'No dig' is an increasingly popular approach to gardening in which you avoid disturbing the soil, for example by digging or ploughing it.

In this workshop you will learn about the soil food web and how going 'no dig' supports soil life. You will also learn about the role of compost in a no dig garden and different ways of making it.

You will then have a go at making an instant 'no dig' garden bed using cardboard and compost.

About the trainers

Phil Pritchard: Phil has been Community Grower at Oxford City Farm for three years and is passionate about feeding and nurturing the soil. Applying compost and applying a 'no dig' approach is key to his cultivation ethos. Phil has been a Permaculture activist since 1995 and recently studied 'no dig' gardening with Charles Dowding. Phil has led practical gardening and introduction to permaculture courses since 2006, working with children and adults of all abilities.

Anaïs Bozetine: Anaïs coordinates the Replenish project, which supports Oxfordshire residents to grow and cook nutritious food with zero waste. Previously, Anaïs coordinated OxGrow Community Garden where she led growing sessions with volunteers from the community. Anaïs is a keen gardener and composter, whose approach to growing incorporates permaculture principles.

Accessibility

Oxford City Farm aims to be accessible to all, we have wheelchair accessible toilets. Please let us know if you have any particular access needs.

Getting to the site

Please avoid travelling to Oxford City Farm by car. We promote sustainable transport and the farm is very near the number 16 and 3 bus routes and we have lots bicycle parking racks. If you do need to come by car, we ask that you do not park in the St John's Care home car park and instead park on Cornwallis Road.

Anyone requiring disability access can park at the farm by arrangement. (email phil@oxfordcityfarm.org.uk or call and leave a message on 01865 777571)

Booking a space

We are keen to make our workshops available to as many people as possible, so we ask that you only book a space if you are definitely intending to come and that you let us know in good time if you are not able to come.

What to bring with you

Please bring appropriate clothing for being outside in all weather including sturdy boots and gardening gloves if possible. Please also bring cash for a donation.

Suggested donations

In order to make our workshops accessible to all, we ask for a donation of between £0-40. Donations are made anonymously and participants are free to choose how much to donate. We suggest the following:

£0-10 - those on low incomes

£10-20 - this reflects the actual cost of running the workshop.

£20+ this solidarity donation helps to cover the cost of low income tickets and supports the farm to continue doing its work with the community.

Contact the organisers

Phil: phil@oxfordcityfarm.org.uk or call and leave a message on 01865 777571

www.oxfordcityfarm.org.uk

www.replenishoxfordshire.com