Koru

Foundation Degree in Sustainable Horticulture sails through first stage validation

Rupert B — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 20:59:28 +0000

The Foundation Degree program sailed through first stage validation last week with only minor work to be done. Fantastic step forward for this exciting new program. Second stage validation is 24th May, watch for updates!

Energy in schools work with Resource Futures

Rupert B — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 16:58:28 +0000

We are delighted to be working with Resource Futures supporting schools in the move to reduce energy use primarily through behavior change, we will be working on this project until the end of July 2013. More news to follow as the project develops.

Foundation Degree (FDSc) Sustainable Horticulture: one step closer.

Rupert B — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 09:04:22 +0000

We have been asked to undertake further research and background work to support Bicton College's proposed new program. We need to tighten up on content and ensure resources and infrastructure are in place to convince the panel at Plymouth University that we are ready and capable to deliver the program. This is a genuinely exciting and much needed program with significant initial support from sector. We recognise that there is a lot of work to be done in the coming months & weeks to get approval. I have also been appointed as program manager.

SEEd webinar- How to setup food growing projects in your school.

Rupert B — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 16:44:51 +0000

This SEEd webinar will focus on how you can establish food growing projects in your school and how you can convince other poeople in your school and community that this is a good idea. The webinar will have contributions from Myles Bremner (CEO of Garden Organic), Member of RHS Schools Growing team. Go to the SEEd website to register

New Curriculum supports Food Growing in Schools

Rupert B — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 21:06:32 +0000

The New Curriculum has given hope to food, plants and related subjects in schools and those that work in the sector. Extracts include:

‘Pupils should be taught progressively more demanding practical knowledge skills and crafts, working in fields such as horticulture to cultivate plants for practical purposes, such as for food or for decorative displays’

‘Pupils should be taught the basic principles of balanced eating and where food comes from, and should be encouraged to develop an interest in cooking’.

Growing Devon Schools partnership gathers momentum.

Rupert B — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 14:15:06 +0000

Following successful application for £10,000 of funding and supporting funding from Devon CC waste and Devon Gardens Trust this weeks meeting at Embercombe also established some core structure and areas of responsibility. Positions included:

Chair: Rupert Bannister (Koru Education)
Vice chair: Nicky Scott (Devon Community Compost Network)
Secretary: Bobby Hughes (Devon CC waste)

The Chair & Secretary will travel to Coventry on 26-27th March to attend a full project briefing from the funders The Federation of City Farms & Community Gardens.

Crown lifting to show off stunning bark & habit.

Rupert B — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 09:21:54 +0000

The crown on this Japanese Maple was lifted to reveal the beauty of the bark and allow more light into the plants below.

West Hill Garden

Rupert B — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 09:17:08 +0000

We are currently managing this stunning 4 acre garden in Westhill near Ottery St Mary. The gardens are dominated by some significant mature trees over 40 feet high and some over 100 years old.

Growing Devon Schools partnership

Rupert B — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 15:45:55 +0000

The partnership was successful in its bid for £10,000 of funding to help drive the project forward. We were one of three successful national bids from a field of 64.

The funding from the Federation of City Farms & Community Gardens will provide us with a website and initial pilot of training programs to be delivered from two centres in the county.

The project will also be supported by funding from Devon County Council Waste & Devon Gardens Trust. We will have further developments and news following our next meeting at the end of February.

SEEd webinar: How to visualise more sustainable futures

Rupert B — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 13:57:01 +0000

Dave Hicks, Professor at Bath Spa University, will share his experiences of helping teachers and young people think more clearly about the future, a future that will be very different from today.

In particular the question for the session is ‘If we cannot actually visualise a sustainable future how will we ever get there?’ In particular he will share new 2050 visual scenarios for some of the doorways to sustainability.

Go to the SEEd website for more details & registration.