Think green with the WEA

A key part of our curriculum, our Environment courses are always popular and give learners the opportunity to explore a wide range of topics.  

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What Environment topics are available? 

As our understanding of the natural world has changed over many decades, the popularity of our environment courses has continued to grow. Regarded as perhaps the biggest challenge the human race has ever encountered, climate change and its impact on the environment is just one of many topics that you can immerse yourself in, alongside your fellow learners.  

Whether it’s studying online or in person, the wide range of topics is sure to grab your interest. From the cleanliness of water and what can be done to alleviate droughts, to re-wilding and the British countryside, you’ll be immersed in topical issues that are impacting individuals across the UK and around the world.  

Join us and experience the unique way of learning here at the WEA, with small class sizes and experienced tutors providing the ideal place to discuss the challenges posed by our ever-changing environment.  

Attend an Environment course near you 

Delivered in person and online, it’s possible to explore environmental challenges without ever leaving your house. Whether you choose to learn online or in person at a community venue near you, you’ll benefit from small class sizes and a supportive environment where everyone who comes along is excited to learn.  

Learning in a supportive environment

Our tutors will support you on your learning journey, enhancing your experience and ensuring that you learn at a pace which suits your individual needs.  

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Windowsill Gardening (Multiply West Sussex)

*Please note - this course is exclusively for residents of West Sussex. If you do not live in a West Sussex postcode area, please do not apply for this course - thanks for your understanding* On this course we are going to sow some seeds to grow a selection of edible plants: herbs and vegetables on a windowsill. The session is delivered in real time, so you can sow seeds along with me asking questions as we go. A list of suggested resources will be on Canvas before the course begins so you can go shopping. We will explore the limitations of windowsill growing, and the advantages, particularly in relation to cost. We shall see which windowsill crops are economically worth growing, and which aren't! I will cover onward care and harvesting, and any questions will be welcome, as will sharing your own experiences - good and bad!

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 16/07/2024 -
Tue 16/07/2024
Times:
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Catherine Wilcock
Course code:
Q00015976
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

Gardening Practical: Summer Time Organic Gardening Toolkit 2

A further opportunity to benefit from spending more time in nature whilst exploring organic food growing, community regenerative farming and permaculture design Delivered by our experienced, professional tutor, and hosted at the award winning Bosavern Community Farm , this course is sure to empower and inspire. You will gain practical experience in topics such as soil restoration, caring for crops, natural fertilizers mulching and ways to increase local biodiversity . You will also develop first hand understanding in the principles and ethics of permaculture, community collaborative working and the people care aspect of permaculture.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 23/07/2024 -
Tue 30/07/2024
Times:
10:00am - 4:00pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
Bosavern Community Farm (St Just)
St Just
St Just
TR19 7RD
Tutor:
Jodie Tellam
Course code:
Q00013518
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £50.40

This course is available for WEA members only until 10 am on Wednesday 3rd July.

Gardening Practical: Autumn Gardening at Parkstone

This course is for clients of Parkstone Connect Centre, and leads them on to the next steps of gardening. The course will continue learning and embedding skills involved in all aspects of gardening, so the skills learned can be applied to work within and outside the centre

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 04/09/2024 -
Wed 18/12/2024
Location:
Tricuro -Parkstone Connect Day Centre (P
Croft Road
Poole
BH12 3LD
Course code:
Q00009531
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £220.50

This course is available for WEA members only until 10 am on Wednesday 3rd July.

Astronomy: Astronomy in the Autumn

Longer, darker evenings of Autumn provide the opportunity to familiarise yourself with the night sky. We will concentrate on some of the objects (stars and planets) that can be seen over the autumn with the unaided eye. You will be given guidance on how to observe them. Astronomy is a very dynamic subject, and we will consider news stories of note. The course is for beginners/those with some experience and targetted observing challenges will be set. You will be encouraged to undertake independent research (via ‘mini-projects’) and, if you are willing, share with class members. Weekly knowledge quizzes will be set so that you can see your progress.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 19/09/2024 -
Thu 28/11/2024
Times:
7:00pm - 8:30pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Ann Bonell
Course code:
Q00017670
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £55.50

WEA Membership

For just £15 a year, you can:

  • Join our popular, award-winning weekly lecture series,
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  • Get priority online and phone booking for autumn courses (England only),
  • Receive our Highway magazine and access back issues,
  • Attend our members’ annual conference.

