To listen to an MP3 audio clip, please click this link

Adventurous carpentry students from Chesterfield College are setting off for Siberia to take part in an international project aimed at teaching ecological building methods in communities around the globe.


L to R: Students Ricky Ward, Ben Jackson and Hilary Utting with Lecturer Ralph Cooper (front)

The project, “Straw Bale Buildings” which is co-ordinated by German organisation ‘GrunerGrashalm’, also involves young people from Russia, Romania, Italy and Germany who will be working together to build a house using modern, ecological methods and natural materials.

Full-time student Ricky Ward, day-release students Ben Jackson and Hilary Utting and Lecturer Ralph Cooper will be based in the Siberian town of Petrowpawlowka for four weeks.

Self-employed Joiner Hilary said,
“This is a great opportunity to learn more about constructing sustainable buildings, and will also give me the opportunity to gain some experience of site carpentry, particularly roofing structures. I have a special personal interest in buildings and construction using traditional heritage methods and materials, and when this can be combined within an environmentally sustainable project it is all the more exciting to be involved.”

Lecturer Ralph Cooper added,
“This is the first time the College has been involved in this project, so it is new territory for us all. I can’t wait to visit Siberia; it’s a great opportunity to forge links with people from other countries, and use our skills to create something environmentally friendly. We are already planning to take part in similar projects in the future.”