Skelton Grange Environment Centre

Visiting us

As you travel through the suburbs of Leeds, and drive past the electricity sub station, it is hard to believe that you are visiting an Environment Centre - and that is what makes the BTCV environment centre at Skelton Grange so special.

The building and surrounding land is a testament to environmental conservation and sustainability. And visitors are able to experience the ethos of the centre hands on.

A garden full of discovery

The gardens provide a safe and fun environment for children to explore the nature and wildlife. The garden is split into smaller breakout areas, designed to create a sense of exploration and discovery for the visitors.

Some areas are deliberately wild so that the children feel they are having an adventure.

There are endless opportunities for pond dipping, mini beast hunting and plant spotting. There is also a well planted vegetable plot.

All the materials in the garden are sourced from natural sustainable materials or are reusing waste materials - the shed is made of salvage and has old tyres for plant pots!

Sustainability in action

As you would expect, the main building is a testament to sustainable living; reducing the dependency on electricity and water.

The large windows let in lots of natural sunlight, and extensive insulation and argon filled double glazing retain the heat that comes from the ground source heat pump.

Even the elements are a valuable resource - electricity is generated from the wind and sun and the rainwater is harvested from the roof to flush the toilets.

The centre is perfect for encouraging a love of nature and engaging children in environmental issues that they can take back to their own schools. It also inspires adults to get involved in their local environment through its volunteering and training programme.

Aimed at 3-11 year olds, visits to the centre are free for schools in the Wakefield and Leeds areas and it is currently running at full capacity.

To find out more about Skelton Grange, visit: www.skeltongrange.org.uk.