Courses & Events

Courses // Retreats // Workshops // Events

Sign up here for (very) occasional updates on courses and events.

Throughout the year – volunteer work days on Bwlch Corog, the Cambrian Wildwood restoration site. Usually the last Saturday of the month. See here for more info.

2023

1-DAY FORAGING & WILD FOOD COURSES // Dates throughout Spring/Summer
Dynyn Housing Co-op, nr Machynlleth, West Wales

A one-day foray into the incredible wild abundance of Dynyn Housing Co-operative! We’ll cover a wide range of edible plants including ground flora and trees, how to identify them, where to find them, and their nutritional and medicinal properties. We’ll explore deeper elements of foraging – reciprocity, deep connection, sustainable harvesting and principles of regenerative foraging. We’ll also touch on poisonous plants, legalities, methods of preserving, cooking and preparing, and enjoy munching on what we find! BYO packed lunch – I will provide a wild salad, supplementary wild foods and wild teas.

Coastal foraging dates and info TBC – probably June/July!

Details:
● Dates: Bank Holiday Friday April 7^th / Saturday 20th May / Wednesday 7^th June / Saturday 17^th June (possibly more TBC)
● 10am – 3pm
● Cost: £45 concession / £55 standard / £65 solidarity
● Location: Dynyn Housing Co-operative, Eglwys Fach SY20 8TF (involves ten min walk from car parking – 4×4 transport available for those that need it)
● To book: contact me here to book, Paypal.me/KaraMoses for payment

Workshop: INTRODUCTION TO WILDLIFE TRACKING // Saturday 1 April 2023 10am-4pm
Ynys Las Nature Reserve, nr Machynlleth, West Wales

We’ll explore the basics of tracking  through a variety of fun and accessible learning methods, covering basic principles, track features, how to find and identify tracks and signs of different animals. We’ll explore Ynys Las sand dunes and discover who lives there by looking at real life examples, and you’ll have the chance to make your own plaster cast of a track to take home and keep. For adults and interested children aged 12 years and upwards. Call 01970 872901 or email: ynyslas@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk to book. Facebook event here.

Workshop: QUEER ECOLOGY // Sunday 12 February 2023 10am-5pm
Machynlleth, West Wales

Experimental workshop exploring ideas around queer ecology – a critical lens that challenges normative categories of nature/culture, natural/unnatural and heteronormativity within ecology more broadly. It draws upon queer theory’s critique of gender- and sex-based hierarchies and applies this approach to ecological and evolutionary thinking. Exploring these topics opens up questions about many categories of human identity, physiology and life experience that are used to discriminate and oppress people. How can these ideas support unlearning of oppressive supremacy-based systems and embracing of diversity in our communities? This is a test bed for new content so feedback will form part of the day. Donations appreciated (suggested £5) to cover costs. Open to adults (18+) of all genders and sexualities. Book here

Training for trainers: FROM THE ROOTS UP T4T// Sunday 22 -30 April 2023
Devon, UK

Exploring the power of radical nature connection and ecological learning for collective action. In collaboration with Toni Spencer and G (Ulex Project). This Training for Trainers aims to support trainers, facilitators and educators who want to use nature-based and eco-systemic approaches of education and facilitation for activists and change makers seeking to empower defence of the earth and struggles for social justice. Those of us who practice such work know how deeply transformative it can be and how it can offer insight, healing, connection and deep shifts in perspective. What can we do to make it more effective and powerful as a stimulus and support to social and ecological action and the deeper transformations needed? For those of us facilitating social and political change making, how do we weave a more embedded, participatory and ecological understanding into our work? And how do we ensure that when working with these ecological and nature-based modalities we don’t inadvertently repeat the patterns of harm we’re trying to change? More info & booking

Course: WILD LIVING CAMP // 27th-31st July date
Cambrian Wildwood, nr. Machynlleth, West Wales

Join us around the campfire to learn skills for living and thriving in the wild. Much more than survival skills, this is about deep connection with nature, treading lightly upon the Earth and remembering our ancestral ways. Stepping out of the distractions and trappings of the modern world, we’ll form a temporary tribe and learn the ancient craft of creating fire with hands and friction, how to read the landscape, how to find and process wild food and medicine, and craft with our hands using foraged wild materials. Around a flickering fire under the stars, we’ll share stories and reflect on the human journey and our place in today’s unique times. Booking here

Wild Living camps are made up of six key elements (activities vary with the seasons):

These Wild Living camps are made up of six key elements:

• • Wild food: learn to identify, responsibly harvest, process and preserve the wild foods the land has to offer based on regenerative foraging and indigenous principles
  • Wild medicine: learn to identify, responsibly harvest, process and preserve the wild medicines available to us from the plant world for healing everyday ailments.
  • Craft: learn how to use foraged wild materials to make all sorts of useful and beautiful items such as spoons, bowls, baskets, string, rope, bags, and whatever else a need arises for in the camp!
  • Skills: learn essential skills for being outdoors in connection and comfort, such as ancient ways of creating fire with hands and friction and natural tinder, finding water, stealth skills, how to read the landscape through identifying plants and tracks & signs of animals to interpreting bird language
  • Deep nature connection: connect deeply with the world around us using sensory awareness, play and nature awareness techniques
  • Community: live together in a temporary tribe, remembering ancestral ways of relating to each other and being in the world. Share stories and ideas around a flickering campfire, and remember what it is to be humanBooking for the Wild Living Camp here