Just add us to your basket to sign up today!

Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
WEA Membership

This course is available for WEA members only until 10 am on Wednesday 3rd July.

Carbon Literacy

Carbon Literacy is a term used to describe an awareness of climate change, and the climate impacts of humankind’s everyday actions. This course is designed specifically for charities and social enterprises working in public leisure and culture, and gives you the knowledge and tools available to take impactful climate action.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 09/10/2024 -
Wed 16/10/2024
Location:
Online
Course code:
Q00015293
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available

This course is available for WEA members only until 10 am on Wednesday 3rd July.

Nature, Ecology & Permaculture: West Norfolk’s wonderful peatlands

We will start off by examining how the peatlands in west Norfolk have formed, the differences between different types of peatland habitat (fens and mires) and the wonderful wealth of species that they support, before considering the factors that have caused their degradation and loss and the restoration techniques that are returning them to their former glory. Suitable for both beginners and those with an existing knowledge of peatland conservation and restoration.

Course Information

Dates:
Sat 19/10/2024 -
Sat 19/10/2024
Times:
10:30am - 5:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Friends Meeting House (King's Lynn)
38 Bridge Street
King's Lynn
PE30 5AB
Tutor:
Guest Speaker
Course code:
Q00017665
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £30.00

This course is available for WEA members only until 10 am on Wednesday 3rd July.

Carbon Literacy

Carbon Literacy is a term used to describe an awareness of climate change, and the climate impacts of humankind’s everyday actions. This course is designed specifically for charities and social enterprises working in public leisure and culture, and gives you the knowledge and tools available to take impactful climate action.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 14/11/2024 -
Thu 21/11/2024
Location:
Online
Course code:
Q00015296
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available

This course is available for WEA members only until 10 am on Wednesday 3rd July.

NCFE Certificate in Understanding Climate Change and Environmental Awareness

This accredited qualification is suitable for those who are less knowledgeable or unsure of the worlds’ current environmental issues. It is devised to present learners with an introduction to the principles of climate change and environmental awareness. It will ensure learners understand the nature of climate change and the role they can play in helping to reduce waste, emissions, carbon footprints and improve sustainability. Through achieving the qualification, learners will gain the knowledge and understanding to act as drivers for positive environmental change and have a foothold in the emerging environmental sector.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 07/01/2025 -
Tue 20/05/2025
Times:
10:00am - 4:00pm
Duration:
20 sessions
Location:
Liskeard Town Council (Liskeard)
3 West Street
Liskeard
PL14 6BW
Tutor:
Lee Armon
Course code:
Q00017050
How you'll learn:
Online and in venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
£362.00

This course is available for WEA members only until 10 am on Wednesday 3rd July.

Gardening Practical: Plants and Trees

This practical course is to be run at the Parkstone Day Centre in Poole and is designed to empower adults with learning difficulties to develop their gardening skills and confidence in preparing and sowing seeds. The course will focus on providing a supportive and enjoyable environment, where participants can learn new skills, socialise, and take home their own seedlings. Who is this course for? This course is designed specifically for adults with learning difficulties who want to develop their gardening skills and confidence. No prior experience is necessary, as the course is tailored to meet the needs of each participant.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 08/01/2025 -
Wed 26/03/2025
Location:
Tricuro -Parkstone Connect Day Centre (P
Croft Road
Poole
BH12 3LD
Course code:
Q00017346
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £151.20

This course is available for WEA members only until 10 am on Wednesday 3rd July.

Gardening Practical: Spring Gardening at Parkstone

This course is for clients of Parkstone Connect Centre, and leads them on to the next steps of gardening. The course will continue learning and embedding skills involved in all aspects of gardening, so the skills learned can be applied to work within and outside the centre

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 08/01/2025 -
Wed 26/03/2025
Times:
10:00am - 2:30pm
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
Tricuro -Parkstone Connect Day Centre (P
Croft Road
Poole
BH12 3LD
Tutor:
Ruth Odurand
Course code:
Q00011523
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £176.40