Hampshire Green Fair 2010 - Sustainability Centre

It's nearly that time of year again when the Sustainability Centre in East Meon holds it's green fair. We have been to this over the last few years and it's a great day out in a truly wonderful setting. Sunday 9th May, 10am - 5pm. Last year Ben Law was there as the guest opening the fair and signing his latest book. He is working with the centre at the moment on a woodland classroom which you can see the raising of the timber frame later in May, another date for the diary.

The last few years it has been a lovely hot sunny day to enjoy what's on offer and enjoy walking around the woodland exploring and discovering. There is such a lot on offer to see too on sustainable living, permaculture, etc. Yurts, Tipis, compost toilet, solar showers, outside oven area, I could go on and on. Hopefully the weather will be kind again, although it will still be enjoyable if it rains. There is also the very tranquil site of the Natural Burial Site, in a peaceful secluded area adjoining the centre's woodland.

This year, the green fair has this on offer:

The Centre's main paddock will be lined with stalls selling ethically sourced goods and local produce. There will be hands-on displays of practical crafts; rag-rug making, green woodworking and willow-weaving to name a few, as well as information on green building techniques. Learn how to make your own home a healthier, greener, more efficient place, with working demonstrations of renewable energy in action

The Green Fair is a great opportunity to get involved with local groups taking real positive steps to ensure a healthier, brighter planet for us all. Meet the, Hampshire Conservation Volunteers, Petersfield Beekeepers and Winchester Action on Climate Change, amongst many others.

The GreenShare marquee is a new feature this year, offering a series of talks and discussions on green issues concerning local residents and the wider community. Take the opportunity to bring your questions to the debate!

In addition there is a seed swap area, to bring along your unwanted seeds and maybe try something new.

For the children, there are lots of activities and things to learn for all ages - chalk carving, bushcraft, traditional bread making, as well as those above and more. There is also a big fancy dress parade for them.

Permanent Publications bookshop will also be open on the day as will the Centre’s Beech Café, working alongside the Art House Café from Southampton to serve up delicious food throughout the day, wherever possible using local, organic and fairly traded ingredients.


This is really a lovely day out, last year it started off my new journey into spinning wool, having come across a 2nd hand spinning wheel. We also had fun watching and participating in other crafts and can't wait to do more again this year.