Training opportunity - A creative introduction to seed saving
Shieldfield Grows is hosting the Gaia Foundation’s Seed Sovereignty Programme to run a creative introductory course about seed saving. This will provide you with the knowledge you need to begin to save seed. The course will be delivered with a focus on the creative expression of learning, with supplementary activities that embed and demonstrate new knowledge and experience. The creative material we produce during the workshop will become part of an exhibition at SAW. We also hope that you will become an ambassador for sharing your learning more widely within your communities.
You will learn:
the history of and current issues in seed production
the mechanism of seed formation
how to produce a healthy crop for seed
how to produce good quality seeds from a seed crop
how to plan for seed production
the mechanisms for sharing seeds
Time commitment
The course will be held in 6x4 hour workshops at SAW, between March to October 2025. Participants will be asked to sign a learner agreement and will need to commit to attending at least 5 out of 6 sessions on the following Thursdays, 9.30am - 1.30pm:
6th March
10th April
8th May
12th June
11th September
9th October
There are 5 bursary places available to Shieldfield Growers at no cost (although donations are welcome).
There are 3 places available to other organisations for a small fee of £125 to contribute towards the cost of running the course.
How to apply
Please send a short expression of interest to Hannah Marsden using the email/phone number below. Please tell us:
What interests you in the course?
What would you hope to do with the knowledge gained?
Do you have any access requirements you would like us to be aware of?
The statement can be:
written (no more than one side of A4)
or,
recorded as a voice note or video (2-4 minutes)
The deadline for expressions of interest is: Wednesday 8th Jan 2025, 10am.
What is Shieldfield Grows?
Shieldfield Grows promotes sustainable practices of food growing in Shieldfield. It is a programme of activity developed by Dwellbeing Shieldfield and Shieldfield Art Works. Through regular growing sessions, workshops, group trips and meals we build knowledge and skills to grow produce which can be shared with our communities. We are mainly based in the SAW garden but we also support people to grow in their own spaces.
Building skills and knowledge to grow our own produce is a huge part of community autonomy and resilience especially in times of economic downturn and hardship. We want to be part of this movement which empowers our communities to have good quality, nutritious food for our bodies, minds and souls.
About Seed Sovereignty
The Gaia Foundation’s Seed Sovereignty Programme is sowing a biodiverse, ecologically sustainable and resilient seed system here in the UK and Ireland. It supports organically produced and open pollinated seeds, grown locally to reflect and adapt to our diverse growing conditions. The course will be delivered by Cathering Howell, Northern England Regional Coordinator. For more information visit: www.seedsovereignty.info
Contact
Hannah Marsden, Programme Worker Member, Dwellbeing Shieldfield hannah@dwellbeingshieldfield.org.uk / 07938 412 286
