Member of the Climate Emergency Centres Network and CAG Devon Network. Blackdown Hills Eco Hub: Regenerating Our Environment Through Living Soils and Nature-Based Solutions: A Space for Connection and Practical Solutions
In 2021, we established our Eco Hub in the heart of the Blackdown Hills, nestled in a beautiful ancient valley. This radically inclusive space brings people together to share th
eir personal experiences of rapid change and the challenges we collectively face. How are you feeling in face of rapid change? What nature-based solutions are you and your community implementing? Can these be easily adopted by others to enhance local resilience to the climate and ecological emergency? Ecological Restoration & Community Growing
We are deeply committed to nature-based solutions that restore ecosystems. Our workshops focus on wildlife-friendly gardening, rewilding community spaces, and regenerative food production. In April 2023, we proudly launched our community food-growing garden, where volunteers cultivate fresh, organic local produce, sharing it with neighbours and community food larders, while learning about soil health and biodiversity. We gather regularly: Wednesdays: 2–4 PM Saturdays: 11 AM–1 PM
Everyone is welcome—come for fresh air, a hot drink, cake, and good conversation! Our Biochar Journey: Nourishing Living Soils
Our biochar journey began with a second-hand Exeter Retort. Since then, with generous funding, we’ve expanded our capacity by acquiring two Dartmoor Dragons, a Tawi and our latest mobile kiln. We produce charcoal and biochar from hedge brash and ash dieback sourced from locally managed hedges and woodlands. By creatively repurposing waste materials, we are enriching soils, fostering microbial life, and improving soil structure. Collaborating with Plymouth University researchers has allowed us to explore biochar’s potential. Through workshops and social media, we share insights into how biochar sequesters carbon in soils, supports beneficial microbes, and enhances soil fertility, is a vital ingredient in thermal green walls and microforests. By nurturing healthy, living soils, we improve plant vitality, boost biodiversity, and create resilient ecosystems. Our Online Learning Programme for Horse and Livestock Owners to Enhance Soil Health, Biodiversity, and Ecological Restoration is now live! https://guruface.com/course/rooted-in-resilience-how-horses-and-livestock-contribute-to-environmental-sustai/2180
It's an initiative designed to empower horse and livestock owners with sustainable strategies for regenerating soil, reducing soil compaction and improving land management. Through a mix of workshops, instructional videos, and tailored advice, this programme tackles the unique challenges of managing paddocks, yards, and pastures in the UK while fostering ecological restoration and sustainability. WhatThreeWords: https://w3w.co/market.monks.pets
We also run a variety of workshops including our No Plastic Christmas Wreath Making (December), natural leaf/flower printing on fabric/paper to create works of art, hedgerow medicine, biochar, food growing, workshops with various groups including Bicton College, Colyton Grammar School, Somerset Council to name a few. See our EVENTS for upcoming dates.
