- soilhack-announce - lists.ourproject.org

Fwd: Last chance to join our free online course all about soil; sign up now!
by darren＠dazinism.me 21 Feb '18

21 Feb '18

-------- Original Message -------- From: research(a)permaculture.org.uk Sent: 16 February 2018 18:40:43 GMT Subject: Last chance to join our free online course all about soil; sign up now! Hi, I am writing because I thought you or people you know might be interested in joining the free online soil course we are running. The course officially starts on Monday 19th, but you can sign up any time through the week. Full details below. All best wishes, Chris Learn how to understand your soil and explore global environmental soil issues by becoming a citizen scientist on GROW's free online course, starting this Monday, 19th February. Sign up now: https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/grow-from-soil-to-sky By the end of the course, you'll be able to... - Describe the type of soil you have, including details such as soil texture and stone content - Explore how soil health influences plant growth and the environment - Compare different approaches to growing food, and how these impact soil health and plant productivity - Apply knowledge of your own growing space to how it connects to the wider landscape and global soil trends - Describe key characteristics of your growing site, such as canopy cover and land cover - Explore how you can become a citizen scientist to monitor and improve soil health And being part of GROW Observatory offers more than just taking part in an online course; it’s about becoming part of a community of European growers, scientists and others equally passionate about soil who want to help regenerate this vital resource for future generations, while also helping with vital environmental scientific monitoring. This is your chance to make a difference - not just to your own growing space, but also by contributing to wider research about how understanding our soil better can help us adapt to a changing climate. Sign up at https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/grow-from-soil-to-sky The GROW Observatory has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement 690199 -- Chris Warburton Brown Research Director The Permaculture Association Britain My current work days are Monday to Thursday *Join the network* of people and projects using permaculture to create a better world - The Permaculture Association Britain: https://www.permaculture.org.uk/join

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Soil Hack Gathering 2018
by Frank White 20 Feb '18

20 Feb '18

Hi all So the time has come to organize the next gathering is there anyone available? it wouldn't take much time from each person if we have more volunteers! I would suggest between 1-2 hours every month or even every week? The tasks available could be: -Skype meetings and discussing event structure and content. -Time table and workshops -Publicity, marketing, flyers, emails -Bookings, creating event bright and answering emails. -Time keeping during the event -Facilitating during the event -Offering a skill share or leading a subject exploration during the event -Recording, reporting, photos, filming. From previous events done collaboratively its really easy and fun when there is a good gang of you so don't be shy if you feel you might not have much time to offer, the more the merrier. Nicole has offered Brook End- The date available is 25th to 27th of May (put it in your diary) I feel like this is the best option at the moment and we can just go with this. Good news! We have been given a grant fro £400 to help us make the gathering awesome by the good folk of Green Scythe Fair who have a bit left over from their event. So we are going to use some of that money to help us offer discount places to local farmers and growers, also to get some bits and bobs for practical soil workshops. I'm going to be trying to gather people to the organizing group and start the ball rolling I very much hope some of you will put your hands up to help make this Soil Hack Gathering excellent. Yours Frank

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January Soil Workshops
by Jenna Higgins 06 Jan '18

06 Jan '18

Oxford 28th Jan https://www.facebook.com/events/139192303463548/?ti=icl Devon 30th Jan https://www.facebook.com/events/1771055256522071/?ti=icl

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Ecosystem Restoration Camps
by Adam Ormes Court 06 Dec '17

