Short course in agroecology: The Agroecological Way

The Agroecological Way is a four day course that aims to introduce participants to the key principles of agroecology and grant first-hand insight to a broad range of agroecological enterprises in order to understand the key opportunities and challenges within the sector.

The course aims to get participants thinking like agroecological farmers, weighing up complex interactions within agro-ecosystems and considering their influence on farm management to balance productivity with regeneration.

As well as exploring agroecology as both a science and a practice, the course offers the opportunity to learn about the social and political aspects of the agroecological movement.

There will be farm-walks delving into the methods applied in the arable, livestock and horticulture enterprises at Tamarisk Farm, and a workshop on natural fibres using flax and wool produced on the farm.

We’ll also have some brilliant guest teachers joining us:

Sophie Holt from Pigment Organic Dyes will be running a session on natural dye production and therapeutic horticulture. She’ll share her experience of setting up a business which prioritises environmental care and social inclusion, and there will be a chance to have a go at some bundle-dying using the dye plants that Sophie grows.

Ellen Rignell from Winnow Farm Seeds will be joining us to deliver a session exploring the politics and practice of seed-saving.

Emma Cardwell from Lancaster University will be facilitating a new political training module that’s been developed with the Landworkers’ Alliance, which explores the social justice questions at the heart of the agroecological movement.

And, because so much of the reason for choosing the agroecological way of farming is to ensure that other species can thrive on the land, there will also be the opportunity to get to know some of the wonderful plants and creatures of Tamarisk Farm, with the chance to join us for a wildflower walk, birdwatching, and barn owl scouting as optional extras.

Fully-funded and part-funded places available.
Early bird: £395 (available until March 17th)
Standard: £425