Furnace Brook CIC

Furnace Brook operates as a rural Arts, Ecology & Micro Enterprise Hub where the land and lakes have been managed and reshaped in recent years in response to the climate and ecological crisis due to mankind’s separation from the natural world Thus Furnace Brook CIC operates to support site activities and approaches that are regenerative for the natural world and for the benefit of current and future generations.

The daily activities of the CIC are focused on -

1) The establishment and support of arts and creativity activities based at Furnace Brook

2) Managing the land and lakes at Furnace Brook in order create a sustainable ‘naturally inspiring’ place for visiting individuals and organisations

3) The provision of support to rural micro enterprises based either at Furnace Brook or in the nearby locality.

4) The provision of Health & Wellbeing Experiences and Environmental Education Learning Experiences.

These elements combine as a model of Agro Ecological Symbiosis where all actions and interactions enrich on-site biodiversity and land-based employment. The team’s work is guided and inspired by the principles of Permaculture - a design system that empowers us to create sustainable lifestyles and human habitats by using nature’s patterns. Ecosystem Restoration Protection and enhancement of biodiversity lies at the heart of all activities at Furnace Brook which in turn contributes to ecosystem restoration within the immediate watershed area. Furnace Brook is the home of the UNA Climate and Oceans Working Group.

Through joint work, a particular aspect of Furnace Brook’s educational role is to support and encourage actions being undertaken within the framework of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, including the certification of ‘Generation Restoration’ initiatives. Research Activities at Furnace Brook A range of research-based activities are being undertaken on site. Specific areas of focus include Renewable Energy Generation & Storage, Carbon Management, Topsoil enrichment and regenerative design approaches to landscapes & structures. The activities of modelling sustainable practices in the various research areas are all being coordinated by the Rural Transition Alliance Programme.

Furnace Brook CIC is a social purpose business. “A social purpose business is a company whose enduring reason for being is to create a better world. It is an engine for good, creating social benefits by the very act of conducting business. Its growth is a positive force in society.” Coro Strandberg

Member projectWhen the project started: 2012Summary: Ecology hub in High Weald where we research and demonstrate models for resilient communitiesContact Name: Alastair Telephone number: 01435830835Email: Contact person by emailWebsite: https://furnacebrook.co.ukIf you would like visits, how should people arrange their visit?: Please visit our website for courses, fishing & accommodation. Or contact us to arrange other visitsCategory: Land and nature stewardshipCulture and educationGeofield: POINT (0.3195442 50.9143359)Postal address: Furnace Brook, Trolliloes Lane, Trolliloes Hailsham BN27 4QR United KingdomMap icon: Type of project: Charity / Social EnterprisePhysical Elements/Features: Alternative energyCommunity gardenCompost toiletsForest gardenOff gridWildlife meadowsServices/Activities: B and BCoursesVenue to hireVisits (by arrangement)VolunteeringWorkshopsImage: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Furnace.Brook.CICInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/furnace.brook/