The Wild Things Course is an eight month exploration of British wild food and medicine plants growing in a variety of habitats through the seasons. It provides opportunities to gain confidence in low impact foraging, beginners botany and ecology, and to develop a sensory approach to using wild plants both as food and medicine. There will be a combination of theoretical sessions, practical remedy making tutorials and introductions to many different plant species which you are encouraged to go out and meet in person yourselves.

Increasingly today our food and medicine is flown to us from far regions of the globe. Health food shops are stocked with ‘superfoods’ from rare and diminishing habitats, and we are commonly offered endangered species like Arnica & Echinacea. We have lost our connection to our local bioregions, and with it all of the history and traditions that our landscape and the plants that grow there can offer us. This course is about re-connection & about building sustainable, healthful practices through a deepening relationship with our local ecosystems.

Course Outcomes:
Develop an understanding of the ethics and practice of ecological harvesting and gain confidence in ​low impact foraging
Try out recipes and ​ learn practical remedy making​ skills for home use
Learn about the edible and ​ medicinal properties of some of our common British plants​ and when to harvest them
Develop a ​sensory approach to herbal medicine
Beginners botany and ecology​ and the ability to confidently identify common species
Gain an understanding of how to live more harmoniously with the seasons

Read more or enroll here: https://coursecraft.net/c/wildthingsonline/splash

Do you long to deepen your connections to the world around you, exploring the precious mysteries and stories of life all around, awakening your curiosity and wonder…

How can we create a culture that supports that deep nature connection for ourselves, our friends and our families? Can we re-awaken the ‘village’ to help us to recognise and unlock our gifts, and our appreciation of nature, ourselves and each other?

In this experiential, connective weekend, we gently introduce the wisdom of the 8 Shields – a powerful model of nature connection and culture creation, that is inspired by the principles and practices observed in healthy, land-based cultures around the world.

With wild play, story telling, sit spots, singing, nature wanders and fireside time this weekend helps people connect more deeply to themselves, the world around them, and other people – developing inner and outer peace and deep connection.

Through embodying many regenerative, nature-based practices, participants will journey through the 8 Shields cycle and explore how we can re-member ‘the village’ and how we can live in Wholeness with ourselves, the communities we are part of, and the global community of all species.

The weekend is an experiential journey towards deep connection, and we also share the 8 Shields Map at the end of the weekend, so you can bring this back to your life, work and community afterwards.

The weekend is convened and facilitated by Peter Cow and Rebecca Card, who have been running similar weekends in the UK and around Europe since 2015. They will be supported by a team of inspiring cultural-healing and nature-connection facilitators. The weekend will be held in English with French translation where needed.

Nature Culture runs just before ‘Earth Culture‘ – a 4 day deep introduction to Permaculture, running 10th-14th August. You are really welcome to come to both events and stay over for the Sunday night in between.

Forest school provides a creative, fun and supportive environment for children to lead their own learning improving their confidence and self esteem, social skills, communication and physical skills knowledge. It also helps children develop an interest, understanding and respect for the natural environment.

This inspiring course will provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to design and run your own Forest School programmes that have the potential to transform the lives of the children you teach. The course is taught using a mixture of practical activities, games, reflection and creative presentations.

We have been running Forest School programmes at Scotswood Garden for 10 years and delivering training for the last 6 years. We are the only Forest School Association recognised provider in Tyne and Wear, and we recently won a national Outdoor Learning Award for our Breeze Forest School programme.

This Forest School Level 3 course is aimed at individuals who have a minimum Level 2 qualification in Youth Work, Childcare, Teaching or relevant experience in working with children.

The course runs over 10 days from June 2020 through to March 2021. The training days run from 9.30am - 5.30pm.
2020 dates: 11th, 12th, 25th & 26th June, 8th & 9th October
2021 dates: 11th, 12th, 18th & 19th March.

The cost of £790 per person, includes one year's membership of Forest School Association.

Feedback from course participants:
“An absolutely amazing journey that has opened my eyes, mind and soul to the benefits of Forest School”
“The trainers had a fantastic ability to put people at ease and support them on this incredible journey”
“The approach was very in keeping with the course and the content”
“Taught in a clear, supportive manner."

Permaculture is about fitting humans back into Nature and truly understanding that our bodies and how we live are part of the planetary system. Experience the cycling seasons at Foxfield by connecting to the ever-changing plants, trees and wildlife living here with a series of seasonal experiential days throughout the year. Each day will show how our bodies are receptors to the wisdom and intelligence in Nature, by using simple body focusing techniques anyone can learn. These days are available FREE to previous Emergence weekend workshop attendees (see website for details), to give on-going seasonal development ,or otherwise £25 per day, discounts for group or multiple bookings, concessions for low waged. Bring veggie lunch to share in the Roundhouse .

Permaculture is about fitting humans back into Nature and truly understanding that our bodies and how we live are part of the planetary system. Experience the cycling seasons at Foxfield by connecting to the ever-changing plants, trees and wildlife living here with a series of seasonal experiential days throughout the year. Each day will show how our bodies are receptors to the wisdom and intelligence in Nature, by using simple body focusing techniques anyone can learn. These days are available FREE to previous Emergence weekend workshop attendees (see website for details), to give on-going seasonal development ,or otherwise £25 per day, discounts for group or multiple bookings, concessions for low waged. Bring veggie lunch to share in the Roundhouse .

Permaculture is about fitting humans back into Nature and truly understanding that our bodies and how we live are part of the planetary system. Experience the cycling seasons at Foxfield by connecting to the ever-changing plants, trees and wildlife living here with a series of seasonal experiential days throughout the year. Each day will show how our bodies are receptors to the wisdom and intelligence in Nature, by using simple body focusing techniques anyone can learn. These days are available FREE to previous Emergence weekend workshop attendees (see website for details), to give on-going seasonal development ,or otherwise £25 per day, discounts for group or multiple bookings, concessions for low waged. Bring veggie lunch to share in the Roundhouse .

Get cosy in the Roundhouse in front of the log burner and weave a small basket made from materials cut from Foxfield garden including brambles! Bring packed lunch, refreshments provided. Places very limited so early booking essential. £30 per person.

A tour of Foxfield with an in-depth look at soil creation, wildlife gardening, habitat creation, using weeds to your advantage and understanding what weeds and other so-called ‘pests’ can tell you about your garden ecosystem balance. Mostly how to change your mind about problems and find the gardener/garden balance! £25 per person, discounts for group booking, concessions for low waged, please bring packed lunch.

Get the theory of why no-dig and the how to actually implement it when starting a permaculture veggie bed. Great for getting growing this season on a weedy patch or piece of lawn without killing off the life in your soil. £25, discounts for group bookings, concessions for low waged. Please bring packed lunch and warm clothes. Includes tour of Foxfield LAND Centre.

This course includes a tour of the gardens at Home on the Hill showcasing how permaculture principles and organic gardening practices are implemented here. Includes
notes, tea and flapjack.

Unfortunately the garden is not suitable for wheelchair users.