Grow Leader Course

Community 

Build meaningful relationships and networks with like-minded individuals

Evaluate and challenge information critically, especially when related to environmental and horticultural practice

Personal growth and leadership

Build confidence and courage to step into leadership roles within your local communities.

Cultivate critical thinking and self-awareness to make informed, ethical decisions.

Ecological and horticultural skills

Develop foundational horticultural knowledge, including growing, soil health, seed saving and composting, 

Apply ecological observation and monitoring skills to assess land health and inform practical decisions.

Action and application

Plan & present a small scale community project idea that reflects your course learning & future goals 

Reflect on learning and transformation over the course through written, verbal or creative expression

IMPORTANT NOTE: 
The Grow Leader course provides an opportunity to introduce students to some basic ecology principles and horticultural skills. It is not a technically comprehensive horticultural/ecology course but intends to offer a holistic approach to these topics igniting a love of learning and critical thinking in attendees so they can pursue areas of interest in the future. 

Alex Poulter is a horticulturist, market gardener, baker and former vegetarian restaurant owner. He has been involved in the Bristol food scene for over a decade and is passionate about regenerative growing, working with nature for healthy gardens and growing delicious homegrown food. 
This module will cover the basics of soil, from understanding the properties of different soil types to how we can work with nature to build healthy soil for healthy plants. You will learn techniques for measuring your own soil type and leave with an appreciation for the amazing life below ground!

Amie Cook is an experienced ecologist and biodiversity officer working in the west of england. She has a wealth of experience in protected species monitoring, landscape management and community engagement for nature. All of Amies' roles revolve around improving the connectivity and quality of nature in urban and rural settings and helping people understand & connect with the natural world around them. Working previously for the Avon Wildlife Trust in 2024, Amie delivered a free ecological advisory service, but has worked in private consultancy and now for the Local Government authority in South Gloucestershire. Amie's special areas of interest are habitat restoration, the freshwater network and ponds. You won't stop her talking about access to nature, connectivity, community action and systemic change for wildlife and people.

Natasha Martirosian has an interdisciplinary background encompassing conservation, environmental policy, behavioral psychology and the arts, with a passion for defining pathways toward regenerative, sustainable futures through a connected, whole systems approach via deeper understandings of who we are individually and collectively. Much of her research has focused on wellbeing, behaviour change, self efficacy, biodiversity, ecosystems management and environmental policy. 
Currently, Natasha is a Research Associate on Monitoring, Reporting and Verification of land based climate mitigation and socio-ecological systems at CO2RE, focusing on how co-benefits and environmental impacts are defined and reported, based at the University of Bristol. She is also CO2RE’s Flexible Fund Manager, which supports work to address research and engagement gaps in greenhouse gas removal. Previous work includes creating a framework for prioritising biodiversity in the Environmental Land Management Scheme (ELMS) for Defra and engagement, communications manager at Bridge Farm Community, project management and managing an independent design consultancy.
Natasha's  course:
The day will focus on wellbeing, health, active hope and inspirational leadership delivered through a variety of practical discussions and skills building exercises. You will learn tools for connecting with yourself and supporting the people who make your project truly sustainable. Natasha will weave her own story of awakening to nature connection and climate, health and ecological crisis, and take students through key critical concepts that will help strengthen their ability to lead in challenging times. Finally, the day will end with an overview of project development stages and skills with sign posts to further reading and future learning. Students will leave feeling better informed, connected, inspired, and able to take on the next great challenge. 

The Grow Leader is part of a rich landscape of training offerings in Bristol, the Grow Leader will expose you to wildlife gardening, ecology, horticultural and food growing skills, urban conservation and community organising woven into a personal and leadership development journey. 
There are many other complimentary courses in Bristol and beyond that will then allow you to deep dive into a topic that has sparked your interest, such as;

• Shift Bristol year long Practical Sustainability Course
• St Werburghs City Farm Organic Gardening course with Tim Foster
• Apricot Centre
• Black Mountains college 

The 2026 course costs £800

The ticket price has changed to reflect these new elements;

• Practical land management sessions at Grow Wilder, where you will gain experience in conservation and horticulture skills
• The overall course length has doubled to provide more time to build your networks and integrate learnings
• Introduction of new sessions on community organising and leadership
• Opportunity to meet and learn from 8 different tutors, with the potential to have 1-2-1 coaching sessions during or after the course (not included in course fees)
•  

There is a pay-it-forward option (+20%), two discounted spaces (-30%) per course for participants who can demonstrate that they are living on a low income (under £15,000 pa) payslip, student loan statement or proof of receiving benefits can be used as verification. 
There is a pay by instalments option- direct debit 

There will be a maximum of 15 attendees. 

A non-refundable 25% deposit will be required to reserve your place on the course.

Please note  the deposit is strictly non-refundable. Please contact learning@avonwildlifetrust.org.uk if you have an issue.