06 Dec '17

News from Camp Altiplano, an update on the crowdfunding campaign, the La Muela restoration project, and a series of exciting talks in London. [image: Ecosystem Restoration Cooperative] <https://ecosystemrestorationcamps.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=714196…>December Newsletter Dear Adam, This month’s newsletter includes; news from Camp Altiplano, updates on the crowdfunding campaign, the La Muela restoration project in the Murcia region, and a series of exciting talks in London with a special invitation for our members. Guests and Goodbyes at Camp Altiplano Last month many visitors came to Camp Altiplano in Southern Spain. Jonathan Church shares from camp: "During the second weekend of November, we at Camp Altiplano were happy to receive a visit from Rhamis Kent, Giuseppe Tallarico and Weruschca Kirkegaard. We were seriously lucky to have so much ecosystem restoration knowledge at our camp all at once. Together we surveyed the progress that we’ve already made such as marking contours, making swales and planting trees with mycorrhiza. Our visitors offered some invaluable advice on how to move things forward. They helped us in selecting the best methods to de-compact the soil (Giuseppe’s piercing gaze may have already done half the job). For instance we are now using a sub-soil ripper to break apart compaction of the whole site in order to shatter the plough-pan and improve water retention. Not long after their visit we’ve finally had some rain at camp so we are getting on with this vital stage of restoring the land.“ The weekend following, Ecosystem Restoration Camps board members, Marieke, Pieter, and Jan Hein visited the camp. We also welcomed Erin Beasley, one of our valued Supervisory Board members, experienced in international climate change policy and ecosystem protection and restoration. Inge, active on the Communications and Education teams, arrived to join the La Muela restoration project. This was everyone’s first time experiencing Camp Altiplano first hand. Furthermore, it was their first time to meet in person, see the degraded soil, and feel the radiant sun of Andalusia. Having these meetings at camp was a valuable experience, which strengthened our relationships and motivation to realise our joint vision of restoring ecosystems worldwide! This month Ecosystem Restoration Camps also said goodbye to Anne-Chloe in her role as camp lead at Camp Altiplano. Anne-Chloe has been volunteering her time for a full year, putting all her energy into the ERC. With her knowledge in legal matters she helped with contracts and other legal documentation. At the camp in Spain she played a much valued role as a camp lead, including organising the La Muela restoration project. Thank you Anne-Chloe for all the time and energy you have invested in the first phase of Camp Altiplano! #LetsRestore! An update on our Fundraiser To continue making our first camp a reality, we recently launched our crowdfunding campaign <https://ecosystemrestorationcamps.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=714196…>. Now, we are making steady progress, and we have raised over €8000 so far. We have 25 days left, so let’s make use of the momentum to reach our goal! Some of our great backer rewards include your very own tree for €75, a Re-Generation festival Ticket, or your own Edible Ecosystem for €500. (Choose Donate Now to see the Rewards <https://ecosystemrestorationcamps.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=714196…>). If you haven’t already done so, we invite you to join the movement. Make a donation to the ERC and spread this campaign far and wide! <https://ecosystemrestorationcamps.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=714196…> #LetsRestore: Ecosystem Restoration Camps - Making it Happen Visit the Campaign Page <https://ecosystemrestorationcamps.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=714196…> Here are some other simple ways you can support the fundraising campaign: *1. Join our photo campaign* Take a picture of yourself in your favourite green location with a simple sign, which says #LetsRestore. Post this on social media, accompanied with a personal message. For example: “Join me in the great work of our time. #LetsRestore the Earth together. Support the Ecosystem Restoration Camps crowdfunding campaign at *www.tiny.cc/letsrestore <https://ecosystemrestorationcamps.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=714196…> * ” 2. Add power with your network <https://ecosystemrestorationcamps.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=714196…> Share the crowdfunding project on your social media with a personal message. Even better, join our *Thunderclap campaign <https://ecosystemrestorationcamps.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=714196…> today *and we will send a one time message on your Facebook, Twitter or Tumblr account. 