Bioindicators: What can weeds teach us?

What is a weed? We generally think of it as the wrong plant in the wrong place. But what if these plants are telling us something about our soil, or perhaps even our management decisions on farms? What if instead of viewing these plants as weeds, we began to think of them as Bioindicators? Might certain plants warn us of mineral deficiencies or surpluses, pH conditions or biological activity?

This afternoon practical workshop, led by Dr. Chris Maughan, will give you a new way of looking at farming landscapes while providing you with a quick and easy way to diagnose problems in the field without the time and financial costs often associated with lab-based tests.

We'll begin by introducing the concept of bioindicators and how this term can apply to 'weeds' before heading out onto the farm to find out what the weeds at FarmED can tell us. While in the field you'll be led through a simple surveying methodology to enable you to try for yourself at home.

All equipment will be provided, although a wild flower guide and/or a plant ID app (e.g. Plantnet) would be useful during the field survey session. Ticket prices include tea, coffee and cake.  If you wojuld like to purchase lunch beforehand, our cafe serves lunches from midday.

This workshop is part of an ongoing study being led by the Centre for Agroecology Water and Resilience which you can find out more about here.

About the facilitator

Dr. Chris Maughan is an Assistant Professor of Agroecological Knowledge and Innovation Systems at the Centre for Agroecology, Water and Resilience, Coventry University. He is a transdisciplinary researcher whose work draws on years of experience as a community food grower and training in horticultural production.

Dr. Chris is generously offering his time free of charge so we can offer affordable tickets to this event.

Tiered Pricing

Delivery of our mission is a collective effort and our values embrace inclusivity and diversity. We don’t want price to be a barrier to anyone visiting FarmED or attending our events.

FarmED Bursary

If cost is a barrier to you attending, then please do ask us for financial support. The FarmED Bursary offers free or subsidised places to those that will benefit most.

GREAT Farmers

As part of the GREAT project (see www.greatglos.co.uk) we can offer subsidised places to existing and aspiring farmers, growers and advisers in Gloucestershire to the suite of regenerative agriculture and agroecological transition courses at FarmED. To book, please select the Discounted Ticket option below. You will be asked for a few eligibility details including evidence of your involvement in regenerative agriculture and your potential impact in Gloucestershire.

North East Cotswold Farmer Cluster

We can offer subsidised places to members of the North East Cotswold Farmer Cluster (https://www.cotswoldfarmers.org/).  To book, please select the Discounted Ticket option below.

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