NBSOIL project partner the Soil Association has developed Module 2 of the Academy, which focuses on co-creation with a focus on living labs. The module was officially launched online with an informative webinar and in person at Grow Wilder near Bristol.
Nestled between three busy roads in northeast Bristol, Grow Wilder is a unique, small haven for people and wildlife. Run by the Avon Wildlife Trust, Grow Wilder has six acres of regenerative food growing, ponds, woodlands and wildflowers. It welcomes in the community and inspires groups to connect with each other, engage with nature, and take action for wilder spaces around the UK.
This inspiring setting made Grow Wilder the perfect location to launch our new module for the NBSOIL Academy, a free-to-access learning space for people across Europe interested in learning more about improving soil health in different contexts, sustainable management practices and methods to bring this work to life.
Launching a new module on Living Labs
Soil Association has developed a module focusing on co-creation with a special focus on Living Labs. This is a framework that can support the development of innovative projects and practices. The module draws inspiration from our Innovative Farmers programme. This module introduces methods to work collectively to innovate, experiment and develop projects (from initial idea to completion). It also has an in-depth section on one of the most talked about models in Europe nowadays, the ‘Living Lab’ model. To bring ideas and tools to life, the module shares real-life case studies from our own farmer-led research and our partners in Europe.
In late October, 14 soil health practitioners, project leaders and enthusiasts gathered at Grow Wilder to delve into the module content and discuss Living Labs as a framework for innovations around soil health. From PhD students of farmer-led research to individuals setting up community orchards, the attendees came from a range of backgrounds but found lots of shared connections.
The module was also launched online for those unable to attend Grow Wilder in person. NBSOIL’s partners, the Soil Association and CNA, led this session, introducing the audience to the module theme and explaining a practical case study. The webinar is available on demand via the video below.
Co-creation for soil health
Our Knowledge Exchange Manager, Ana Allamand, who is involved with the NBSOIL Project at the Soil Association, facilitated the day and navigated us through the framework of Living Labs. While concepts and frameworks for co-creation can sometimes feel abstract, Ana’s insights helped to illustrate how theory can be put into practice. We heard that some are not accustomed to consciously considering the tools and methods they use.
A significant portion of the day was itself a testament to co-creation, as participants were encouraged to contribute their own knowledge and experiences from their backgrounds and projects. By the end of the day, we had gained so much knowledge from the many projects in the room, and even had a chance to deep-dive into one project specifically through a ‘network mapping activity’.
The day ended with a positive buzz, as people were keen to stay engaged and shared their ideas for collaboration. For example, one participant used a soil sampling software that perfectly met another’s needs at their unique peri-urban site. The event embodied the ethos of Living Labs: creating a space that facilitated collaboration and supported ideas to be developed for improving soil health.
