The Alternative Technology Centre (ATC) is a not-for-profit organisation established in 1999 on the banks of the Rochdale Canal in Hebden Bridge.

As an educational resource centre, we aim to make sustainability achievable and simply irresistible by working from a strong base within our local community to provide inspiration, accessible information and advice to improve the quality of life using sustainable means – economic, environmental and social.

What's New

BACK by popular DEMAND

Hedgelaying course 1st and 2nd March 2008 with Mick Chatham and Tim Edge from Countryside Services, Calderdale Council.

This course costs £15 for one day and £25 for two days. For details of the course see the workshop page.

EXHIBITION - HEBDEN BRIDGE 2032

Local artist, Jason Elliott, has taken a tongue-in-cheek look into the future with a series of images of what the Calder Valley may look like after a few years of Climate Change.

A variety of scenes have been transformed by tropical vegetation and exotic wild animals making the familiar seem strangely unfamiliar. From tropical storms over the Co-op to parrots flying down New Road. expect the unexpected.

"I wanted to draw attention to the fact that Climate Change is happening, but to get the message across in a more light-hearted way than we are used to”

"The images certainly do make our town look exotic and I think it is an excellent way to engage, inform and raise people's awareness of the issues without preaching to them." Rt. Hon. Christine McCafferty MP

Power in the Landscape

The Power in the Landscape project, carried out by the ATC with support from the Local Heritage Initiative, Hebden Royd and Calderdale Council and the local community, explores the water powered mills of the Upper Calder Valley, in particular the Colden Valley.

The Calder Valley was the powerhouse of the Industrial Revolution and the project has also looked at the potential for putting hydro power back in.

Free Low Energy Light bulbs

Have you got yours yet?
Two free bulbs to every householder 4 to people on benefits). Call in at the ATC to pick yours up.

Also SALE of Freeplay wind up and solar powered radios and torches. We have been made aware that a major supermarket is now selling these at heavily discount prices, so we, as an independent retailer, can no longer compete. We are therefore selling off the range at COST PRICE. Enjoy while stocks last.