Formed in 1973, the Pelham Centre for the Environment has traditionally provided educational activities for the students of Essex and Hertfordshire and continues to develop courses to meet the needs of the National Curriculum.

Located on the Essex - Hertfordshire border, Pelham Centre for the Environment has over 30 years experience of delivering environmental education. It operates in partnership with Essex County Council and the Essex Wildlife Trust. The centre is situated on National Grid's Stocking Pelham Substation site and is surrounded by 28 acres of former farmland that has now been designated as a nature reserve.

The Pelham site stands approximately 122m above sea level at the northern end and slopes away to the south. At its lowest point a boundary ditch drains the site into the River Ash, which then meets the River Lea just south of Ware. The site has a variety of meadows, small woodlands and ponds containing a wide range of wildlife.

The reserve provides an ideal setting for students to explore and investigate a variety of habitats, learn about environmental issues, and enjoy activities based around maths, literacy, geography, art and local history in the fresh air of an outdoor classroom!