18 Feb Community Engagement at Rivenhall IWMF: Open Days Round-Up and Crank Up 2026 Preview
Over the past few months, the team at Rivenhall Integrated Waste Management Facility (IWMF) has been delighted to welcome the local community to a series of open days at our Information Hub at Woodhouse Farm, Kelvedon.
These events, held across November, December and January, formed part of our ongoing commitment to transparency, community engagement and sustainable development in Essex.
Welcoming the Community to Woodhouse Farm
Our Information Hub, located at Woodhouse Farm, Woodhouse Lane, Kelvedon has become an important space for sharing updates on the development of the Rivenhall IWMF and Energy Centre.
The recent open days provided visitors with the opportunity to:
- Learn more about the role Rivenhall IWMF plays in sustainable waste management in Essex
- Understand how energy is recovered from non-recyclable waste
- Explore plans for 100 acres of greenhouses surrounding the facility
- Speak directly with members of the Indaver project team
Throughout the open days, we welcomed a steady flow of visitors from Kelvedon and surrounding areas. Conversations were positive and constructive, with many attendees keen to understand how the facility contributes to the circular economy and the reduction of landfill use.
Supporting Sustainable Waste Management in Essex
A key focus of the open days was explaining how the Rivenhall IWMF supports Essex’s long-term waste strategy. As landfill capacity continues to decrease across the UK, facilities like Rivenhall IWMF play an essential role in managing residual (non-recyclable) waste responsibly. By diverting waste from landfill and recovering energy from it, the site contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions while generating reliable energy.
Visitors were particularly interested in how the Energy Centre will operate, how emissions are monitored, and the environmental safeguards in place. Members of the Indaver team were available throughout each session to answer questions and provide clear, factual information about the technology and processes involved.
This open dialogue remains central to our approach. We understand that major infrastructure projects raise questions, and we are committed to providing accessible opportunities for residents to stay informed.
Plans for 100 Acres of Greenhouses
Another key topic during the open days was the proposed development of 100 acres of greenhouses on land surrounding the facility. The greenhouse project represents an exciting opportunity to combine energy recovery with sustainable food production. By utilising heat and energy generated at the Energy Centre, the greenhouses aim to support low-carbon horticulture, creating local economic benefits and employment opportunities.
Visitors were keen to understand how this integrated approach could help strengthen local supply chains while making use of available resources in an efficient and environmentally responsible way.
These conversations demonstrated strong interest in how the Rivenhall site could evolve into a hub for both sustainable waste management and sustainable agriculture.
Ongoing Engagement with the Kelvedon Community
Community engagement always remains a priority for the Rivenhall IWMF team. The open days reinforced the value of face-to-face discussions and the importance of keeping communication channels open.
We would like to thank everyone who took the time to visit the Information Hub over the winter months. Your feedback and questions help shape how we communicate and ensure we continue to provide meaningful updates.
For those who were unable to attend, further information about the project, environmental controls, development plans and site visits can be found here.
Looking Ahead: Crank Up 2026 and Open Day
One of the highlights of our annual calendar is returning this spring! The fifth annual Crank Up and Open Day will take place on Bank Holiday Monday, 25th May 2026, in association with the Farm Machinery Preservation Society (FMPS). This much-anticipated community event promises another lively and family-friendly day at Woodhouse Farm.
Crank Up 2026 will feature:
- Heritage displays
- Hands-on craft demonstrations
- A collection of vintage farm machinery
- Activities suitable for all ages
- Opportunities to explore the historic Woodhouse Farm site
The Indaver Information Hub will be open throughout the day, giving visitors the chance to explore the latest updates on the Rivenhall IWMF and Energy Centre, as well as learn more about the restoration progress at Woodhouse Farm.
Members of the Indaver team will once again be available to answer questions and provide insight into how the project is progressing. We look forward to welcoming both returning visitors and new faces in May! More updates to follow
Stay Connected
Want to keep up to date with the Rivenhall IWMF community news?
- Follow us on LinkedIn
- Got a query? Head to our contact form
- Seek further information over on our FAQs page