A backpackers’ hostel, a coastal visitors’ centre, a church, council offices
and a private house are among the eco-friendly buildings and projects that
feature in a list compiled by the Campaign to Protect Rural England.
The Campaign has selected 21 examples of renewable energy in action and seven
of them are in the west and north of the county. Two will be open to the public
for a series of free guided tours organised by the Campaign between Thursday and
Sunday, September 6 and 9.
They are Deepdale Farm, Burnham Deepdale, where farm buildings have been
converted into a hostel in a diversification project, and the Roman Catholic
Church of the Annunciation at Little Walsingham,where a new building has
replaced a 50-year-old parish church using traditional methods and materials.
Others, not featuring on the tours, but still warranting a mention include
the EcoTech Centre and wind turbines at Swaffham, West Norfolk Council’s
low-energy offices, Juniper House, in Chapel Street, Lynn, and the National
Trust’s millennium activity centre at Brancaster.
The Ternery Hut on Scolt Head Island, Brancaster, is the nature reserve
warden’s summer accommodation. It is clad with Welsh-sourced cedar and is
insulated with recycled newspaper and sheep’s wool.
The private house is Blithe House, at Downham. It is the UK’s first
prefabricated German-sourced Huf House with solar heating.
Owners and architects of buildings on the tours will be on hand to answer
visitors’ questions. Places can be booked on 01603 761660.
