Maidstone's Eco Hub

Our hub will be open on selected days between 26 October and 9 November 2024

We are located in Unit 101 on the lower level of the Maidstone Mall shopping centre, next to the exit to Gabriel’s Hill.

The hub is a pop-up information centre that provides information about living sustainably and lowering carbon footprints. There will be a range of free craft activities, talks and demonstrations. You can also enter our competitions and giveaways to be in with the chance of winning prizes.

Some of our events and workshops have limited space. You will need to book in advance to avoid disappointment. For help with booking, you can call our team on 01622 602561 or email climateandbiodiversity@maidstone.gov.uk.

Be sure to cast your vote for the People Choice Award in our ‘we are nature’ art competition. Shortlisted entries will be displayed in the Eco Hub throughout the first week. Voting ends at 2pm on Saturday 2 November. The awards ceremony at will be hosted from 3pm.

Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.

Guest advisors

As well as activities, we will welcome a number of teams into the Eco Hub to offer advice and support to residents.

Maidstone CAN (Climate Action Network)

Maidstone and Bearsted CAN, would like to unite people who want to face the Climate and Ecological Emergency. They work together and to organise events and activities for local residents. They are a huge part of our Eco Hub and their volunteers will be at our events. This is in addition to hosting the pop-up repair café.

MidKent College

MidKent College is leading the way in decarbonisation. They have a number of facilities dedicated to training the next generation of professionals for the "sustainably built environment sector". They offer upskilling and reskilling opportunities to prepare for the low-carbon economy.

Maidstone Borough Council's (MBC) Recycling and Waste Crime teams

Our teams will be offering information and advice on recycling for residents, promoting our work on tackling waste-crime and celebrating community litter pickers throughout our borough.

Citizen's Advice energy advisors

Energy Advisors will be available to give advice on saving energy and lowering energy bills. They will help to signpost residents to possible grants and other support that may be available.

Maidstone Climate Emergency Network (MCEN)

MCEN aim to improve the sustainable future of Maidstone. They aim to promote the environmental benefits of a flexitarian diet. Join them throughout the day in the Eco Hub to find out more about delicious cost effective vegetarian and vegan recipes.

Parish Climate Emergency Network (PCEN)

The PCEN was set up by parishes in the rural parts of south Maidstone. It covers parishes in:

Hunton
Boughton Monchelsea
Sutton Valence
Chart Sutton
Langley
Linton

The group meet regularly to discuss the things that can be done to improve their local environment. Members of the group will be volunteering in the Eco Hub to talk about their work and their Scenic Green Trail project.

South East Water

Representatives from South East Water will be giving advice on using water more sustainably and water saving devices.

Schedule of events and activities

Saturday 26 October 2024

The Maidstone CAN Repair Café

We will be hosting a pop up mini Repair Café where the team will be offering repairs and advice on clothing and electrical repairs throughout the day.

"Team Repair" workshop

Young people aged between 10 and 14 can learn how to fix things at our hands-on Team Repair workshop. Students can get hands-on with real products, inspiring the next generation of sustainably minded Engineers and Scientists.

This workshop will be hosted by members of Maidstone's Repair Café, our local experts on all things repair. Participants will be guided in a session that explores the science behind an item. They will find the fault and fix it before testing that it works correctly.

Sessions will be taking place between:

10.30am and 12.30pm
1.30pm and 3.30pm

Workshops are free but spaces are limited so book your Team Repair workshop place to avoid disappointment.

Solar together

Kent County Council’s scheme allows residents and small businesses to install solar panels and battery storage at an affordable price. Drop in all day to find out more about this group-purchase scheme and the benefits of solar PV panels in lowering emissions and energy bills.

Nature themed colouring for kids

Children of all ages are welcome to come and colour our Making Space For Nature and wildlife colouring sheets throughout the day.

Wednesday 30 October 2024

"Music from things" - an instrument making workshop

This workshop is suitable for anyone aged 7 or older.

"Music from Things" is a community project that build simple musical instruments from everyday items. They explore the music that can be created from everyday items. You will use recycled or very low-cost material to make playable instruments and learn how to use some basic tools to make some fun sounds.

Sessions will be taking place between:

11.30am and 12.30pm
2pm and 3pm

Workshops are free but spaces are limited so we advise that you sign up for an instrument making space.

"Spooky spider plants" craft activity

Get ready for Halloween with this free craft activity, throughout the day until materials run out. Open to all ages.

Guest advisors

Throughout the day, you can drop in for advice from:

Midkent College's sustainability officer
South East Water
MBC's Recycling and Waste Crime teams

Citizen's Advice energy advisors will also be available between 10am and 12.30pm.

Thursday 31 October 2024

"Spooky creatures" craft activity

Join us for a spooky story and a clay craft workshop. Story times are: 10.30am, 11.30am, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm.

Neil Coombs Ecologist - "actions to improve biodiversity where we live"

Join Neil is a freelance ecologist, land management advisor and tree enthusiast. He works with local communities and advises them how they can improve their local biodiversity and implement change. Join him for his talk that explains how to take action where you live and improve local biodiversity.

You can join him between 2pm and 3pm for a talk with an opportunity for questions afterwards.

"Music from things" - upcycled instrument demonstration

From 3pm, you can learn how this community project turns everyday unwanted objects into musical instruments and try playing some. All ages welcome to drop in.

