Caring for the environment is child's play at Stamford Brook

Youngsters in Altrincham had the chance to go green thanks to workshops run by Redrow at its award winning, eco-friendly Stamford Brook development. Children learned about CO2 production, the greenhouse effect, recycling, reducing consumption of electricity and water, renewable energy, composting and food miles - all in a fun and easy to understand way.

Their joy was clear to see as they participated in exciting hands on activities including making a sample of CO2 and inflating a balloon; designing rotor blades for a wind turbine and then testing to see if they produce electricity, as well as planting seasonal vegetables in hand-made biodegradable pots.

Elaine Mounsey, area sales manager for Redrow Homes (North West) said: "The event was a fun way of portraying the eco-principles that Stamford Brook stands for.

"The development has been designed to demonstrate how a mainstream development can spearhead more sustainable living through key initiatives such as energy efficiency, water conversation, recycling and waste minimisation, whilst still offering a traditional home that many people want to buy".

"The workshops really provided an opportunity to spread the message to local children of the importance of being environmentally aware. And, whilst the kids were having fun going green, mums and dads had the option of viewing our award winning ‘greener homes'."

Winner of the Best Sustainable Development title at the 2007 What House? awards, Stamford Brook is built on former National Trust land on the edge of the Durham Massey estate.

All of the new homes offer everything that the modern resident needs and look to the untrained eye like a conventional home, yet they are designed to be ultra-efficient in use of energy, water and building materials.

A selection of two-bedroom apartments are currently available from Redrow, with prices starting from £152,000, plus three and four-bedroom houses from £229,950, including a selection with roof space cleverly converted to create a study.

However the homes are only part of the Stamford Brook story; the partners have also gone to great lengths to improve the natural landscape. Sinderland Brook, which runs through the development, has been the subject of the largest river restoration project of its kind of England and has just won a 2008 Waterways Renaissance Award scheme from The Waterways Trust and BURA (British urban Regeneration Association).

Stamford Brook has also been planned to reduce the dominance of cars and there is a comprehensive footpath and cycle path network, as well as wildlife corridors and community woodland.

Once complete, the development will provide residents with everything that they need on their doorstop to ensure sustainable living. Plans are in the pipeline for a Waitrose food store and five smaller retail units - and a community facility is also proposed.

Good public transport links further boost the development's sustainability, with the Manchester Metrolink service just a 10-minute cycle ride or bus journey away.

For more information on Stamford Brook go to Redrow.co.uk.