Course: SOULFUL CONNECTION WITH TREES // 6-8 October 2023

Schumacher College, Devon

Trees have always held a special place in human culture as sources of not only food, fuel and practical use but creative inspiration, mythic symbolism and spiritual significance. Have you ever wondered if trees can communicate, and how? Or how they grow, and what their shape tells us about their lives? Over this weekend we’ll connect deeply with trees in diverse ways, from learning to identify species and understanding basic tree biology to intimate sensory experience and deep soulful connection. We’ll learn about their uses and services, myths and folklore associated with them and cultivate a whole new appreciation for our wooded friends. More info & booking

2022

1 day workshop: INTRODUCTION TO WILDLIFE TRACKING // Saturday 2 July 2022 10am-4pm
Ynys Las Nature Reserve, nr Machynlleth, West Wales

We’ll explore the basics of tracking  through a variety of fun and accessible learning methods, covering basic principles, track features, how to find and identify tracks and signs of different animals. We’ll explore Ynys Las sand dunes and discover who lives there by looking at real life examples, and you’ll have the chance to make your own plaster cast of a track to take home and keep. This course is aimed at adults but accessible for interested children aged 12 years and upwards. Call 01970 872901 to book.

1 day workshop: SPRINGTIME FORAGING FORAY // Saturday 28 May 2022 10am-4pm
Dynyn Housing Co-op, nr Machynlleth, West Wales

Covering a range of edible plants and trees; identification; nutritional & medicinal properties; preserving and preparing; sustainable harvesting; reciprocity, deep connection, and regenerative foraging. Munch on wild salad and other delights! £45 concession / £55 standard / £65 solidarity | Book here

Talk: Rewilding the land and ourselves within a radical political framework // 21 February 2022 7-9pm

Online with Resurgence Trust

An expansive exploration of rewilding land, body, mind and spirit. How can we contribute to resilient landscapes in the face of climate change and the Anthropocene? How can we be inspired by the correlations between inner and outer ecologies? How can Indigenous wisdom psychologically rewild us, re-sacralise our lives and our relationship with the Earth? A series of conversations, hosted by Pete Yeo, reconciliation ecologist and Nature connections guide. Book here. 

Course: SPRINGTIME FORAGING FORAY // Saturday 9 April 2022 10am-4pm
Dynyn Housing Co-op, nr Machynlleth, West Wales

Covering a range of edible plants and trees; identification; nutritional & medicinal properties; preserving and preparing; sustainable harvesting; reciprocity, deep connection, and regenerative foraging. Munch on wild salad and other delights! £40 concession / £50 standard / £60 solidarity | Book here

Course: WILD LIVING CAMP // 10-14 March and 4-8 August 2022
Cambrian Wildwood, nr. Machynlleth, West Wales

Join us around the campfire to learn skills for living and thriving in the wild. Much more than survival skills, this is about deep connection with nature, treading lightly upon the Earth and remembering our ancestral ways. Stepping out of the distractions and trappings of the modern world, we’ll form a temporary tribe and learn the ancient craft of creating fire with hands and friction, how to read the landscape, how to find and process wild food and medicine, and craft with our hands using foraged wild materials. Around a flickering fire under the stars, we’ll share stories and reflect on the human journey and our place in today’s unique times.
Wild Living camps are made up of six key elements (activities vary with the seasons):

These Wild Living camps are made up of six key elements:

• • Wild food: learn to identify, responsibly harvest, process and preserve the wild foods the land has to offer based on regenerative foraging and indigenous principles
  • Wild medicine: learn to identify, responsibly harvest, process and preserve the wild medicines available to us from the plant world for healing everyday ailments.
  • Craft: learn how to use foraged wild materials to make all sorts of useful and beautiful items such as spoons, bowls, baskets, string, rope, bags, and whatever else a need arises for in the camp!
  • Skills: learn essential skills for being outdoors in connection and comfort, such as ancient ways of creating fire with hands and friction and natural tinder, finding water, stealth skills, how to read the landscape through identifying plants and tracks & signs of animals to interpreting bird language
  • Deep nature connection: connect deeply with the world around us using sensory awareness, play and nature awareness techniques
  • Community: live together in a temporary tribe, remembering ancestral ways of relating to each other and being in the world. Share stories and ideas around a flickering campfire, and remember what it is to be human.

More info here, and you can book a place here. 

Course: SOULFUL CONNECTION WITH TREES // 22-24 April (fully booked) and 16-18 Sep 2022

Schumacher College, Totnes

In collaboration with Robin Bowman. Trees have always held a special place in human culture as sources of not only food, fuel and practical use but creative inspiration, mythic symbolism and spiritual significance. Have you ever wondered if trees can communicate, and how? Or how they grow, and what their shape tells us about their lives? Over this weekend we’ll connect deeply with trees in diverse ways, from learning to identify species and understanding basic tree biology to intimate sensory experience and deep soulful connection. We’ll learn about their uses and services, myths and folklore associated with them and cultivate a whole new appreciation for our wooded friends. More info & booking

Course: ROOTS OF RESILIENCE: Nature connection for social change // October 5-12 2022 
Ulex, Catalunya

In collaboration with May Mackeith // This course aims to build personal and collective resilience for anyone working for social change: those involved in direct action, campaigning, community empowerment and any action addressing ecological, political and social justice issues. Resilience is all about connection: Deeper connection with our self, with each other, and with nature. Connection with wild nature is an important aid to developing an ecological sensibility and sense of belonging within the web of life. This can support action towards a sustainable future for all. These experiences can be nourishing, enriching, and can demand that we radically re-orientate our sense of who and what we are. Participants will spend time out in the wilds of the Pyrenees, connecting with the teachings nature offers. We’ll use tools such as mindfulness and meditation, bushcraft, nature based education, ecological and evolutionary learning, and solo time in wild nature. More info and booking.