3. Tell your friends about us ♥︎ Send an individual email to your friends about this project and campaign. 4. Get organised! See these ideas for a community event <https://ecosystemrestorationcamps.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=714196…> available on the ERC website. 5. Host a dinner party with friends Keep it simple, or get creative with a “green theme,” or try a local-organic potluck (e.g. sourced within a 5km radius). At the dinner, you can share the fundraiser video and encourage supporters to donate through the ERC campaign online, or make a collective fund. New Life for La Muela Mountain For five weeks now, a team of various dedicated Ecosystem Restoration Camps earth restorers has been climbing up and down the steep and rocky La Muela mountain, located an hour away from the main camp. We have been digging holes and building check dams, preparing for the planting of trees and shrubs. Located near Velez Blanco, this is the biggest reforestation effort undertaken in the region. Under the guidance of local ecologists of Alvelal <https://ecosystemrestorationcamps.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=714196…>, and thanks to the support of Ecosia <https://ecosystemrestorationcamps.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=714196…>. we are helping restore this 10.000 acre expanse of wild land that has been heavily degraded. Last week, the weather was finally changing. After weeks of unrelenting sunshine, clouds formed and the temperature dropped. At last, on Wednesday, the rain came! This is so important, especially after three long months of drought. With the arrival of the first rain, a variety of indigenous trees and shrubs can be planted to give new life to the mountain. And when more rain comes, our check dams can do their work, slowing down the water streams, reducing erosion and catching sediments. Other than the satisfaction of supporting new life on La Muela, the joy of working hard in a team and living in a community, make this a worthwhile experience. We have been sharing meals, stories from various countries, music, and more. The La Muela team was also welcomed at the main Ecosystem Restoration Camps camp for dinner last week. Earth restoration bringing people together! We especially want to thank Justin Jones and Patrick Stadler who have been working on the La Muela project from the very beginning. ‘Re-imagine Land’ with John D. Liu, Maddy Harland and Mike Edwards A conversation on Re-Imagining Land <https://ecosystemrestorationcamps.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=714196…> will take place in London on December 16th, as part of the Imagination Series. This festival of talks and workshops will gather together some of the brightest minds and most progressive actors in the areas of Fashion, Community, Education, Economics and Land use. The festival takes place in London in December, and if you are a member of the ERC you can purchase a ticket for only £5 with the discount code from the last member newsletter (or contact us if you can't find it). We invite you to meet with John D. Liu and other Ecosystems Restoration Camps members after the event. The special events of the Imagination Series: Re-imagining Education <https://ecosystemrestorationcamps.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=714196…> *Saturday 9 December 2017, 14:00 - 15:30, London Bridge* Re-imagining Education, led by the creator of the radical Mistress Degree, Kathleen Cassidy, explores and deconstructs our modern conventional education systems. Re-imagining Economics <https://ecosystemrestorationcamps.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=714196…> *Sunday 10 December 2017, 14:00 - 15:30, London Bridge* Re-imagining Economics is an exploration of how money works, how the economic system became what is it today, and how we can create something fairer, greener and safer for everyone. Re-imagining Land <https://ecosystemrestorationcamps.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=714196…> *Saturday 16 December 2017, 13:30 - 15:00 London Bridge* Re-imagining land will explore how we can transform our barren landscapes into thriving zones of paradise, with John D. Liu, Maddy Harland and Mike Edwards. John Dennis Liu: *“Each time I connect with the news I’m astonished. The world that I see and the world on the tube don’t seem to be the same. (…) Why is that? Let’s have a profound conversation about the world that we choose! A discussion, some friendship and try within a limited group to reach a collective consciousness about what we want the world to be. This can give us ideas and courage to steer our determination to create positive change in the world.”* We hope our news and updates inspire you ... in times where positive news seems scarce. Together we have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Let’s Restore Our Ecosystems! *Best wishes, * *The team at Ecosystem Restoration Camps*

