Thistledown: something amazing near Stroud

For some time I've been meaning to visit the Thistledown Environmental Centre just outside Nailsworth - it opened on 9th June.

Today I did make the visit - glorious sunshine and a picnic - 70 acres of Cotswold landscape with a beautiful woodland walk with woodland ponds, meadows, sculptures, a stone circle, lots of history and more - plus friendly animals to say hello to - it really is a great and inspiring place.

You'll see from my photos a new visitor centre is being built - this is particularly exciting - an environmentally sustainable carbon gain building whereby no concrete will be used in its foundations and no cement in its construction.

This innovative pole barn building has been designed to carry the weight of a turf and wildflower roof. The walls will be made of hemp, lime, straw and clay (hemp blocks) securely positioned between a wooden frame. Although these materials are not generally used in building, they make a very effective substitute for concrete products in construction, they insulate and soundproof well, and are carbon gaining.

It is believed that this is a pioneering new building system that could support agricultural revenues and environmental issues, which no one is currently promoting in the industry.

The flooring will vary from experimental organic leather hides to rammed earth, stone, oak and coppiced timber bound with modern glues to make laminates as an alternative to softwoods like pine. Underfloor heating will use latent heat from the Lodge Ground clay found on the farm. Two kilometres of pipes will supply 70% of the building's heat through a heat exchanger and the remainder of the heat will be provided by a wood burning stove. All of this will be explained within the exhibition area and large banners hanging on each side of the building will also serve to illustrate the aims of the Centre.

The Centre will house a classroom area for the use of school parties and a Research Library for universities plus cafe.

Thistledown are open throughout the summer from Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 5.30pm - visit them - there website has lots more info about their various projects:

http://www.thistledown.org.uk/