Maidstone's Eco Hub
Maidstone’s Eco Hub was open in The Mall shopping centre, Maidstone for six weeks.
The Eco Hub was a pop-up information centre, aimed at supporting residents to live more sustainably, save money and reduce their carbon footprint.
Thank you to all the organisations, volunteers and visitors that helped make Maidstone's Eco Hub such a success.
We also had a full calendar of events at the Eco Hub. See our events timetable below for more information on the events which took place at Maidstone's Eco Hub this summer.
Solar Advice with JPS Energy (4th,11th, 19th August and 6th, 8th September)
JPS Renewable Energy are a Maidstone based renewable energy company, specialising in the installation of solar panel and Tesla Powerwall. As renewable energy specialists in solar photovoltaic design, installation and maintenance, they work with home and business owners to help reduce their energy costs and impact on the environment. Come along and speak to JPS energy at the Eco Hub and find out if solar panels could work at your home.
Family Wild Crafts (5th and 18th August)
Get involved with one of our family wild crafts events this summer and help wildlife flourish in your outdoor space. At the end of each workshop you will get to take home what yu have made and help support wildlife at home!
Wildflower Seed Bombs: Making your own seed bombs is a fun and easy way to attract pollinators to otherwise-neglected wasteland. Not only can seed bombs be used in your own garden, but you can gift them to neighbours, family and friends. Whilst making our seed bombs we will learn about the importance of bees and pollinators to our food chain and the pollination process.
Pinecone Birdfeeders: A pine cone bird feeder is an easy and fun wildlife friendly craft, perfect even for young birders to make, and it's a great way to add an instant feeding station to your outdoor space. Many different types of birds will eagerly visit your feeder for a tasty treat!
Waste Clinic with Maidstone Borough Council (9th, 31st August and 7th September)
A team member from Maidstone Borough Councils Waste team will be holding a waste surgery several times throughout the opening of the Eco Hub. Come along to ask your waste questions, learn what can and can't be recycled or to find out more information about the waste services we offer. The waste surgery is a drop-in event.
Bearsted Climate Action Network (CAN) pop-up (every Thursday)
Bearsted CAN is about bringing together like-minded people from Bearsted and the surrounding area who want to work together to face the Climate and Ecological Emergency. Bearsted CAN have run some fantastic cliamte action initiatives in Maidstone including plastic free Bearsted, Bearsted repair cafe and 'going green on the green'. Come and meet some of the members of Bearsted CAN and learn more about this local community group.
Water Efficiency with South East Water (10th and 17th August)
There's lots we can all do to save water and help the environment whatever the weather. South East Water will be at the Eco Hub to help you reduce your water use with information leaflets, water efficiency tips and FREE water saving devices. The team are also on hand to talk to those who may be struggling to pay their water bills and discuss payment options.
Music From Things Workshop (11th, 19th and 23rd August)
Visit Maidstone's Eco Hub and create and play your own musical instrument made from recycled materials. Music From Things is a community project that aims to create playable musical instruments, at very low cost, using recycled materials where possible and learning together how to play them. For more information visit www.musicfromthings.uk/
Biodiversity Day (18th August)
Make a Mini Bug Hotel (AM)
Insects are important to our ecosystem and essential to animal food chains. Make your own bug hotel and provide much needed shelter during the colder winter months so insects will have a dry place to lay their eggs and create new nests sites for spring.
Kent Wildlife Trust Talk: Our Projects and 2030 Goals (PM)
Kent Wildlife Trust (KWT) is the county’s leading conservation charity. They manage and protect over 9000 acres of land across more than 80 different sites and nature reserves, alongside 3 visitor centres. KWT work closely with local communities, landowners and partners to protect and improve habitats in the countryside, coast and town for the benefit of the wildlife and people of Kent. KWT are working towards creating a better, more sustainable and wilder future. Come along to Maidstone's Eco Hub on Biodiversity Day and learn more about KWT's projects in the county and find out about their future plans and goals.
LUSH Bubble Bar Workshop (24th August)
Come and make your very own bubble bar! Make a sweet, candy scented dough, let it rise and then shape your own to take home. Bubble bars are an eco-friendly and plastic free alternative to your usual bottled bubble bath. Learn more about plastic free, eco friendly, fun products from the LUSH team whilst making your own bubble bar to take away with you. The LUSH team will also have other eco-friendly and plastic free products on display to showcase how you can lead a more sustainable lifestyle!
This is one of our most popular events which we will be running on a first come first serve basis. Turn up early to make sure you don't miss out!
Green Doctors Talk: Helping vulnerable households to save money and stay warm and well (23rd August)
The Green Doctors offer free, impartial advice and support to help you save energy, reduce your bills, and live in a warmer, more comfortable home. Come along for an introductory presentation to the Green Doctors and see how they could support you with saving money on your energy bills.
Active Travel Day (25th August)
Discuss all thing cycling with San Fairy Ann Cycling Club and Maidstone Cycle Campaign forum. Get tips for cycling around Maidstone, learn how you can get involved with cycling, get advice on how to cycle safely and much more!
San Fairy Ann Cycling Club- Formed in 1922, San Fairy Ann Cycling Club is based in central Kent and is one of the longest serving clubs catering for cyclists of all ages and levels. Whether you are looking for friendly people at your level to cycle with, or to race or time trial, you’ll be welcomed with open arms. Find out more information here: https://www.sanfairyanncc.co.uk/
Maidstone Cycle Campaign Forum- Maidstone Cycle Campaign Forum, is a charity representing the cycling community in Maidstone. Their aim is to improve the cycling conditions in Maidstone and encourage people to take up cycling as part of a healthy lifestyle, and also as a practical and environmentally friendly alternative to cars for short journeys to shops, schools, etc....
Green Doctors Bill Surgery (1st September)
The Green Doctors offer free, impartial advice and support to help you save energy, reduce your bills, and live in a warmer, more comfortable home. They understand it is sometimes important to speak to someone face to face, which is why the Green Doctors host drop-in sessions at venues across Kent where you can book in to have a consultation in person and speak to a team member about your energy concerns. This September they will be hosting Energy Advice Drop in Sessions at Maidstone’s Eco Hub. These advice sessions can help with:
- Support with energy and water debt by accessing/applying eligible discounts
- Practical energy advice to reduce energy waste and lower bills
- Checking for cheaper tariffs and deals
- Assessing bills & explaining statements
- Onward referrals for help with food, white goods and warm items
- Providing free energy saving measures & explaining their use (such as bulbs, draught proofing, powerdowns to save money, radiator foils and more, all received on the day)
- Accessing grants for insulation measures or repairs relating to energy performance
Please note, it is best to book these sessions in advance to avoid missing out. Please contact climateandbiodiversity@maidstone.gov.uk to book a session. To prepare for your appointment please arrive with your latest bill statements and any letters relating to your queries.
People Planet Pastry: business sustainability workshop (6th September)
People Planet Pastry is all about meeting fellow businesses who are either about to start, have started, or are well on their way to embedding sustainability into their day-to-day operations. If you’re interested or curious about sustainability, come along to the People, Planet, Pastry event to meet like-minded business owners who are taking action on sustainability. Learn about what is going on locally, share insights on how to overcome barriers and make new friends! This relaxed and informal event brings people together to learn more about sustainability and take action.
For more information and to book your place visit Maidstone - People, Planet, Pastry Tickets, Wed 6 Sep 2023 at 13:30 | Eventbrite