National Environmental Charity Establishes New Permanent Home in Hartland thanks to LEADER 5 Grant funding

The Resurgence Trust is a UK-based educational charity at the forefront of a movement for change. The Resurgence Trust informs the environmental debate, inspires a culture of optimism and guides us towards positive solutions to the global challenges we now face.

A bid by the Charity for LEADER5* European grant funding through North Devon+ has resulted in a substantial grant towards transforming the Chapel at the old Hartland Small School into an education, environmental and arts centre. The centre has become the focal point for learning and activities promoting the environment, raising awareness of ecological issues and promoting sustainability in order to reach audiences locally, regionally and nationally.

The Trust has opened the centre for community use by working with local groups and businesses to develop a programme of activities and events that meet the needs of residents and provides a focal point for learning and shared values. These community activities operate alongside the Resurgence Trust learning programmes and events, complimenting and widening the range of rural services available in the local area.

Mark Gough the Resurgent Trust’s Finance Manager said “The Chapel is an important historical community building and this exciting project will secure the future of the Chapel for the benefit of the community for years to come. The Resurgence Trust is deeply rooted in the Hartland community and wants to not only support the local economy - we aim to hold local national and international events in Hartland - but also help to improve its resilience and access to rural services.”

Councillor Anna Dart, Leader of Torridge District Council said “When the Small School closed in 2017 the Hartland community lost an important community space. I am really pleased that The Resurgence Trust, with support from North Devon+, has been able to provide a new centre for both the benefit of the local community and their own learning programmes. The Trust is a national charity that promotes sustainability, social justice and ethical living – they are a positive asset for Torridge and it is great to see them consolidate their roots in our District.”

Louise Adam, Programme Delivery Manager for the grant application said: “This grant was not just to enable the refurbishment of an historical building; it was about creating an ecologically sustainable and fully accessible learning centre. In addition to the disabled access and toilets, the features incorporated into the design of the new facility such as the rainwater harvest system and eco friendly insulation has resulted in a carbon negative solution. The Resurgence Trust really does practise what they preach!”

*LEADER is the Local Action part of the Rural Development Programme for England. It is part funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development