Fruit Factory

The Fruit Factory is a demonstration of how a practical working building can made from an underused sustainable material, straw bales. Straw is produced in great quantities as agricultural waste and could be utilised to making superinsulated buldings that are also powerful carbon sinks.

Brighton Permaculture Trust undertook this project following a successful crowdfunding exercise, with volunteer and skilled labour under the direction of straw bale expert Ian Brown. Part of the construction took place on Brighton Permaculture Trust’s straw bale building courses, run in partnership with Low Carbon Trust.

Being within the curtilage of a listed building, there was strict design scrutiny from South Downs National Park, to ensure the appearance was harmonious with Stanmer village.

Brighton Permaculture Trust will be using this attractive new venue for juicing fruit and making jams and chutneys, as well as for courses and educational workshops.

BUSES: 23, 25, 25c to Stanmer Park entrance, 20 minute walk along park road.
78 to Stanmer Village (hourly bus)

TRAIN: Falmer Station and 30 minute walk.