Courses and workshops
expand your horizons and learn new skills
ON DEMAND
We run training on demand. If you're an individual and interested in one of the courses below get in touch. We'll let you know when we have enough people to run the course. If you'd like to book a course for your group or organisation click on the green button below and let us know what you're interested in. Our rates are flexible and vary according to group size. The income we generate helps us deliver activities for more disadvantaged individuals and groups. Check out our range of courses and workshops below.
Circular Economy Training Day
A fun, brain stretching, team building introduction
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Duration: Either two 3-hour sessions or one 6-hour day
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Get to grips with the circular economy. We'll start with the bigger vision and zoom in to see how it can help you/your organisation become resource efficient and environmentally informed while saving the planet!
We'll help you communicate sustainability achievements to your wider team and give you tools to identify creative approaches to lowering your carbon footprint. The training combines interactive theory and practical activities to engage mind and body.
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You'll learn:
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the five pillars of the circular economy;
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how to engage your team in developing new skills to identify collaborative solutions;
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how to measure your/your organisation's progress;
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tools to communicate your organisation's circular successes;
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inspiring examples of circular models, initiatives and practices.
Image courtesy of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation
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Through the Microscope
Embracing breakdown: fermentation, decomposition, digestion and transformation
The Roving Microscope and LEAP Micro AD create a unique opportunity to look inside Calthorpe’s anaerobic digester. A giant mechanical stomach, the digester produces a rich liquid fertiliser and biogas, recycling food waste from nearby households and cafes.
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During this workshop we will look through the microscope at the different biological communities that make this possible. We will also compare aerobic and anaerobic conditions in soil, compost and food.
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In the afternoon, We will look at fermentation, harnessing specific anaerobic bacteria in an amazing alchemy of vegetables.
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Become an Urban Food Grower 2.0
Learn to grow your own food in the city
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Duration: Choose from four 3-hour sessions or two 6-hour days
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Try out new skills in a friendly, relaxed, green environment. We will teach a combination of hands-on activities and theory in a well established food growing site with polytunnels and raised beds. We'll help you feel confident about growing your own food, flowers, herbs etc. An AQA accreditation is available on request (£20).
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You'll learn:
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how to grow and care for a range of crops from seed;
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harvesting and pruning tips;
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techniques you can use on your windowsill, balcony, garden, allotment or office;
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soil basics and what makes healthy soil;
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what to about about pests and diseases;
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Closed-loop food
Using micro anaerobic digestion and composting
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Duration: Either two 3-hour sessions or one 6-hour day
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Find out about the two ways to recycle organic waste - anaerobic digestion and aerobic composting. We will take a look at the processes that go on in a digester and composter to understand how each can benefit your soil. We'll explore how a localised approach to food, energy and waste can help reduce air pollution, carbon and methane emissions, and produce healthier, more nutritious food. We'll also discuss opportunities for hydroponics using the liquid digestate.
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You'll learn:
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the difference between aerobic and anaerobic breakdown;
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why the by-products from each process are complimentary;
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how to use digestate and compost to benefit soil health;
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the benefits of the closed-loop food approach;
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how to think circular inspired by innovative circular models, initiatives and practices.
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Hydrogen Utopia?
Exploring hydrogen as a clean energy source with hydrogen-stove cooking demonstration
Duration 2 hours - 1 day workshops
Join UK associate artist Nick Laessing for a conversation on energy utopias and the potential of hydrogen as a locally-produced sustainable energy source in an age of ecological and climatic emergencies.
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Nick will introduce his own research exploring our relationships with technology and usership in a time of planetary urgencies, followed by a demonstration of his hydrogen kitchen, with the chance to try some food cooked on its stove.
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Hydrogen kitchen is a work consisting of a water electrolysis system, that decomposes water into oxygen and hydrogen gas, and a specially-constructed gas stove. Made in collaboration with the Chemical Engineering department at University College London, it aims towards a low cost and open source alternative to conventional hydrogen systems.
