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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Nature, Ecology & Permaculture: A Natural History of Christmas

Have you ever wondered why we have such affiliations to some plants and animals at Christmas time? Why is the Robin on the Christmas cards we send? Why is the twelve days of Christmas song full of lots of birds? Join us on this charming one-off session with tutor Stephen Parker, who will guide you round some of the animals, plants, history and traditions still carried out today in the UK and over parts of the world. A lovely session to get you in the festive mood and give you something to talk about over Christmas dinner!

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 21/12/2023 -
Thu 21/12/2023
Times:
7:00pm - 8:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Tutor:
Stephen Parker
Course code:
Q00012264
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
3 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £5.55

Nature, Ecology & Permaculture: Garden birds at Christmas

Do you like watching the birds go about their day in your garden? Perhaps you would like to know more about them. Join WEA tutor Jane Williams who will be taking a charming, Boxing Day look at the birds you can see in your garden in the Christmas break, and how you can encourage more to come and visit you. Special emphasis on the Christmas Robin! Voted Britain’s favourite bird year in, year out. So, if you need a break from the festivities or just to have a chat with like-minded individuals, join Jane on this special, one-off session. Everybody is welcome.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 26/12/2023 -
Tue 26/12/2023
Times:
5:00pm - 6:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Tutor:
Jane Williams
Course code:
Q00012524
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

Humanities: Geography - Protecting the Natural and Built Environment

Do you like to explore the British countryside, and have you ever wondered why we value our landscape and its associated buildings? If you do, then you are also likely to wonder why we take care to preserve our heritage and valued habitats, and may wonder how this is achieved? This course is for the adult learner who enjoys visiting the Great Outdoors as well as exploring buildings of historic and archaeological importance. You may have little prior knowledge or feel a need to refresh your existing skills.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 09/01/2024 -
Tue 12/03/2024
Times:
11:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Tutor:
Hadrian Cook
Course code:
Q00011308
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £74.00

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 10/01/2024 -
Wed 27/03/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
24 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:
3 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £176.40

WEA Membership

For just £15 a year, you can:

  • Join our popular, award-winning weekly lecture series,
  • Access an archive of over 100 past lectures,
  • 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

Nature, Ecology & Permaculture: Plants Politics and Economics

Plants have over history had a significant cultural, economic and political impact. In this course we will look at five different plants and see how the development and use of them has influenced economic and political development. We depend on plants to provide basic human needs such as food, clothing, shelter and even health care, but they are also important raw materials for a broad range of industrial processes. Historically it could be argued that the development of plants has had a more significant impact on society and economic development than most wars and revolutions. The use, and some would say, exploitation of plants provides us with a window on the economic development of society over time. Everyone is invited to join this fascinating course.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 11/01/2024 -
Thu 01/02/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Template
WEA
Tutor:
Andrew Beharrell
Course code:
Q00012955
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £28.50

Nature, Ecology & Permaculture: Introduction to Green Issues

Climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution…the list seems endless. It can be difficult to keep up with news about the environment, nonetheless understand what is occurring. This interactive, discussion-based course is for anyone looking to understand more about the environment and sustainability. This course will cover issues such as population size, biodiversity, fossil fuels, climate change, pollution, and land use, both within the United Kingdom and abroad. Topics will be covered in the context of sustainability, to find solutions to environmental issues that can benefit society and our economy.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 15/01/2024 -
Mon 19/02/2024
Times:
6:00pm - 7:30pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Tutor:
Audrey Reid
Course code:
Q00012591
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £33.30

Nature, Ecology & Permaculture: The Eco-Conscious Personal Transformation

Join us in this eco-conscious personal transformation journey to discover your inner potential, foster sustainability and create a brighter future for yourself and the planet. Guided by an experienced tutor with a passion for sustainability, this course empowers participants to grow in various facets of their lives whilst embracing a deep connection with the environment. During the course, you will be supported in beginning a journey towards self-discovery, strengthen relationships and navigate life’s challenges with a sustainable and purpose-driven mindset. This course would benefit anyone who seeks to develop their confidence, communication skills and understanding of how to live in an eco-conscious way.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 18/01/2024 -
Thu 28/03/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
11 sessions
Tutor:
Amie-Alissa Watson
Course code:
Q00011989
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £81.40

Personal Development: The Winter Night Sky

Cold, clear Winter’s nights afford the opportunity to view some of the brightest stars and magnificent constellations on view, such as Orion. You will be given advice on how to find your way around the night sky. Pitched at a level appropriate to your needs as learners, as well as observing hints we will discuss the characteristics of the objects on view. Throughout the sessions you will be encouraged to undertake independent research (via ‘mini-projects’) and, if willing, share this with other class members. Astronomy is a very dynamic subject, and we will consider any weekly news stories of note.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 18/01/2024 -
Thu 21/03/2024
Times:
7:00pm - 8:30pm
Duration:
9 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Ann Bonell
Course code:
Q00012941
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £49.95

Nature, Ecology & Permaculture: Green Solutions

Are you concerned about the environment, but not sure what to do? Let’s change that! In this five-week interactive course we will discuss potential solutions to environmental issues relating to food, shopping, housing, and transportation. We will discuss the pros and cons of proposed solutions, and identify solutions that can be applied to our everyday lives here in the United Kingdom.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 26/02/2024 -
Mon 25/03/2024
Times:
6:00pm - 7:30pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Tutor:
Audrey Reid
Course code:
Q00012593
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £31.50

Nature, Ecology & Permaculture: Beliefs, Monuments and the Landscape

This course explores the values and activities in the landscape that reach beyond the simply economic and which relate to culture, aesthetics and religion with specific reference to the British Isles. You will consider the relationship between humans and the landscape throughout history discussing the symbolism of monuments created, beliefs, folklore, legends and aspects of social behaviour. The tutor will enable you to consider this relationship for the earliest humans, through the Neolithic, Bronze Age and Roman times, into the middle ages and the importance of the landscape in modern times. No previous knowledge or experience of landscape history is necessary. Everyone is welcome to join this fascinating course.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 26/02/2024 -
Mon 25/03/2024
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Hadrian Cook
Course code:
Q00012254
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £37.00