Climate Change and Peak Oil

Exploring Personal Responses to the Crisis

 

A Residential Weekend at Ragmans Lane Farm

Friday 27th to Sunday 29th July 2007

 

You probably know about Climate Change and are worried

You may not have heard of Peak Oil but you should have

 

You are likely to feel overwhelmed and not sure what to do

 

Climate Change and Peak Oil are the two biggest challenges which humanity faces today, but many people are overwhelmed by the enormity of the problems and feel that any action they take would be insignificant.

 

This course will introduce the science behind Climate Change and Peak Oil in an accessible way. We will look at some of the predictions being made by scientists about what is likely to happen, as well as exposing some popular misconceptions and myths.

 

Having introduced the subjects, the course will then explore actions that can be taken to reduce and mitigate the effects.

 

At Government level; we will look at the role of international protocols and market interventions to control the emission of greenhouse gasses

 

At Community level; many communities across Britain are not waiting for Government action and are actively taking steps to prepare themselves for the effects of Climate Change and Peak Oil. Matt Dunwell who has been involved in the Transition City Bristol initiative will explain the Transition Model and describe his experience of it.

 

At a Personal level; we will begin by exploring the personal blocks which we all carry that prevent us from taking action when faced with overwhelming challenges. A variety of participatory exercises will then be used to enable participants to identify the steps that they want to take to reduce their dependency upon plentiful energy. We will investigate how preparing for crisis can save money, benefit the environment, increase our well-being as well as improving our security.

By the end of the course participants will have a clear understanding of the issues and consequences of Climate Change and Peak Oil, and will have developed a plan of how they are going to start rising to meet the challenges.

 

The Venue

Set in the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Ragmans Lane Farm is one of the finest examples of broadscale Permaculture in Britain. Ragmans Lane has been at the leading edge of rural sustainability for over 15 years and regularly hosts courses on Permaculture, Sustainable Land Use and other rural crafts. The farm concentrates on producing shitake mushroom logs and apple juice and has recently planted extensive new orchard.

 

The Tutors

Al Jack, with support from Matt Dunwell (Director of Ragmans Lane Farm) and Josh Joshua, (the land manager at Ragmans Lane).

 

Al has much experience of environmental matters, having been involved in campaign groups since his student days in the 80’s. Before moving to the Forest of Dean, where he is actively exploring ways of low impact living in a co-operative community, Al was involved in developing ways of using of permaculture principles to guide community development in urban situations.

 

Al is a qualified adult education tutor and has experience of teaching Sustainable Development and Pollution Studies in FE colleges. He is particularly interested in facilitating participatory approaches to learning.

 

Accomodation

The course fee includes accommodation in the farm bunkhouse, a simple but cosy 400 year old barn. The bunkhouse, which has been carefully renovated using traditional techniques and materials, is heated by a ceramic stove. Alternatively, if you bring a tent, there is space to camp in the farm’s campsite.

 

If you are coming on a course you will need a sleeping bag as the farm only provides matresses and pillows.

 

For those who wish a little more comfort, we can provide contact details for local bed and breakfast accommodation which you are able to book at your own expense.

 

All meals will be provided from Friday evening until Sunday lunch. Food will be vegetarian with vegan options and as organic as is reasonably possible. Please advise us of any special dietary needs when you book.

 

Booking

The cost of the weekend is £140, but you can save £15 by booking before 30th June.

 

Complete the booking form and return it with your payment to confirm your place.

 

Some fee concession may be available; please contact Al if you are unable to afford the full course fee and feel that there is particular community benefit from you participating in this course.

 

If you have any questions or require any further information about this course then please contact Al.

 

Sage Green Technology has the solutions and experience to help you live in harmony with your natural surroundings.