The Ecology Centre at Kinghorn Loch
Our Site
In July 2014, The Ecology Centre purchased 5 acres of land on the eastern shore of Kinghorn Loch in Fife. For the 15 years previously, we had operated from nearby Craigencalt Farm until the lease came to an end. By February 2015, plans and funding were in place for a new building thanks to the support of the Big Lottery, The Robertson Trust, Fife Council and others. Building work was completed in September 2015.
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The new building, designed by Architect Stuart Hannah of ADD Design, is built to passivhaus standard offering exceptional levels of energy efficiency. Wherever possible, we have used natural, recycled or recyclable materials. A key feature is the use of old shipping containers, refurbished and insulated to provide workshop and storage space.
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The building provides a base for our volunteers, visitors and staff as well as for our room hire. Since we moved to the site we've worked hard to transform the grounds. We inherited a barren area of grass and car parks and since 2015 we've developed paths, play areas, growing spaces, woodland, wild flower meadows, ponds, habitats for amphibians and more besides with the aim of enhancing biodiversity and providing opportunities for environmental education, volunteering and enjoying the outdoors.
The Ecology Centre is an inclusive, community-led charity.
We inspire positive change through directly connecting people and the natural environment for the benefit of both.
Our Values
We give people direct experience of working with the environment at our site, while learning about it, in a relaxed and friendly way.
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Our methods and styles of environmental involvement, learning and participation are designed to be accessible, to inspire through generating enthusiasm and curiosity.
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We value the benefits that people can gain from involvement in our activities not only in terms of learning about ecology and the environment, but by gaining increased confidence and self-esteem through their experiences.
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We involve our local community and other interested groups and individuals.
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We put emphasis on enabling and encouraging both the young and the over 50’s, plus people with limited opportunities and means, to take advantage of the opportunities available at the Centre.
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We actively manage the resources in our care using sustainable ecological principles in all work undertaken at our site, and in our outreach work.
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We positively encourage good conservation practices, to enhance wildlife and biodiversity, giving priority to indigenous species of fauna and flora.
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We appreciate and acknowledge the contribution of our volunteers as a valuable asset of the Centre and its work.
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We are inclusive and offer a welcome to all, regardless of age, sex, ability or origin.
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The Ecology Centre subscribes to the Social Enterprise Code of Practice
Why The Ecology Centre?
Our award winning education programme has always been at the heart of The Ecology Centre. Over the years we have worked with hundreds of children in schools, local green spaces and at The Ecology Centre.
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Our approach is based on the values of compassion, environment and equity. We use nature as our teacher and aim to provide inclusive, child centred, fun and informative sessions. There are lots of ways we support outdoor learning in schools and the community - we provide CPD, inspirational learning outdoors and can take topics and make them come alive in local woodlands. We believe our work is most transformational in smaller groups lasting a number of weeks.
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There are so many benefits of outdoor learning. Time in nature can help our children feel happier, more focused and engaged with learning as well as having a positive impact on their physical health. The evidence that we all need time in nature is so clear that doctors in Scotland have now started prescribing it!
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The Education team won "Best School Partnership" award at the Fife Business Awards in 2019, through working with Pathhead Primary School. Call us on 01592 891567 to discuss how we can work together