Course: FROM THE ROOTS UP: The power of Radical Nature Connection for collective change// December 5-11 2022 
Koln, Germany

In collaboration with Ulex and Toni Spencer // A workshop-lab for socio-ecological change practitioners, educators, and trainers seeking to empower defence of the earth and struggles for social justice. As we witness the global system of industrial growth-based production collide with non-negotiable ecological limits, the need for collective action in defence of the earth and social justice has never been clearer. We are interested in how nature connection, ecopsychology, and ecological education can all play a part. Those of us who practice such work know how deeply transformative it can be and how it can offer insight, healing, connection and deep shifts in perspective. What can we do to make it more effective and powerful as a stimulus and support to social and ecological action? And how do we ensure that when working with these ecological and nature-based modalities we don’t inadvertently repeat the patterns of harm we’re trying to change?

• How can we ensure that the transformative power of this kind of education carries people beyond personal concern to strategic organising and action?
• What are the implications of integrating radical analyses of structural power with eco-educational work?

Join us on this part-training, part lab to find out. More info and how to apply.

Archive – previous courses and events

2021

Course: SOULFUL CONNECTION WITH TREES // 4-6 June 2021

NEW DATE ADDED: 15-17 October 2021

Schumacher College, Totnes

In collaboration with Robin Bowman. Trees have always held a special place in human culture as sources of not only food, fuel and practical use but creative inspiration, mythic symbolism and spiritual significance. Have you ever wondered if trees can communicate, and how? Or how they grow, and what their shape tells us about their lives? Over this weekend we’ll connect deeply with trees in diverse ways, from learning to identify species and understanding basic tree biology to intimate sensory experience and deep soulful connection. We’ll learn about their uses and services, myths and folklore associated with them and cultivate a whole new appreciation for our wooded friends. More info & booking

Course: WILD LIVING CAMP // 29 July – 2 August 2021
Cambrian Wildwood, nr. Machynlleth, West Wales

In collaboration with Michael Wachter. Join us around the campfire this summer to learn skills for living and thriving in the wild. Much more than survival skills, this is about deep connection with nature, treading lightly upon the Earth and remembering our ancestral ways. Stepping out of the distractions and trappings of the modern world, we’ll form a temporary tribe and learn the ancient craft of creating fire with hands and friction, how to read the landscape, how to find and process wild food and medicine, and craft with our hands using foraged wild materials. Around a flickering fire under the stars, we’ll share stories and reflect on the human journey and our place in today’s unique times.
Wild Living camps are made up of five key elements (activities vary with the seasons):
• Wild food: identify, responsibly harvest, process and preserve the wild foods the land has to offer based on regenerative foraging and indigenous principles
• Wild medicine: identify, responsibly harvest, process and preserve the wild medicines available to us from the plant world for healing everyday ailments.
• Craft: use foraged wild materials to make all sorts of useful and beautiful items such as: spoons, bowls, baskets, string, rope, bags, fishing nets, jewellery…
• Skills: learn essential skills to survive and thrive in the wild, such as fire-making with friction and natural tinders, identifying tracks & signs of animals, plant ID, interpreting bird language, stealth skills, natural shelter building and tool use
• Community: live together in a temporary tribe, remembering ancestral ways of relating and being in the world.
More information & booking.

Course:

SOULFUL CONNECTION WITH TREES:  // 27-29 September 2021
Schumacher College, Totnes

In collaboration with Robin Bowman … Another iteration of this incredibly popular course sue to popular demand! Trees have always held a special place in human culture as sources of not only food, fuel and practical use but creative inspiration, mythic symbolism and spiritual significance. Have you ever wondered if trees can communicate, and how? Or how they grow, and what their shape tells us about their lives? Over this weekend we’ll connect deeply with trees in diverse ways, from learning to identify species and understanding basic tree biology to intimate sensory experience and deep soulful connection. We’ll learn about their uses and services, myths and folklore associated with them and cultivate a whole new appreciation for our wooded friends. More info & booking

2020

Course: INTRODUCTION TO REWILDING: Principles and practices of ecological restoration // 22-25 February 2020
Centre for Alternative Technology, Machynlleth

This course, the first of its kind, will give an introduction and broad overview of the basic principles and practices of rewilding and ecological restoration, to enable you to understand how these might be applied in your own context – be that as a landowner, conservationist or local campaigner. Tutors include Mick Green and Steve Carver from Rewilding Britain and the Wildland Research Institute.  More info & booking

Course: RESTORATION AND REWILDING // 9-13 March 2020
Centre for Alternative Technology, Machynlleth

This course is one of the modules for the exciting new MSc program at CAT, MSc Sustainability and Ecology. We will cover a broad overview of restoration ecology and rewilding, including site visits. More details coming soon.

Course: SUSTAINING THE CLIMATE MOVEMENT // 18-26 April 2020
Ulex Centre, Catalunya

Climate Justice organising faces high rates of burnout. The scale of the challenge, the emotional impact of the climate reality, and the power of opposition can be overwhelming, depleting, and demotivating. At a time of growing movement power and significant shifts in public narrative, spaces for reflection and analysis are crucial for the climate justice movement to make the most of the opportunities and to strategise to overcome new challenges. How can our groups and organisations integrate these practices and perspectives effectively? As our movement grows, how will we avoid the failures and errors of the past? How will we build a massive movement that is truly regenerative and resilient enough to see this through? More info & booking

Course: TRACKING THE SACRED: Natural Mystery inside and out // 27 April – 1 May 2020
Schumacher College, Totnes

In collaboration with Robin Bowman. Dive into natural wonder and mystery, tracking inner and outer landscapes, blurring their boundaries as we merge into the interconnected whole. Mixing practical techniques for interpreting the natural world with nature-based spirituality, this course is about connecting with the sacred within creation. It is about developing a deep connection and understanding of the natural world and ourselves. Together we’ll learn how to read animal tracks and signs and understand the complex, secret language of birds – doorways leading into a hidden world of drama and mystery, and deeper communion with the natural world. These techniques cultivate a deep nature connection and empathy with the more-than-human world, awakening ancestral instincts, rooting us in the earth.   More info and booking.

