Est. 1986
Our Story
From pig farm to theatre on the moor — 40 years of community, resilience and sustainability.
Who We Are
A Theatre Built for the Future
Sterts Arts & Environmental Centre is a not-for-profit organisation nestled on the edge of Bodmin Moor, near Liskeard in South East Cornwall. Since 1986, we've transformed from a pig farm into a thriving arts and environmental centre — powered by volunteers and a unique blend of nature and creativity.
In 2026, we celebrate 40 years as a registered charity. To mark this milestone, we're recentring our founding purpose: to enable people to 'explore their own creativity and learning through doing'.
As a not-for-profit organisation, all profits from our events are invested back into the organisation and continue making theatre on the edge of the moor.
In 2020, Sterts was awarded the QAVS in recognition of the enormous dedication of our volunteer team.
Our Barn Theatre runs on solar PV and battery storage — saving 9.37 tonnes of CO₂ in 2025 alone.
Our Journey
From Pig Farm to Powerhouse
Sterts is founded
A converted pig farm on the edge of Bodmin Moor becomes a registered charity with a vision to explore creativity through doing.
The Amphitheatre
An outdoor amphitheatre is built, bringing open-air theatre to the moor and cementing Sterts as a destination for audiences across Cornwall.
Canopy & Community
A canopy-covered performance space extends the season. Community programmes grow alongside the professional programme.
Queen's Award for Voluntary Service
Sterts receives the QAVS — the highest award given to voluntary groups — recognising the extraordinary dedication of our volunteer community.
The Renewably Powered Barn Theatre
A transformational year: the Barn Theatre opens powered by solar PV, battery storage and EV chargers. Dance, comedy, music and theatre return to the moor.
We Turn 40!
A landmark year of celebrations, community storytelling, and the Festival of Belonging — come be part of the next 40 years.
Funded Programmes
Our Work in the Community
Alongside our visiting programme, our funded projects support local adults and young people to engage with creativity and nature.
Rooted
A year-long project reconnecting Sterts with its founding purpose, centring local voices and building collaboration with schools and community groups. Leading to the Festival of Belonging on 22 May 2026.
Funded by Arts Council England
Root & Branch
Brings together young men to build confidence, reduce stress and increase social interaction in rural spaces. Working across our 4-acre site to build paths and tend the land.
Funded by National Lottery Community Fund Awards for All
Makes & Bakes
A new year-round creative project for adults. Each week, come together for shared making, conversation and cake. Perfect for local people interested in crafts and meeting new people.
Funded by the McCarthy Stone Foundation
Our Sterts, Our Stories
Inviting the community to explore and share stories of Sterts, leading to a new permanent heritage exhibition weaving personal memories with the natural and cultural heritage of the local area.
Supported by Cornwall National Landscape · Funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund
More on the Moor
Our homegrown programme raising vital funds to support technical skills development and the reinstatement of our community props and costume store.
Supported by Creative UK and Crowdfunder
2025 Impact
By the Numbers
Audience Members
Artists (200 Cornish)
Performances
Paid Freelance Hours
Workshops
Volunteer Hours
Participants
CO₂ Saved