Develop an understanding of fundamental growing techniques and holistic landscape management that will prepare you to grow food at allotment, community garden or small market garden scale.

Delivered over 8 weeks, this course leads candidates through seven taught sessions plus a final day of student-lead practical demonstrations and workshops.

The course is delivered at Grow Wilder, Bristol, to small groups with a maximum of 12 candidates, with time split between the classroom and around site.

The focus of this course is largely horticultural, incorporating aspects of ecology, community engagement, well-being and project realisation. Candidates on the Grow Leader course will be taught by a range of tutors who are experienced practitioners in their field and passionate about agroecological food growing and landscape management.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:

Gain experience with lots of tools and techniques that can be directly applied to land based projects
Increase skills and understanding in organic food growing, wildlife conservation and ecological land management
Feel able to take the lead in planning and delivering practical activities with a wide range of target groups with different needs
Gain the tools to become an effective and engaging facilitator
Increase confidence in larger scale garden planning and ecological land management

COURSE CONTENT:

Ecology for food growers
Soil health and management
Planning your vegetable production
Water systems and plant health
Food & seed sovereignty
Therapeutic horticulture
Volunteer management & project realisation

COURSE AUDIENCE

The course is structured to engage a range of levels, with each week introducing fundamental aspects of ecological food growing and land management. You will be provided with a wealth of signposting & guidance for you to deep dive into the topics that most capture your imagination.

This course is for:

• People interested in starting a new wildlife gardening or food growing project

• People looking for an inspirational career change

• People looking to further their skillset on a recreational basis

• People interested in community-based projects

• People who volunteer for existing community food projects looking to progress by demonstrating practical management techniques, facilitator skills and self-reflective learning

COURSE DATES:

This course runs on a Friday. The dates are as follows:

5th September

12th September

19th September

26th September

3rd October

10th October

17th October

24th October

Candidates are expected to attend a minimum of 6 sessions, including the final micro-teach assessment, to successfully complete this course.

COURSE COSTS:

The 2025 course costs £545. If you would like to support others in accessing this course, a Pay It Forward ticket can be purchased for £650.

There is ONE discounted space per course costing £300 for participants who can demonstrate that they are living on a low income (under £15,000 pa). This must be agreed before the course begins.

A non-refundable 25% deposit of £136.25, £162.50 or £75.00 respectively, will be required to reserve your place on the course.

The balance will be due by Thurs 1st August 2025.

Grow Leader Course - Autumn 2025