Earth Day 2026 Marks Four Years of Witton Lakes Eco Hub
On April 22nd 2022, Witton Lakes Eco Hub first opened its doors to offer local residents a route to new learning, new experiences and new friendships.
The official unveiling of the £1-million transformation of the former Park Keeper’s Cottage brought to life a bold vision from Witton Lodge Community Association (WLCA).
The Power of Community
So, it is fitting that the Eco Hub’s fourth anniversary should fall on Earth Day 2026, with its key theme being ‘Our Power, Our Planet’ and an emphasis on community-led actions which drive environmental change.
Since the day it opened the Eco Hub has welcomed a staggering 29,290 people through its doors, with 7,238 people taking part in a range of community-focused health and wellbeing activities. We are also proud to have delivered over 2,100 group activities during this time, creating opportunities for residents to come together and build lasting connections.
This impressive engagement is at the heart of why the Eco Hub was created. Since 2022 the eco-friendly venue in Witton Lakes Park has become an important catalyst for addressing issues like climate change, through the lens of everyday challenges, like:
Tackling the cost of living crisis
We provide advice and guidance on how people can reduce their energy bills and eat healthily on a budget and the Eco Hub continues to deliver regular support when residents need it most.
Protecting Nature
Protecting nature is central to Witton Lodge’s work, with initiatives across the area transforming local spaces into thriving hubs for urban biodiversity. From the flourishing Velvet Community Orchard and vibrant butterfly gardens to Duckling Watch safeguarding lake wildlife, each project plays a role in supporting nature. Specially created habitats for frogs and newts further enhance the ecosystem, while the Friends of Witton Lakes help maintain the park’s natural beauty, together creating a strong and accessible example of how communities can actively protect and nurture their environment.
Health and Wellbeing
From sensory walks through the grounds to guided cycling sessions, the Eco Hub brings nature and wellbeing together in a natural, accessible way. Activities like the Walking Buddies group help residents rebuild confidence outdoors, while Tai Chi and Yoga classes offer space for mindfulness and inner calm, creating a strong connection between ecology, mental health, and physical wellbeing.
Education
The CLEAN project (Community-led Environmental Action Network) brings people together to raise awareness of local environmental issues and work collaboratively towards practical solutions. Alongside this, the Eco Together Programme supports residents to learn about and adopt sustainable, green living practices in their everyday lives, helping to embed lasting positive change across the community.
Learning
New for 2026, The Witton Lakes Eco Hub Nature Academy provides engaging, curriculum-linked learning experiences for local primary schools. The programme is designed to support pupils’ understanding of environmental sustainability, health and wellbeing and community awareness through interactive, hands-on sessions.
Partnering With Our Community
WLCA Chief Officer, Afzal Hussain, said: “The Eco Hub was created to inspire meaningful environmental change by working with and alongside our community.
“Over the past four years, we have seen the Eco Hub continue to grow and evolve, most recently with the addition of the Makers Yard. What truly stands out, however, is the scale of engagement with thousands of local residents and young people taking part in environmental initiatives and benefiting from practical advice and support to help ease cost-of-living pressures.
“From healthy lifestyles and mindfulness to growing food, reducing energy bills, education and green skills, the services delivered through the Eco Hub continue to adapt to the needs of our communities, while also contributing to the protection of our environment.”
Built With Purpose
The state-of-the-art Eco Hub was designed by Axis Design Architects, with Director Rob Annable keen that its purpose was captured in the fabric of the building. “By focusing on both embodied and operational carbon, we intended for the Eco Hub to prove that sustainable construction isn’t just for experimental, high-budget projects; it can be a practical reality for local communities.”
To mark Earth Day 2026 members of the Hub’s weekly Tai Chi group turned up to their session wearing green and did their exercise outside in the garden. In addition, students from The Hive College celebrated four years of the Eco Hub with a challenge to draw fruit and flowers from the grounds – the traditional gift for a fourth anniversary.
Throughout the day, visitors will be encouraged to take part in a special Earth Day quiz, allowing them to test their knowledge on climate change and learn more about nature and the environment in a fun way.
Shane Wedderburn, Flourishing Community Services Manager for WLCA, said: “The Eco Hub has become a place of oasis, where residents can come together to learn, connect and take positive steps towards improving their lives and their environment.
“What makes it special is how it brings together essential advice with sustainability, whether that’s helping people manage the cost of living, improve their wellbeing or learn new skills. Over the past four years, we’ve seen the power of community-led action in creating real change and the Eco Hub continues to be a place where people feel supported, inspired and empowered to make a difference both locally and for our planet.”
To find out what activities are currently being delivered at Witton Lakes Eco Hub please click HERE. For any enquiries about the Eco Hub please call the team on 0121 227 3200 – we’d love to hear from you!