Guest advisors

Throughout the day, you can drop in for advice from:

Midkent College's sustainability officer
South East Water
MBC's Recycling and Waste Crime teams

Friday 1 November 2024

Green Doctors 'drop in session' - 10.30am to 11.30am

Green Doctors are an energy advice charity who help residents across Kent and Medway with their queries on gas, electric and water. Join us as we share our tips and tricks to help you make the most out of the energy you pay for.

Green Doctors 'talk and questions' - 12pm to 1pm

The world of energy is always changing and improving. Recent conversations have focussed more on renewable technologies and low carbon options in the UK. Join our talk to learn what these technologies are, how they work, and who would find them beneficial as alternative methods to fuel their home.

Saturday 2 November 2024

"We are nature" art competition award ceremony

Join us at 3pm when the winners of our ‘We Are Nature’ eco art competition are announced. Prizes will be presented by Cllr Summersgill, Cabinet Member for Climate Transition & Nature Recovery.

Kent Art Collective

Kent Art Collective are a Maidstone-based community of artists and art enthusiast who come together to get creative and make new friends. Join them in the Eco Hub for eco-themed free craft activities throughout the day.

Tuesday 5 November 2024

Sustainable in business - carbon reduction workshop

This is a sign up only event that takes place between 9am and 12pm. The Eco Hub doors will be closed whilst this event takes place. Join us for:

talks from MBC and Pennies Nursery
an interactive Carbon Reduction Fundamentals Workshop run by Lisa Whalley-Smith of Klarity marketing
a short talk by Rachael Carley (B-Corp), summarising sustainability in business
networking and learning opportunities

We would like to welcome businesses and organisations to sign up for a sustainable business slot. The event is free but places are limited so book now to avoid disappointment.

Soul Stitch Society - Christmas card printing workshop

Soul Stitch Society are local social stitch group who share in craft activities based on traditional stitch techniques. They aim to create a welcoming and safe space to explore stitch. They provide workshops in visible and accessible communal spaces.

During this workshop you will learn how to make a simple textile print using a leaf and a pencil rubber. You will be guided to use this technique to make a Christmas gift card and a gift tag. No experience required.

This event takes place between 1pm and 3pm. Be sure to reserve a space using the card printing booking page.

Guest advisors

You can get advice from our Recycling and Waste Crime Team from 1pm.

Wednesday 6 November 2024

Soul Stitch Society - scrappy angels workshop

This workshop combines scrap booking skills with traditional textile collage using textile craft remnants. You will be guided to create angel Christmas tree and gift tag decorations. Some basic hand sewing skills would be useful, but are not essential.

The free workshop takes place between 10am and 12pm. Places are limited so make sure you book a scrappy angels space.

Cleaning with Meaning

This local business offers professional cleaning services using eco-friendly products and techniques. They prioritise sustainability and a professional service. Join them all day to find out more about their gentle products that are safer for the environment and your family.

Guest advisors

Throughout the day, you can drop in for advice from:

MBC's Recycling and Waste Crime teams
Maidstone Climate Emergency Network (MCEN)
MBC's Housing Team

Citizen's Advice energy advisors will also be available between 10am and 12.30pm.

Thursday 7 November 2024

The Eco Hub will be closed. We are offering a free event for farmers, businesses and other organisations hosted by Mid-Kent College.

‘Increasing Sustainability in Farming and Business’ - 6pm to 8pm

Join us on in the Skills Factory at MidKent College Maidstone Campus for an evening dedicated to exploring sustainable practices in farming and business. Learn from industry experts, network with like-minded individuals, and discover innovative solutions to promote sustainability in your own endeavours.

The event will include:

Midkent College - 'Journey to a Sustainable Future' tour of the facilities
Forestry Commission - Benefits of Trees and Funding for Landowners
Hadlow College - Skills Needs and Precision Technology in Farming
Rachael Carley (Carley Coaching) - 'How To Be More B' an Introduction to B-Corp

Friday 8 November 2024

Soul Stitch Society - rag wreaths workshop

Join us between 10am and 12pm to have a ripping good time at our wreath making workshop. We start by tearing up old shirts and sheets to upcycle them into Christmas wreathes. These create a great weather resistant seasonal decoration for your front door. No experience required.

Book a space on the rag wreaths workshop.

"Music from things" - upcycled instrument demonstration

From 12:30pm, you can learn how this community project turns everyday unwanted objects into musical instruments and try playing some for yourself. All ages welcome to drop in.

MidKent College - green careers week

Green Careers Week 2024 is celebrated from 4 November to 9 November. Join MidKent College in the afternoon to find out about their facilities and courses dedicated to training the next generation of professionals. They offer upskilling and reskilling opportunities to prepare for the low-carbon economy.

Autumn leaf jar crafts

Free craft for all ages where we will upcycle jars to make a beautiful autumnal candle lantern.

Guest advisors

You can drop in at any time during the day to get advice and support from MBC's Recycling and Waste Crime teams.

Saturday 9 November 2024

The Maidstone CAN Repair Café

We will be hosting a pop up mini Repair Café where the team will be offering repairs and advice on clothing and electrical repairs throughout the day.

"Team Repair" workshop

Sessions will be taking place between:

10.30am and 12.30pm
1.30pm and 3.30pm

Workshops are free but spaces are limited so book a repair workshop space now to avoid disappointment.

Solar Together

Guest advisors

Throughout the day, you can drop in for advice from:

MCEN (Maidstone Climate Emergency Network)
South East Water