Course: BECOMING ANIMAL // 8-12 June 2020
Embercombe, Devon

More details TBC!

Course: SOULFUL CONNECTION WITH TREES // 24-26 July 2020
Schumacher College, Totnes

In collaboration with Robin Bowman. Trees have always held a special place in human culture as sources of not only food, fuel and practical use but creative inspiration, mythic symbolism and spiritual significance. Have you ever wondered if trees can communicate, and how? Or how they grow, and what their shape tells us about their lives? Over this weekend we’ll connect deeply with trees in diverse ways, from learning to identify species and understanding basic tree biology to intimate sensory experience and deep soulful connection. We’ll learn about their uses and services, myths and folklore associated with them and cultivate a whole new appreciation for our wooded friends.

Course: ROOTS OF RESILIENCE: Nature connection for social change // September 2020 (exact dates TBC)
Ecodharma Centre, Catalunya

In collaboration with May Mackeith // This course aims to build personal resilience for anyone working for social change: those involved in direct action, campaigning, community empowerment and any action addressing ecological, political and social justice issues. Resilience is all about connection: Deeper connection with our self, with each other, and with nature. Connection with wild nature is an important aid to developing an ecological sensibility and sense of belonging within the web of life. This can support action towards a sustainable future for all. These experiences can be nourishing, enriching, and can demand that we radically re-orientate our sense of who and what we are. Participants will spend time out in the wilds in the stunning limestone valley the Ecodharma sits within, connecting with the teachings nature offers. We’ll use tools such as mindfulness and meditation, bushcraft, nature based education, ecological and evolutionary learning, and solo time in wild nature. More info and booking.

More 2020 dates TBC, including:

• Nature Skills for Direct Action
• Tracking & Bird Language
• Restoration & Rewilding

Watch this space or sign up here for occasional updates.

2019

Throughout the year – volunteer work days on Bwlch Corog, land recently acquired for rewilding as part of the Cambrian Wildwood. See here for more info. Usually the last Saturday of the month.

Conference session Chair: Farm-scale Rewilding and the launch of a UK Rewilding Network  // Oxford Real Farming Conference  // 3-4 January 2019
Oxford Town Hall

In this session we will discuss the benefits of farm-scale rewilding to farming, rural communities and biodiversity, and how it fits in with landscape-scale rewilding. We will hear from people on the ground who are putting this into practise already and can talk about the benefits and challenges these approaches offer. We will launch a network of land managers who wish to implement these approaches, inviting input from those interested as to what this might look like.  Tickets here

Training: PARTICIPATORY FACILITATION: Tools for inclusive spaces //  1-2 February 2019
St Ethelburga’s Centre for Reconciliation & Peace, London

Whether our focus is education, action or training, working in ways that inspire, engage and empower people without leaving anyone behind will make our groups more effective. How can we facilitate group spaces that encourage participation, maximise engagement and include marginal voices? This two-day training focuses on participatory tools for group work and explores how we can create more inclusive spaces for diverse groups. Suitable for facilitators, educators, trainers, activists, change makers, workshop leaders, and anyone who works with groups with an interest in participatory methods. More info & booking

Interactive panel discussion: Radical wellbeing: How can we best care for ourselves and the world?  // 12 February 2019
42 Acres Shoreditch, London

We are living in rapidly changing times. How can we take radical action to better care for the world, while also caring for ourselves? Join the Network of Wellbeing (NOW) and Advaya Initiative for an eveningwith an inspiring panel of changemakers. Together we will explore what mindfulness, wellbeing and happiness have to do with changing the world. More info and booking.

Public talk: HUMANS AS HYPERKEYSTONE SPECIES: Rewilding, Reciprocity and Sacred Ecology  // 20 February 2019
Winchester University

Part of the series of talks Altering the Nature of the World: Decentralising Humanity. ‘Keystone species’ have a disproportionately large effect on their environment, often creating habitat for other species. A key element of rewilding is restoring these species where they have been lost. As influencers of other keystone species, humans could be described as a ‘hyperkeystone species’. We currently destroy more habitat than we create, but in reversing this we can find a reciprocal process of healing and well-being for both land and people. This talk will explore the positive role humans can have on ecosystems and the role of reciprocity and sacred ecology in rewilding. Book tickets.

Speaking event: SACRED REBELLION: Inner life, activism and our future  // 9 March
St Ethelburga’s Centre for Reconciliation & Peace, London

Sacred rebellion speaks to the simple recognition that unless we unite practical action with spiritual practice and values, radical change is impossible. What is the role of our connection to the sacred in activism, ecology and community? What are new ways of being and doing that reflect this in practice? This one day gathering brings together change-makers to explore the role of spirituality in community, activism and ecology. How can our social movements unite spiritual practice with practical action for deep change in a time of crisis? Join us to explore these questions through a mixture of discussions, workshops, reflective practice and artistic performance. More info & booking.

Course: TRACKING THE SACRED: Natural Mystery inside and out // 25-29 March 2019
Schumacher College, Totnes

In collaboration with Robin Bowman. Dive into natural wonder and mystery, tracking inner and outer landscapes, blurring their boundaries as we merge into the interconnected whole. Mixing practical techniques for interpreting the natural world with nature-based spirituality, this course is about connecting with the sacred within creation. It is about developing a deep connection and understanding of the natural world and ourselves. Together we’ll learn how to read animal tracks and signs and understand the complex, secret language of birds – doorways leading into a hidden world of drama and mystery, and deeper communion with the natural world. These techniques cultivate a deep nature connection and empathy with the more-than-human world, awakening ancestral instincts, rooting us in the earth. Booking deadline 12 Feb.  More info and booking.

