The Grow Leader programme is designed for people wanting to take their gardening or allotment to the next level, for those with a desire to move towards greener careers and a more sustainable future, and for changemakers wanting to make a difference in their community.
Spending time at Grow Wilder, an urban nature reserve just 10 minutes by bus from Bristol city centre, and working with nature on the land with a group of like-minded people is a transformational journey.
©Northeast Wildlife
The scent of wild marjoram, the shared effort of a practical workday, and a table filled with food everyone has brought to share: these are experiences that bring learning to life! A current Grow Leader participant shared how their journey began.
“It was wonderful learning about all the different habitats and incredible to see how much variation can be packed into a relatively small space.”
Their day brought exploration into practice. Working together on habitat management, the group helped open up space for light to reach wildflowers, while cut material became part of a dead hedge providing shelter for invertebrates.
What initially felt quite drastic (cutting down trees) became a lesson in ecological relationships. Through discussion, Grow Leader participants explored the value of the mosaic of habitats and the importance of edges between grassland and tree cover.
This is where theory becomes understanding - not just learning the theory about what to do, but questioning why, hands-on experience, observing the results, and seeing how decisions affect a living landscape.
Laura-Jade Eley
Learning by doing captures a wider shift encouraged on the course. Caring for nature means looking closely, recognising connections and sometimes reconsidering assumptions. Across subjects including soil health, composting, seed saving and crop planning, participants explore how growing, wildlife and communities fit together. A participant said: “It connected seed to soil, to food, to community. I now think about the whole system, not just one part.”
This change in perspective can reach beyond the course. It invites people to consider how their choices reflect their values, what working with nature could look like, and where they can make a difference.
Trying something unfamiliar can be daunting. Grow Leader combines opportunities to get involved with generous teaching, discussion and reflection, helping participants build confidence alongside knowledge.
A member of the cohort said: “The tutors were so generous with their knowledge and patient with answering questions.”
For anyone considering a different working life, the Grow Leader course offers space to explore possibilities grounded in experience.
Foundational ecological and horticultural learning sits alongside community organising, leadership and planning a small-scale community project. Together, these can help participants identify interests, recognise transferable skills and consider where further learning or experience might lead.
If you’re keen to hear more and experience a bit of the Grow Leader course for yourself, we have an event coming up. Join the Avon Wildlife Trust team at Grow Wilder, for a special celebration of people, nature and community. Expect an inspiring and relaxed gathering filled with nature connection, warming food and opportunity to ask questions about the next Grow Leader course, starting in April 2027.
Friday 11 December, 3-6pm at Grow Wilder, 181 Frenchay Park Road , Bristol, BS16 1EL
