Ørsted has awarded a £100,000 grant from its Hornsea 3 Legacy Fund to North Norfolk District Council to support the development of an eco-learning hub at Holt Country Park, the company announced on Wednesday.
The initiative marks the first grant awarded from the fund, which will distribute £7 million over 10 years to community projects across North Norfolk and East Anglia. The planned hub, scheduled to open in 2027, will serve as a year-round centre for environmental education, sustainability outreach, and community engagement.
“This generous grant from Ørsted will allow us to unlock the full potential of Holt Country Park,” said Councillor Liz Withington, Portfolio Holder for Community, Leisure & Outreach at North Norfolk District Council. “Having a dedicated, interactive learning hub will transform our award-winning woodland into an even more valuable resource for North Norfolk’s young people and wider community.”
The eco-learning facility will include indoor learning areas for schools and community groups, as well as outdoor spaces designed in collaboration with park rangers and local volunteers. Sustainable features will include a living roof to support biodiversity, rainwater harvesting, and an outdoor gym capable of generating human-powered electricity for charging devices and lighting.
Imran Nawaz, Ørsted’s Senior Advisor and Community Benefit Fund Manager, said the project aligns closely with the fund’s goals. “We were truly inspired by North Norfolk District Council’s vision for an eco-learning hub at Holt Country Park, a space that is already much-loved by local residents and visitors,” he said. “Projects selected for the Legacy Fund must demonstrate lasting benefits, and this initiative stood out as an outstanding example of sustainability in action.”
The eco-learning hub will be built using recycled materials and is intended to enhance both environmental awareness and visitor engagement in the area. The Legacy Fund is part of Ørsted’s broader community investment strategy linked to its Hornsea 3 offshore wind farm, which aims to support local development alongside the UK’s transition to renewable energy.
