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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Nature, Ecology & Permaculture: Introduction to Permaculture Design

In this hands on practical course , learners will be introduced to the key themes of permaculture design ; develop an understanding of ethics and principles of permaculture design ; observe natural systems and take action to enhance them and understand the importance of ecological systems in food production, including soil and plant life.

Course Information

Dates:
Sat 26/07/2025 -
Sun 27/07/2025
Times:
10:00am - 4:00pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
Community Roots (Porthtowan)
Mount Pleasant Eco Park
Chapel Hill
Porthtowan
TR4 8HL
Tutor:
Jodie Tellam
Course code:
Q00022118
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £50.40

Nature, Ecology & Permaculture: Climate Literacy - Understanding Climate Change

This Climate Literacy course empowers individuals to play an active role in addressing the climate crisis while preparing for the economic and social opportunities that a sustainable future offers. It’s a step toward collective action and positive change. You will be introduced to climate science and understand Earth's climate systems, the greenhouse effect, and the science of global warming. By looking at the impacts of climate change we will explore the effects on ecosystems, human health, weather patterns, and economies. Discussing sustainable solutions will enable you to learn about renewable energy, conservation strategies, and sustainable practices. We will dive into global agreements, national policies, and how individuals can drive change. We will also discover ways to build resilience and prepare for climate challenges. Lastly, we will learn how to deliver the climate change message to others as a Climate Literate individual.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 29/09/2025 -
Mon 03/11/2025
Times:
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Lee Armon
Course code:
Q00023023
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £48.00

Nature, Ecology & Permaculture: An introduction to environmental awareness and green skills

Join our 9-week Toxin-Free Living Course designed to empower you with the knowledge and skills to create your own natural skincare products. Each week, we’ll explore essential topics, from understanding harmful ingredients to crafting DIY solutions. You’ll learn about essential oils,, and personal care items, while engaging in hands-on activities to make your own products. By the end of the course, you’ll have a personalized toxin-free living plan, equipping you to lead a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle. Embrace the journey to wellness and discover the joy of creating safe, effective alternatives!

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 07/10/2025 -
Tue 02/12/2025
Times:
9:30am - 11:30am
Duration:
8 sessions
Location:
Dolphin Women's Centre (Birmingham)
Ward End Park
Washwood Heath Road
Birmingham
B8 2HB
Tutor:
Humera Mehrban
Course code:
Q00023869
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £160.00

Nature, Ecology & Permaculture: Transport and Environments

Transport is needed to get people and goods from A to B, to meet basic needs but also to have social contact and enjoy leisure activities. But the way transport systems (and society more generally) are currently organised contributes significantly to damaging climate change, air pollution, and ecological and landscape decline. This affects humans but also other species. This course gives you the opportunity to familiarise yourself with some of the available evidence so that you can increase your confidence in handling complex information. We will consider suggestions for redesigning transport systems (and aspects of society more generally) so that environmental damage is significantly reduced, giving you the opportunity to – informed by what you have learnt on the course – engage constructively in debates about transport in your community. Topics covered will include whether electric cars are part of the solution, the potential of ’15 minute’ neighbourhoods, and how to reduce flying.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 21/10/2025 -
Tue 25/11/2025
Times:
4:45pm - 6:45pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Bettina Lange
Course code:
Q00022547
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
£96.00