Conference panel & workshop: REGENERATIVE ACTIVISM  & THE ECOLOGY OF MOVEMENTS //  6 April
Rich Mix, London

The future of sustainability is regeneration, of our inner and outer worlds. Join 18 of the UK’s leading activists to explore not only how to avoid “burn out” but how we can act in a way that becomes a source of flourishing for ourselves and others. The day will be split into 4 sections to explore what “regenerative activism” means at the personal, organisational and movement levels of change making. I’ll be speaking on the ‘Deeper Resources for Action’ panel and running a workshop: ‘Rewilding Activism’. Pay-as-you-can tickets here.

Course: WILDLIFE TRACKING AND BIRD LANGUAGE  //  20-22 April 2019
Centre for Alternative Technology, Machynlleth

When we learn to interpret the natural world, a hidden world of drama and mystery is revealed. The complex vocal communication system of birds reveals moments of life, death, sex, and conflict happening in a landscape in real time. Intimate details of the lives of rarely seen wild animals are written in the landscape for those that can read them. Observing and interpreting nature in this way is one of the most powerful ways to connect with nature, fostering a deep empathy, respect and sense of belonging. More info & booking here.

Course: NATURE CONNECTION: Rewilding ourselves // 18-20 May
Centre for Alternative Technology, Machynlleth

A one to three-day course (1/2/3 day options) at an affordable rate starting from £35/day. After the Winter rain has nourished the land and (hopefully!) eased, the Dyfi valley bursts into Spring singing and dancing. We’ll spend the weekend deepening our awareness of nature and our connection to it. More info & booking

Course: CONNECTING WITH TREES  //  15-16 June 2019
Centre for Alternative Technology, Machynlleth

Trees have always held a special place in human culture as sources of not only practical use and planetary health but creative inspiration, mythic symbolism and spiritual significance. Have you ever wondered if they can communicate, and how? Or how they grow, and what their shape tells us about their lives? Or how to identify different species without even looking at the leaves, and what their presence might tell us about the soil, water or other living beings in the surrounding landscape? Or even what it feels like to be a tree?! Over this weekend we’ll connect deeply with trees in diverse ways, from learning to identify species and understanding tree biology to intimate sensory experience and deep soulful connection. We’ll learn about their uses and services, myths and folklore associated with them and cultivate a whole new appreciation for our wooded friends. More info and booking.

Course: WILDLIFE TRACKING AND BIRD LANGUAGE  //  29 June – 1 July 2019
Centre for Alternative Technology, Machynlleth

When we learn to interpret the natural world, a hidden world of drama and mystery is revealed. The complex vocal communication system of birds reveals moments of life, death, sex, and conflict happening in a landscape in real time. Intimate details of the lives of rarely seen wild animals are written in the landscape for those that can read them. Observing and interpreting nature in this way is one of the most powerful ways to connect with nature, fostering a deep empathy, respect and sense of belonging. More info & booking here.

Course: INTRODUCTION TO REWILDING: Principles and practices of ecological restoration // 20-23 July 2019
Centre for Alternative Technology, Machynlleth

This course, the first of its kind, will give an introduction and broad overview of the basic principles and practices of rewilding and ecological restoration, to enable you to understand how these might be applied in your own context – be that as a landowner, conservationist or local campaigner. Tutors include Mick Green and Steve Carver from Rewilding Britain and the Wildland Research Institute.  More info & booking

Course: ENGAGED BUDDHIST TRAINING: Empowering transformation // 1-15 Sep 2019 
Ecodharma Centre, Catalunya

In our times, personal and social transformation are intimately bound together. As climate change, peak oil and economic precarity articulate the endgame of this industrial growth era, spiritual practice that fails to face these conditions runs the risk of falling into narcissistic escapism. Meanwhile, attempts to engage with these social and ecological conditions need to be resourced by deep awareness, self-knowledge, and emotional intelligence. As they say, “Wisdom without action is lame, and action without wisdom is blind.” So, this is a training for people who are awake to the needs and opportunities of our times, offering tools that integrate the inner dimensions of personal transformation with practical skills in organising, community building, and designing effective strategies for social transformation. It brings together the best in activist education with Dharma based practice, to simultaneously empower personal and interpersonal change. More info and booking.

Course: ROOTS OF RESILIENCE: Nature connection for empowering social change // 21-23 Sep 2019 
Ecodharma Centre, Catalunya

In collaboration with May Mackeith and Rupert Marques // This course aims to build personal resilience for anyone working for social change: those involved in direct action, campaigning, community empowerment and any action addressing ecological, political and social justice issues. Resilience is all about connection: Deeper connection with our self, with each other, and with nature. Connection with wild nature is an important aid to developing an ecological sensibility and sense of belonging within the web of life, which can support action towards a sustainable future for all. These experiences can be nourishing, enriching, and can demand that we radically re-orientate our sense of who and what we are. Participants will spend time out in the wilds in the stunning limestone valley the Ecodharma sits within, connecting with the teachings nature offers. We’ll use tools such as mindfulness and meditation, bushcraft, nature based education, ecological and evolutionary learning, and solo time in wild nature. More info and booking.

