[soilhack-announce] 2015 SoilHack Gathering

[Darren]

There has been a steady stream of people signing up to this mail list
and it feels like time to take things forward.

Something we have been talking about since the beginnings of the
SoilHack idea is to have gatherings where soil geeks and the soil
curious can get together to talk and learn about soil.  A day goes
quickly and limits time for interactions where as a weekend gives a bit
more time for things to happen so we were thinking about a camp.

SoilHack was formed around the idea of open collaboration and it would
be good to let this guide the organisation of such a gathering. 

It would be nice if we could keep financial and organisational overheads
to a minimum by -

- trying to organise something before it gets too cold for people to camp
- asking people to bring food to share / collaborating with food
preparation (this can be a good time to chat)
- asking people to bring stuff to talk about (do workshops, skill shares
etc.)  There would definitely be some biochar, soil microscopy and
aerated compost tea stuff going on.

A big part of it would be to get people together to spark conversations
around soil, the work and research we are doing, and letting stuff grow
out of these interactions. Also to see what ideas/energy people have for
taking SoilHack forward.

Interested in hearing from anyone interested in participating in such a
gathering. 

We have kindly been offered the option to use the Brook End LAND Centre
near Street/Glastonbury, Somerset (1hour south of Bristol) on the 9th -
11th October if we gave a donation towards expenses (firewood etc.)
there is a hall / classroom with a woodstove and lots of outdoor space.

There would be a limit of 25 participants, and along with camping, space
to sleep in the hall or local B&Bs.