Our aims
The Abbot’s Mill Project’s aims are:
To create an urban hub which will include;
an education and research centre about sustainable and compassionate living, social justice, renewable energy and the importance of the Great Stour in Canterbury’s past, present and future;
a vegan community cafe;
a community-led woodland and wildlife garden based on permaculture principles.
To offer a comprehensive education programme of tours, courses and workshops for the general public, tourists, schools, environmentalists and local groups.
To provide a platform for cutting edge environmental science and newly emerging technologies from across the UK.
To involve and attract people who would not otherwise be involved in sustainability and social justice, as well as people who are already keen enthusiasts and want to learn more.
To develop training courses, work placements and apprenticeships for people disadvantaged in the labour market, including people with learning difficulties/disabilities.
To employ people from the local community and, wherever possible, engage local contractors and suppliers.
To work in partnership with local residents and community groups.
Our project is unique because:
Firstly, it is urban. Most projects of a similar nature are in remote, rural settings and certainly not in the centre of a city.
Secondly, it is aimed at positively encouraging and supporting people of all backgrounds to reduce their ecological footprint. We believe that this approach is more effective than making people feel guilty about their current lifestyles.
Thirdly, it focuses on the importance of the river and neatly links the past, present and future so that we can learn to benefit future generations.
Fourthly it focuses on the human impact on our environment and respect for, and interaction between all species.