Course: TOOLS TO IMAGINE A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE // 11-15 Nov
Centre for Alternative Technology, Machynlleth

Learn how developing and exploring future scenarios can become an on-going and creative part of your transformative practice towards sustainability. In a week long, group based activity with the CAT Graduate School of the Environment, we will ask you to develop some provocative responses to the uncertainties of the future. We will ask you to imaginatively embrace uncertainty and take part in the creation of diverse futures. This activity is based on the ‘critical uncertainties’ approach to futuring: a tool that encourages futures literacy in a trans-disciplinary and cooperative environment. The week includes a lecture on nature connection theory and supported  daily practice, exploring the role of our relationship with the natural world in sustainability and adaptation as well as a tool for personal resilience in dealing with ‘wicked problems’ like climate change. More info & booking

More dates TBC! Sign up here for updates. 

****************

2018

Throughout the year – volunteer work days on Bwlch Corog, land recently acquired for rewilding as part of the Cambrian Wildwood. I’ll be leading some – see here for more info.

REWILDING THE MIND: Perceptual transformation for social change // 29 Jan – 2 Feb 
Schumacher College, Devon

This course is about change at the most fundamental of levels: fully inhabiting the wildness of our attention, day to day. Through practising a more connected and sensual attention we can subtly but radically change the quality and depth of seeing, being – and ultimately of acting. In communion with the living world, we will gently expand and enrich our awareness, deepen our relationship with the more-than-human world and explore the role of skillful perception and embodied nature connection in wider social change. Book here.

SPIRITUAL ECOLOGY: New principles for addressing the ecological crisis // 24-25 Feb 2018
St Ethelburga’s Centre for Reconciliation & Peace, London

The calling for us to reconcile our relationship with the Earth, our common home which is in deep crisis, could not be more urgent. Moving beyond mainstream approaches, spiritual values can provide the foundation from which to respond and rebuild, and create real and lasting change. Join us for this special two day workshop!

REWILDING OURSELVES: Deepening our nature connection // 17-19 March
Centre for Alternative Technology, Machynlleth

A one to three-day course (1/2/3 day options) at an affordable rate starting from £35/day. After the Winter rain has nourished the land and (hopefully!) eased, the Dyfi valley bursts into Spring singing and dancing. We’ll spend the weekend deepening our awareness of nature and our connection to it. More info & booking.

This course runs again 23-25 June, and possibly again in late Summer (let me know if you’d be interested). 

FIND YOUR PURPOSE: Stories of overcoming adversity to live a life of meaning // Sunday 15th April 3pm
St Ethelburga’s Centre for Reconciliation & Peace, London

Do you long to make a difference? In a world where there is so much need and so many possibilities, how do we choose the best channel for our talents?   How can we discern where to direct our efforts to achieve the most positive impact? And what can we learn from those who have successfully overcome adversity to forge a life of purpose? Join us for an afternoon of inspiration and enquiry: Listen to the stories of three extraordinary young leaders who have overcome challenges and chosen very different ways to put their spirituality into action; share your own stories and engage in dialogue with people from a wide range of backgrounds, faiths and spiritual beliefs; try out a process for engaging more deeply with your own purpose and direction. Book here. 

SPIRITUAL ECOLOGY: reviving a sacred and interconnected world // 18-20 May,
42 Acres, Somerset

In collaboration with Amrita Bhohi of St Ethelburga’s // This nature-based weekend retreat will be shaped around the core enquiry of what it means to integrate spiritual values with real-world action for physical and spiritual regeneration. Through experiential tools, group discussion, personal reflection, nature connection and inspiring input, we will explore the inner and outer dimensions of Spiritual Ecology. We’ll deepen our relationship with the Earth together as a group and in quiet solitude. We’ll share space and time as a community, cooking, eating, walking and meditating together. With this grounding, we will develop our experience of the principles, practices and project application of this new and ancient worldview of interconnectedness. More info and booking here.

REWILDING CITY LIFE: the wilderness beneath the concrete  //  evening workshop  //  12 June, 6pm-9.30pm
St Ethelburga’s, London

How can we connect to the natural world in the midst of urban life? How can this connection support our resilience, well-being and work for positive change? What does a spiritual connection to the Earth look like in the context of our highly urbanised contemporary Western culture? This workshop will explore these broad themes through experiential nature connection and spiritual ecology practices, discussion and reflection. More info / booking.

REWILDING OURSELVES: Deepening our nature connection // 23-25 June
Centre for Alternative Technology, Machynlleth

A one to three-day course (1/2/3 day options) at an affordable rate starting from £35/day. Come and play in the abundant Dyfi valley. We’ll spend the weekend deepening our awareness of nature and our connection to it – learning bird language, tracking, stealth and tapping into our ancestral blueprint. More info & booking.

REWILDING SPIRITUALITY: a spiritual exploration of our connection to the natural world // WEEKEND EXPLORATION 29 June-1 July
Nr. Machynlleth, Wales

After the success of the 2017 retreat on the same theme, I will be running a similar (but hopefully even better!) weekend retreat. Through meditation and reflection, discussion, ritual, experiential activities and play, together we will live simply as a community and explore what a spiritual connection with the earth means for each of us and how we can bring this into our daily lives. We’ll spend our time in a stunning Welsh valley in the process of rewilding, at Dynyn of Feral fame. This retreat is for people of any or no particular spiritual tradition who want to bring the Earth more explicitly into their practice, as well as those without any formal practice who wish to explore nature-based spirituality. Facilities will be simple – accommodation is camping only (but do get in touch if this is restrictive for you, there may be some limited indoor space for those with particular needs). Income-dependent suggested donation £150-200 (but get in touch if finances are a barrier). BOOK HERE 

SPIRITUAL ECOLOGY: Training the trainers // 13-17 July
Brecon, Wales

Delivered as part of St Ethelburga’s 2018 Spiritual Ecology program. Open only to successful applicants

INTRODUCTION TO REWILDING: Principles and practices of ecological restoration // 20-24 July
Centre for Alternative Technology, Machynlleth

Building on the success of the 2017 course, this course will include a similar three-day introduction and then also a two day Going Deeper option for those who have completed the introductory days (2017 or 2018). The course will give an introduction and broad overview of the basic principles and practices of rewilding and ecological restoration, to enable you to understand how these might be applied in your own context – be that as a landowner, conservationist or local campaigner. Tutors include Mick Green and Steve Carver from Rewilding Britain and the Wildland Research Institute. More info & booking.