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Optimising Soil Management for Agricultural Productivity and Ecology
by Jenna Higgins 08 Oct '17

08 Oct '17

Optimising Soil Management for Agricultural Productivity and Ecology: Interesting course coming up in Worcestershire 6th November. Joel Williams is a great speaker! See below: http://www.regenerativeagriculture.co.uk/index.php/course-calendar/nutrient…

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List of soil related events
by Jenna Higgins 26 Aug '17

26 Aug '17

http://www.organicresearchcentre.com/?i=events.php

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Breaking the Frame Gathering: August 26-28th in Llandysul, Wales.
by Adam Ormes Court 20 Aug '17

20 Aug '17

Is anyone interested in joining me at this gathering next week? I would appreciate someone else's support - the only requirement is a passion for peer to peer soil education. If you're considering please let me know by end of today latest - sorry for the short notice. *** We'd be delighted if you wanted to do a Soil hack workshop at our get-together, which will be pretty small, less than 20 people. The email below gives you a link to the event page, which will give you more information about the event and a link to book online. I look forward to meeting you. ==== Dear Friends, I'm really looking forward to seeing you at the Breaking the Frame get-together on August 26-28th in Wales. In order to cover food and cleaning, we calculated that everyone will need to pay £25, and we'd like to collect that in advance through the online booking system that we've set up. Please go to http://breakingtheframe.org. uk/breaking-the-frame-summer-get-together-wales-26th-28th-august-2017/. <http://breakingtheframe.org.uk/breaking-the-frame-summer-get-together-wales…> We'd be grateful if you could do that as soon as possible, and by August 21 at the lates. In addition, you can pay for accomodation according to what you feel you can afford, in cash, when you arrive. The owner of the venue insists that she is happy for people to decide what to pay, which could even be 0. Please let me know if you have any specific requirements regarding beds/sleeping arrangements. We're also trying to assemble a programme of workshops and other activities, so we'd be very gratetful if you could let me know what you would like to offer, which can include practical/fun activities not related to the politics of technology. Again, it would be good to have this as soon as possible. Best wishes, Dave King -- *In order to change an existing paradigm you do not struggle to try and change the problematic model /* *You create a new model and make the old one obsolete /* *That, in essence, is the higher service to which we are all being called. //* Buckminster Fuller <http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_cam…> Virus-free. www.avg.com <http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_cam…> <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>

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Re: [soilhack-announce] Questions and thoughts on gathering
by robert duke 11 Jun '17

11 Jun '17

Hello to you all! It was great to be at the Soil Hack's first gathering and meet you. I have an apology to make for my lack of talk whilst demonstrating the "cone pit" demo - this was my first "quicky- micro pit" and my thoughts were taken up with achieving a complete burn to char! and I should have covered much more information. To Brian, "the role of tree roots in soil- good thing or bad thing? Do the trees rob nutrients from the soil?" The trees form a sybiotic relationship with the soil organisms with exchanges of nutrients from photosynthesis in the form of exudates from the roots. It is said that up to 40% of the plants total nutrient production from photosynthesis is sent via the phloem to form root exudates. This video link of Joel Williams presentation has some great info on the soil/microorganism/plant relationship. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvFrm-wst8c Warm Regards Robert From: Brian Hughes <brian_hughes45(a)hotmail.com> To: "soilhack-announce(a)lists.ourproject.org" <soilhack-announce(a)lists.ourproject.org> Sent: Wednesday, 7 June 2017, 18:23 Subject: [soilhack-announce] Questions and thoughts on gathering #yiv6068675373 #yiv6068675373 -- P {margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;}#yiv6068675373 Thanks to all involved for a memorable weekend- if only because it highlighted what a complex issue soil science is. To a degree, I've been focusing on the combustion engineering side of charcoal making, and the next big learning curve is about how biochar works in the soil- to a degree, I gloss over this angle, and just say that it retains water and soluble nutrients. I've lots of questions -good- but the one in my mind at the moment, that I don't remember being touched on, is the role of tree roots in soil- good thing or bad thing? Do the trees rob nutrients from the soil?_______________________________________________ soilhack-announce mailing list soilhack-announce(a)lists.ourproject.org https://lists.ourproject.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/soilhack-announce

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A great article on what weeds tell us about soil conditions
by Chris Warburton-Brown 09 Jun '17

09 Jun '17

http://bcfarmsandfood.com/weeds-that-indicate-soil-conditions/ -- Chris Warburton Brown Research Coordinator The Permaculture Association *Join the network* of people and projects using permaculture to create a better world - The Permaculture Association Britain: https://www.permaculture.org.uk/join

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SoilHack gathering 2017
by Darren 08 Jun '17

08 Jun '17

I had a lovely time at the SoilHack gathering thanks for everyone who came and made it a great weekend. I took photos of the interesting notes to which many people contributed that were stuck to the wall in the classroom and I've just uploaded them to archive.org I noticed that audio of some of the sessions has also already been uploaded and would encourage anyone with photos, videos or audio recordings to also upload them to https://archive.org The stuff thats already been uploaded has been tagged with the topic soilhack, which makes it nice and easy to find. https://archive.org/search.php?query=soilhack I also added the tag shg2017 to make it easier for people to find media from this gathering if other soilhack content is added later. To upload media goto https://archive.org/create If anyone needs help to figure stuff out feel free to email me

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