Living Soil, Better Growing

Explore living soil, build fertility and support healthy plants through practical activities, ecological learning and a farm visit. Understanding soil, building fertility and supporting healthy plants Explore the living world beneath your feet and discover how caring for soil supports the health of plants, people and the wider landscape. This one-day course brings together ecological understanding and practical soil care. We’ll explore what soil is, how it develops and how relationships between roots, microorganisms, organic matter, air and water support the food we grow. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN • What soil is and how it develops. • Why soil matters and how its health connects to the food we grow and our own wellbeing. • How to recognise different soil qualities and work with them. • How plants, roots, microorganisms, organic matter, air and water interact to support a living soil. • How to manage and improve soil using compost, mulches, living roots and soil preparations. WHAT TO EXPECT We’ll start at the village hall with coffee, introductions and a conversation about your growing experiences and questions. Through teaching, discussion and practical activities, you’ll examine soil samples and explore soil structure, the soil food web and plant nutrition. A field visit at Norton Community Farm will bring these ideas into context, with opportunities to examine soil and roots, observe growing conditions and discuss management choices. We’ll consider how you can apply what you’ve learned to your own garden, allotment or growing project. WHO IT’S FOR Gardeners, allotment holders, growers and anyone curious about soil and ecological growing. No previous knowledge is required. PRACTICAL DETAILS Saturday 28 November 2026, 10am–4pm. £65 per person, including Eventbrite booking fees. Tea, coffee and biscuits included. Please bring your own lunch. Please bring a core soil sample from your growing space or land, along with a notebook, sturdy outdoor footwear and clothing suitable for the weather. Meeting point: Norton Village Hall, Old Tewkesbury Road, Norton, Gloucester GL2 9LJ. Travel arrangements for the Norton Community Farm visit will be confirmed before bookings open. Outdoor activities will be adapted to conditions. We’ll travel between Norton Village Hall and Norton Court Farm by bus or car share, depending on numbers. Please allow for a small bus fare. Run by The Agroecology Project.