Think green with the WEA

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

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What Environmental and Gardening topics are available? 

As our understanding of the natural world has changed over many decades, the popularity of our environment and gardening 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.

And if you have a green thumb, our gardening courses will teach you how to cultivate and care for plants, promoting sustainable practices at home. You'll learn everything from basic plant care to windowsill planting techniques.

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 or Gardening 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 atmosphere

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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Life Skills: make do and mend

This practical and confidence‑building course introduces you to the valuable life skill of making do and mending, helping you to repair, reuse, and extend the life of everyday items. Rooted in sustainability and self‑reliance, the course encourages you to save money, reduce waste, and feel more confident tackling simple repairs at home. Through hands‑on, tutor‑led activities, you will explore basic techniques such as simple sewing repairs, mending clothes, replacing buttons, fixing small tears, and adapting items for reuse. Sessions are relaxed and supportive, with clear demonstrations and plenty of time to practise skills at an individual pace. No previous experience is required, and all activities are suitable for beginners. Alongside practical skills, the course focuses on developing confidence and independence. You are encouraged to problem‑solve, try new techniques, and share ideas with others in the group. Making and repairing items provides a strong sense of achievement, helping learners build self‑esteem and trust in your abilities. The course also promotes wellbeing and sustainability, offering a mindful and rewarding learning experience. Working with your hands can be calming and enjoyable, while learning to repair rather than replace supports more environmentally friendly habits. Group learning helps reduce isolation and builds positive social connections in a friendly and inclusive environment. By the end of the course, you will have gained practical mending skill

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 24/06/2026 -
Wed 15/07/2026
Times:
10:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Clare House Classroom 1
31 Wells Street
Scunthorpe
DN15 6HL
Tutor:
Helen Anglum
Course code:
Q00027903
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Funding available - £96.00

Leaf, Lore & Legend II

Leaf, Lore & Legend II explores the profound relationship between people and the diverse flora of the British landscape. Touching on the origins of the Ogham alphabet, which associates letters with trees, meanings, and spiritual qualities, the course considers a number of plants associated with its characters, and the myths and legends that surround them. Combining ecology, history, and fable, the talk offers a holistic understanding of trees, shrubs, and plants in the UK and their deep roots in the British landscape.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 01/07/2026 -
Wed 01/07/2026
Times:
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Billericay Reading Rooms (Billericay)
73 High Street
Billericay
CM12 9AS
Tutor:
Guest Speaker
Course code:
Q00028255
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Funding available - £16.00

Gardening: Gardening for Wellbeing

This course is funded by the Department for Education and only open to residents living in non devolved authorities. This course helps you explore how gardening can support your health and wellbeing. You can join if you have completed the Foundations in Gardening course, but you are also welcome if you are new to gardening. No experience is needed. You will take part in practical activities such as planting seeds, caring for plants, and looking after garden spaces or containers. You will learn how gardening can help with relaxation, mindfulness, and gentle physical activity. You will also explore how gardening supports the environment, including planting for wildlife and using sustainable gardening practices. Each session is supportive and relaxed, with step-by-step guidance. You will have chances to work with others, share ideas, and enjoy being outdoors. By the end of the course, you will have developed gardening skills that support your wellbeing and confidence. You may also feel ready to continue learning through other gardening or environmental courses.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 04/08/2026 -
Thu 06/08/2026
Times:
10:00am - 2:00pm
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
Whitehawk
Whitehawk Road
Brighton and Hove
BN2 5NS
Tutor:
Jane Perrin
Course code:
Q00027510
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Funding available - £96.00

Foundations in Gardening

This course is funded by the Department for Education and only open to residents living in non devolved authorities. This welcoming course is designed for you if you are new to learning, returning to learning, or would simply like to try gardening in a relaxed and supportive environment. No previous experience is needed. The course focuses on simple, practical activities that help you build confidence while developing useful gardening skills. During the course, you will explore the basics of gardening and learn how plants grow. You will take part in hands-on activities such as planting seeds, caring for plants, watering, and preparing soil. You will also be introduced to different types of plants, including flowers, herbs, and vegetables that you can grow at home or in small spaces. You will learn about common gardening tools and how to use them safely. The course also explores how gardening connects to caring for the environment, including simple ideas for growing sustainably and supporting nature. Sessions are practical, friendly, and designed to support you step by step. You will have the opportunity to work with others, share ideas, and enjoy spending time outdoors. By the end of the course, you will have a basic understanding of gardening and the confidence to grow plants at home, in containers, or in a community space. You may also choose to progress to further courses in gardening, green skills, or environmental learning.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 27/11/2026 -
Fri 12/02/2027
Times:
12:30pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Whitehawk
Whitehawk Road
Brighton and Hove
BN2 5NS
Tutor:
Jane Perrin
Course code:
Q00027506
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Funding available - £192.00