The Education Futures Trust has managed the Firs site in Elphinstone Road for years. The site’s previous function was as a football pitch, including concrete terracing and spectator stands. There was a block for changing rooms and showers, this is now the Secret Garden. The offices for the Trust are in what used to be a bar and club house.  

At first look the Firs is an example of brutal architecture, concrete and steel are its main structural fabric. The work to improve and maintain the site have been considerable. In the spirit of protecting the environment the Trust firmly believe in recycling everything possible; woodchip for paths, rubble for hardcore, donated timber for use in outdoor learning classes, repairs to fences and making shelving. Nothing is thrown away if there could be a use for it.  

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As the educational activities expand and the Firs have more visitors, the Trust have added to its facilities, low carbon units have been installed for teaching and meetings, two self-composting toilets, and an attractive energy efficient classroom which is used by Plumpton College to deliver lessons in horticulture for local students. 

 

Now that the building work is done we've been focusing on enhancing the appearance and making it more welcoming to local people. In addition to it its openness, space and sea views, we've been planting fruit trees and plants and have made and installed a bug hotel, all to increase the biodiversity and interest of the site. We're also in the process of creating a seating area in front of the MUGA, which can be used for parents or the general public to use whilst their children are playing sport.