Soil Ecology Weekender

Humanity is completely dependent on the 4 inches of topsoil covering the soil for all our food, and many of our other needs too. But it is also home to diverse forms of life that keep it, and by extension, us, functioning and in food. 

Join Myco for our Soil Ecology Weekender, where we will deep dive into what’s going on under your feet. This course will cover theoretical and practical soil ecology; who is in our soil, what do they do, and how does our actions as growers impact them. There will be a range of practical sessions outside alongside microscopy and other practicals. 

Who should attend

This course is aimed at farmers, growers, and gardeners with a keen interest in learning more about soil. When you register on this course, you will be asked to fill in a form detailing what you want to get out of the weekend, and a little bit about your current level of knowledge. 

What is covered

• Soil ecology principles 
• Microscopy 
• Deep dive into soil fungi 
• Composting

If you are interested in other aspects of soil science, such as soil profiles, biochemistry, and fertility, you might like our Soil Science Weekender, coming up the week before. The separate weekends are standalone, but they complement each other well. We are offering a discount for people who come to both weekends. Both events are subject to our refund policy.

Before you attend

This weekend course will take place 28th-29th September, running from 10am-5pm on Saturday and 10am-4pm on Sunday. The course takes place in person at the Myco Farm based at Platt Fields Market Garden in Manchester. Platt Fields Market Garden is a working garden, which also hosts other events on the site. There are gender neutral toilets on site, including wheelchair accessible toilets.

Food and accommodation are not provided as part of this course, so please make your own accommodation arrangements if necessary. MUD, who run the Market Garden, have a cafe on site which sells food, hot drinks, and cakes. We will also have a tea, coffee, and biscuits at the farm.

Please bring weather appropriate clothing that you don’t mind getting muddy, as we will be spending some time outdoors digging up soil.

You will also need paper and pencils to take notes.

If you have a hand lens or microscope, bringing it might be useful, but it is not necessary.