Block Courses ¦ Severn Valley Group ¦ South Group
During the course of two years four week-long block courses are given – two in the first year and two in the second (timetable). The first year courses are 'Soils' and 'Plants', the second year ones are 'Animals' and 'Astronomy'. Each course includes practical and artistic activities and often field trips. Apprentices are given some aspect of the subject to prepare and share during the course. There is also time for discussion and for getting to know one another.
The courses cover the following subject areas:
Soils
Knowledge of the physical and living properties of soil; principles of soil development and fertility; soil management, cultivation and cropping sequences; importance of animals for fertility; skills in observing, testing and interpreting soil constituents, texture & structure (silica, clay, limestone)
Plants
Plant observation using Goethean techniques; crop rotations, companion planting and garden planning; health maintenance and pest prevention; seed saving and plant breeding principles;
Animals
Understanding animal nature; observational skills to care for livestock; housing, breeding, rearing and feeding; health and illness
Astronomy
Heliocentric and geocentric viewpoints; constellations and planets; Planetary influences and the planting calendar; world evolution — from a spiritual scientific perspective
There are two regional groups offering seminars – 'Severn Valley Group' and the 'South Group'.
Centres are:
Grange village, Oaklands Park, Watchoak Farm, Stroud Community Agriculture, Ruskin Mill, Coleg Elydir, Fern Verrow, Valehead Farm, Ashfield Gardens, Botton Village
Ten three day seminars are arranged at approximately six week intervals over two years.
World Task of Agriculture
An introduction to the many different issues facing agriculture and to the possibilities offered by the biodynamic approach
Farm Organism
This seminar focusses on the key biodynamic principle of a self-contained farm organsm using practical examples
Spirit of Place
Developing an understanding for the unique qualities of each place and its potential.
Nutrition
Understanding how nutrition really works and its broad context
Nitrogen cycle
All about nitrogen and its role on the land
Biodynamic Preparations
An exploration towards understanding the preparations and how to use them.
Seeds and Plant Breeding
Learning about seed saving and the biodynamic principles of plant breeding>
Economics
Farm economics, the social context of a farm and the need for good record keeping
Light, Warmth and Moisture
A look at weather and how to understand the way of the elements on the farm
Cycle of the Year
Understanding rhythm, the annual cycles and the importance of marking key moments.
Centres are:
Sturts Farm, Tablehurst Farm, Michael Hall Garden, Plaw Hatch Farm
Twelve two day seminars are arranged over two years
Painswick Inn Project, Gloucester Street
Stroud, Glos GL5 1QG
Registered Charity: 269036
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