REWILDING SPIRITUALITY #2: a spiritual exploration of our connection to the natural world // 5-DAY IMMERSION 17-21 August
Nr Machynlleth, Wales

Building on the success of the 2017 retreat, I will be running a longer (5-day) retreat  to take this exploration deeper. Through meditation and reflection, discussion, ritual, experiential activities and play, together we will live simply as a community and explore what a spiritual connection with the earth means for each of us and how we can bring this into our daily lives. We’ll work on the land, helping it to rewild by planting trees and exploring the inseparability of rewilding land and ourselves. Held in a stunning wild valley in West Wales, the newly acquired site of the Cambrian Wildwood, there will options to camp or stay in a barn. This retreat is for people of any or no particular spiritual tradition who want to bring the Earth more explicitly into their practice, as well as those without any formal practice who wish to explore nature-based spirituality. Income-dependent suggested donation £250-470 (but get in touch if finances are a barrier).  BOOK HERE

EMPOWERED ACTIVISM // 13-14 Oct 2018
Hawkwood College, Nr Stroud

In collaboration with Andy Raingold // A nature-based weekend to build personal resilience for anyone working for social change. More details coming soon. Book here.

ROOTS OF RESILIENCE: Nature connection for empowering social change // 31 Oct – 10 Nov 2018
Ecodharma Centre, Catalunya

In collaboration with May Mackeith and Rupert Marques // This course aims to build personal resilience for anyone working for social change: those involved in direct action, campaigning, community empowerment and any action addressing ecological, political and social justice issues.

Resilience is all about connection: Deeper connection with our self, with each other, and with nature. Connection with wild nature is an important aid to developing an ecological sensibility and sense of belonging within the web of life. This can support action towards a sustainable future for all. These experiences can be nourishing, enriching, and can demand that we radically re-orientate our sense of who and what we are. Participants will spend time out in the wilds in the stunning limestone valley the Ecodharma sits within, connecting with the teachings nature offers. We’ll use tools such as mindfulness and meditation, bushcraft, nature based education, ecological and evolutionary learning, and solo time in wild nature. More info and booking.

TOOLS TO IMAGINE A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE // 12-17 Nov
Centre for Alternative Technology, Machynlleth

Learn how developing and exploring future scenarios can become an on-going and creative part of your transformative practice towards sustainability. In a week long, group based activity with the CAT Graduate School of the Environment, we will ask you to develop some provocative responses to the uncertainties of the future. We will ask you to imaginatively embrace uncertainty and take part in the creation of diverse futures. This activity is based on the ‘critical uncertainties’ approach to futuring: a tool that encourages futures literacy in a trans-disciplinary and cooperative environment. The week includes a lecture on nature connection theory and supported  daily practice, exploring the role of our relationship with the natural world in sustainability and adaptation as well as a tool for personal resilience in dealing with ‘wicked problems’ like climate change. More info & booking

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Winter 2016-17

Pine martens in the Dyfi Valley // public talk with David Bavin
5th December 7pm, CAT

In collaboration with CAT // I’ll be hosting wildlife biologist David Bavin of the Vincent Wildlife Trust who will talk about pine marten ecology and VWT’s Pine Marten Recovery Project, which has been translocating martens from Scotland to mid-Wales over the past year.

The return of the beaver // public talk with Alicia Leow-Dyke 
24th January 7pm, CAT

In collaboration with CAT // I’ll be hosting Alicia Leow-Dyke who will talk about beaver ecology, the history of beavers in Wales and the impacts that beavers have on ecosystem and how this can benefit many species, including humans. As Project Officer for the Welsh Beaver Project, Alicia will give a detailed insight into the project and why they want to reintroduce wild beavers to Wales.

Spring 2017

Restoring Ancient Woodland to Mid-Wales // public talk with Adam Thorogood
5th April 7pm (Cafe & bar from 5pm), CAT

In collaboration with CAT // I’ll be hosting the Woodland Trust’s Adam Thorogood who will talk about restoring ancient woodland to the UK and Wales with stunning examples of success in the landscape surrounding CAT.

REWILDING OURSELVES: Deepening our nature connection // 8-10th April
Centre for Alternative Technology, Machynlleth

A one to three-day course (1/2/3 day options) at an affordable rate starting from £35/day. After the Winter rain has nourished the land and (hopefully!) eased, the Dyfi valley bursts into Spring singing and dancing. We’ll spend the weekend deepening our awareness of nature and our connection to it. More info & booking.

REWILDING SPIRITUALITY: a spiritual exploration of our connection to the natural world // 21-23 April 
Cefn Coch, Machynlleth

In collaboration with Louise Hoskins // Weekend retreat in a stunning wild valley where crystal clear waters flow through pockets of ancient temperate rainforest where pine martens roam, breeding salmon leap up waterfalls and rare ospreys soar overhead. Through meditation and reflection, discussion, ritual, experiential activities and play, together we will live simply as a community and explore what a spiritual connection with the earth means for each of us and how we can bring this into our daily lives. Drawing on Buddhist, indigenous and nature connection wisdom and practices, this retreat is for people of any or no particular spiritual tradition who want to bring the Earth more explicitly into their practice, as well as those without any formal practice who wish to explore nature-based spirituality. More info here, Facebook event here, booking form here.

