Shift Bristol

**Stop Press** This course has been postponed and will now start in September 2010.

The Practical Sustainability Course is a part time course (16hours per week for 40 weeks) running from September 2010 - July 2011. 

See course details for hours and other information.

With awareness of Climate Change and Peak Oil increasing day by day the challenges we face can seem overwhelming. This course focusses almost entirely on what we can do as individuals and communities to find creative solutions on a practical level.

The course will focus on practical solutions and all modules will include hands on learning at various urban and rural locations. Whenever possible the course activities will feed into and support existing community projects.

PRACTICAL SUSTAINABILITY COURSE CURRICULUM OUTLINE

(Please note that additional tutors and the curriculum are currently being finalised so there will be more information added in the coming weeks.)

 

Permaculture Design Permaculture is a design system that works with Nature rather than against it. An approach to growing, using and conserving resources that harnesses the abundance of our natural world whilst providing for our needs. The Permaculture module provides hands on experience of designing in a range of settings from small gardens to whole farms to community projects. Also includes an introduction to herbal medicine, animal husbandry and land based practicals. Led by Sarah Pugh and Laura Corfield.

Woodland Management Looking at all aspects of sustainable woodland management, from understanding the ecology of existing sites to planning and implementing new woodlands. Learn how to manage existing woodlands for production of timber, food, fuel, wildlife, community use and craft materials. Plus agroforestry. With Ben Law, Patrick Whitefield and Justin Smith.

Organic Horticulture An extensive and practical study of growing fruit, vegetables and mushrooms organically. Follow the growing year and learn about propagation, fertility, soil management, pests and diseases, weed control, seed saving, composting and harvesting. A mix of classroom and land based study at Boiling Wells in St Werburghs. Also includes a practical session on winemaking. Led by Tim Foster.

Soil and Ecology An in-depth study of how to assess and work with the natural foundations of life. Learning to read the landscape, assess the attributes, health and viability of a piece of land. Understanding the roles and connections between soil, plants and animals. Practical experience of creating wildlife habitats. Led by Patrick Whitefield.

Re-localisation An exploration of the possibilities of food and resource production, distribution and marketing in a re-localised world. Looking at Community Supported Agriculture, producers co-ops, engaging people with their food and making local food financially viable. Also looking at local economics and alternatives to a cash society. Led by Matt Dunwell and Sarah Pugh.

Energy Exploring the issues of energy supply in a post-fossil fuel system and the effects of Peak Oil on our way of life. Gain a practical understanding of alternative technology, energy efficiency, sustainable transport and reducing our dependency on fossil fuels. A look at what’s happening on a local, national and global scale to reduce carbon emissions and prepare for energy descent. With Chris Vernon and Trevor Houghton.

Green Building  Beyond bricks and mortar. A hands on study of retrofitting existing houses to improve their green performance plus low impact and natural building techniques, eco-friendly materials and innovations. Including practical experience of building with straw bale, wood and cob, rainwater harvesting and building a compost toilet. Led by Jackson Moulding.

Group Dynamics How do groups come together to face the challenges ahead creatively and positively? An in depth study of the techniques and approaches that make groups work. Including visioning, decision making, consensus, conflict resolution and planning approaches. Led by Nick Osborne.

Creating Change Understanding the psychology of change and how we find the personal power to tackle global problems from our own front doors onwards. Exploring ways to face our fears, be responsive to challenges, build on our strengths and engage ourselves and others in positive action. Includes learning about Transition Towns. Led by Dr Chris Johnstone with Jenni Horsfal.

Facilitating Community Engagement Learn practical skills for communicating, engaging and facilitating community-led action. Running effective meetings and events, getting the message across, celebrating diversity and building strong cohesive community initiatives from the outset. Practical methods for engaging in local decision making and influencing policy. Includes a guest session from Glennie Kindred on creating seasonal celebrations. Led by Sarah Pugh.

Plus guest speakers and practical sessions throughout.

The course is classroom and site based with practical sessions run on local community projects. Designs and practical work are taken on in line with the real requirements of the participating sites. Most study will take place in the city with field trips to rural sites around the South West and Wales. Including Ben Law’s woodland, The Agroforestry Research Trust, Centre for Alternative Technology, Stroud Community Supported Agriculture and more.

 

For details, dates, costs and how to apply click here

At this time the course is not accredited. We hope to accredit it in subsequent years and are working towards this. However all the tutors are experts in their field with extensive teaching and practical experience. We are confident that the knowledge and skills gained on this course will be vaulable to anyone wanting to make a difference.