The course will take place one afternoon a month, over four months (the seashore session takes place in the early evening). You will have the opportunity to spend time outside, immersing yourself in nature, tapping in and out of various disciplines whilst developing your understanding of the different habitats that plants grow in. The day will finish with an outdoor fire, a wild snack and a warm cup of tea harvested from the land.

Topics covered could include:

Herbal medicine, culinary uses of plants, practical skills including glue, rope, basket making, plant and habitat identification, looking at specific plants throughout the growing season, using deep observation to better understand plant ecosystems and ourselves, habitat restoration and landscape stewardship.

The course is suitable for anyone with an interest in plants and the natural world whether you are a complete beginner, an outdoor practitioner wishing to build on previous skills and knowledge or are wanting to find out more about habitat restoration and conservation.

Michael Wachter, is an experienced outdoorsman and primitive skills practitioner whose teachings come from nature. His style is process rather than goal orientated. He has lectured to an international audience on the subjects of rewilding, habitat restoration and foraging.

25th February-  Buds, Fire medicinal mushrooms – at Great Dixter- 1:30-5:30pm

23rd March-     Shoots and tree water– at Great Dixter- 1:30-5:30pm

28th April –       Wild feast fermenting – at Great Dixter- 1:30-5:30pm

26th May –        Coastal foraging, Seaweed– at Pett Level beach- 5:00-8:00pm

£240.00 per place.

Limited reduced cost bursary places are available. Please email education@greatdixter.co.uk