SACRED ACTIVISM // 24 April – 12 May
Schumacher College, Totnes

In collaboration with a whole host of inspiring people! // What should be our response to the challenges of our times?  How do we live in a challenging new landscape and act with integrity?  What contribution can we make to protecting what is most sacred?  And how can we make that contribution without burning out? This three week intensive will bring together activists from different traditions and perspectives to address some of the pressing questions we ask ourselves as we decide how to taken action for change, such as: What is the role of spirituality in social, economic, political and ecological change? How do we bring spirituality and action together with power and integrity? What is the role of protest and non-violent direct action? How do we pick our battles and avoid burn out?  This is a three-week intensive delivered as part of Schumacher’s postgraduate programme in Ecology and Spirituality but open to external participants. More info and booking here.

Reintroducing wild cats // public talk with Alicia Leow-Dyke 
11th May 7pm, CAT

In collaboration with CAT // I’ll be hosting Alicia Leow-Dyke from Scottish Wildcat Action to talk about the conservation efforts to save the ‘Tiger of the Highlands’ and her experiences of working with them. FREE entry, £5 for a delicious dinner beforehand from 5pm. Please share the Facebook event.

Summer 2017

SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL FESTIVAL // 8-11 June
Centre for Alternative Technology, Machynlleth

A small – and beautiful! – festival exploring positive responses to our future through low carbon technology, social justice and the arts. I’ll be running nature connection workshops and direct action training. More info here, book tickets here.

Supporting the Osprey’s return // public talk with Kim Williams
14th June 7pm

In collaboration with CAT // I’ll be hosting Kim Williams of the Dyfi Osprey Project who will talk about their efforts to support the return of the magnificent ospreys to the Dyfi valley. At CAT, FREE entry, £5 for a delicious dinner beforehand from 5pm.

Growing the Cambrian Wildwood // public with Simon Ayres
4th July 7pm

In collaboration with CAT // I’ll be hosting Simon Ayres who will be talking about Cambrian Wildwood’s exciting plans for Cefn Coch, a local patch of land they are currently fundraising to restore and rewild to its native glory with help from the Woodland Trust. You can read more about the project in this recent BBC report and donate to the fundraising campaign here. At CAT, FREE entry and a delicious dinner will be available for just £5 from 5pm in the restaurant.

RESURGENCE LIVE SUMMER CAMP // 30 June-2 July
Green & Away, nr Malvern

A weekend of inspiring talks, workshops, music, storytelling, poetry and craft – a weekend that brings the ideas and ethos of Resurgence & Ecologist magazine to life. I’ll be speaking on spirituality, activism and nature connection, including how connecting with nature can be a deep source of resilience and power, sharing my own story of rewilding as a regenerative process following acute burnout, and what it may mean to rewild ourselves, spirituality and society. My talk Rebel, Reclaim, Rewild! will be at 12.00 on Saturday 1st July. More info and bookings here.

REWILDING OURSELVES: Deepening our nature connection // 8-10th July
Centre for Alternative Technology, Machynlleth

A one to three-day course (1/2/3 day options) at an affordable rate starting from £35/day. Summer at CAT is glorious, bustling with life of all varieties. We even get blue skies and sunshine sometimes! We’ll spend the weekend deepening our awareness of nature and our connection to it. More info & booking.

INTRODUCTION TO REWILDING: The basics of ecological restoration // 4-6th August
Centre for Alternative Technology, Machynlleth

This weekend course – possibly the first of its kind – will give an introduction and broad overview of the basic principles and practices of rewilding and ecological restoration, to enable you to understand how these might be applied in your own context – be that as a landowner, conservationist or local campaigner. Tutors include Mick Green and Steve Carver from Rewilding Britain and the Wildland Research Institute. More info & booking.

Autumn 2017

ROOTS OF RESILIENCE: Nature connection for social change // 11-21 October 
Ecodharma Centre, Catalunya

In collaboration with May Mackeith and Rupert Marques // This course aims to build personal resilience for anyone working for social change: those involved in direct action, campaigning, community empowerment and any action addressing ecological, political and social justice issues.

Resilience is all about connection: Deeper connection with our self, with each other, and with nature. Connection with wild nature is an important aid to developing an ecological sensibility and sense of belonging within the web of life. This can support action towards a sustainable future for all. These experiences can be nourishing, enriching, and can demand that we radically re-orientate our sense of who and what we are. Participants will spend time out in the wilds in the stunning limestone valley the Ecodharma sits within, connecting with the teachings nature offers. We’ll use tools such as mindfulness and meditation, bushcraft, nature based education, ecological and evolutionary learning, and solo time in wild nature. More info and booking.

SPIRITUAL ECOLOGY IN ACTION: a one-day confluence // 11 November 
St Ethelburga’s Centre for Reconciliation & Peace, London

I’ll be holding a session on the theme of Nature Connection in the City. The day will include talks, discussion, music, storytelling and ritual to explore the theme ‘Spiritual Ecology in Action’. Book here.

TOOLS TO IMAGINE A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE // 13-18 November
Centre for Alternative Technology, Machynlleth

Learn how developing and exploring future scenarios can become an on-going and creative part of your transformative practice towards sustainability. Are your sustainability solutions confined to a single vision of the future? Is this your vision of the future or someone else’s? How certain is this future? How can we adapt to what the future holds? What role does nature connection have in social change and sustainability? This module of CAT’s MSc. Sustainability and Adaptation is open to the public as a standalone short course. More info and booking.

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