Government Ministers.
Jonathon was awarded a CBE in January 2000 for services to environmental protection.
In his guest lecture at Loughborough University, Jonathon will discuss the criminalisation of environmental protest, looking at instances of arrests, imprisonment and similar in cases such as Just Stop Oil in the UK and beyond.
Students, staff and members of the public are all welcome to attend. There will be an opportunity for questions during the event. Please submit any questions you may have in advance.
The session will be hosted by Professor John Downey, Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor for Climate Change and Net Zero.
You can book here
Applications Open!
Planning ahead for a greener future? We’re pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2025 Charnwood Sustainability Fair and Christmas Eco Market!
These much-anticipated events are perfect opportunities for local businesses, organisations, and artisans to showcase their sustainable products and and eco-friendly services, and their knowledge and projects. The Sustainability Fair will take place in Autumn 2025, highlighting green initiatives and fostering community collaboration, and the Christmas Eco Market will take place in November.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of these inspiring events! Apply now to help shape a sustainable Charnwood.
Join the Charnwood Eco Hub Volunteer Team
Are you passionate about sustainability and making a difference in your community? The Charnwood Eco Hub is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help us bring our vision of a greener future to life!
From supporting events and workshops to maintaining our community spaces and sharing eco-friendly practices, there’s something for everyone to get involved in. Volunteering is a fantastic way to meet like-minded people, develop new skills, and contribute to meaningful change.
No experience is needed—just a can-do attitude and a love for the environment.
Interested? Email us to sign up or learn more. We’d love to have you on the team!
The Great British Spring Clean
The Great British Spring Clean is back from 15th to 31st March, and it’s the perfect time to help tidy up our local community! Whether you’re planning a solo litter-pick or getting a group together, you can borrow litter-picking equipment from Charnwood Eco Hub’s Library of Things to make the job easier. Let’s work together to keep our green spaces clean and beautiful. Join the Library of Things online to pick up what you need and do your bit for the planet! 🌍🗑️✨
Coming up
 |
Eco Fair Saturday 15th March, 10AM-4PM Thorpe Acre Church, Loughborough |
 |
Incredible Edible Soil Workshop Saturday 22nd March, 10AM-12PM Fearon Hall, Loughborough |
 |
Fix It Group 23 Repair Cafe Monday 17th March, 7.30PM-10PM Bradgate Arms |
|
Fix It Group 23 Repair Cafe Sunday 23rd March, 10AM-1PM Mountsorrel Memorial Centre |
Where to find us
Opening Hours: (from 1st February 2025)
Wednesdays 3-7pm (access via Clarence Street)
Thursday 10am-1pm (access via main SOFA entrance)
Saturday 10am-2pm (access via main SOFA entrance)
Address: Clarence St, Loughborough LE11 1DY
Website: charnwoodecohub.org
Email: info@charnwoodecohub.org
Phone: 01509 447075