Hall becomes bastion of 21st century energy efficiency

Staff from a range of organisations will be at the Elizabethan estate with a programme of activities, demonstrations and displays on Sunday August 28.

Visitors will be able to learn energy-saving tips and ideas on recycling, as well as buy sustainable products and try out organic and local foods, between 11am and 4pm.

The event, which takes place in what will be Hardwick’s newly-extended visitor facilities, is free, with a £2 charge for car parking. Among the activities planned for children are games and the chance to make insect homes or plant seeds.

Meanwhile, adults can try out charcoal making, saw-milling or pole-lathing. There will also be tours of the stableyard, where visitors can get a preview of the hi-tech “green energy” project.

As part of the re-development of the Elizabethan estate, several eco-friendly measures have been introduced, including putting in a biomass boiler to heat the new restaurant, shop, exhibition areas and community space when they open next year.

Community learning officer, Jo Rawson, said: “There will be so much for families to do. We’ve a wide range of activities planned for all ages, from games for the children to food tasting, displays and tours.

“Here at Hardwick, we are doing all we can to become a sustainable estate.

“We hope that by showing our visitors what we are doing that we will inspire families to make changes at home.”