Plants quietly shape our world, our history, and even our future — and this course reveals just how remarkable that story really is.
Join Ecologist Greg Morter as we begin this fascinating Neighbourhood Workshop by exploring the extraordinary 450 million-year evolution of plants and the inventive ways they solved the many problems arising from the move on to dry land – gravity, nutrition, desiccation and the particularly intractable and surprising issue of reproduction.
The focus then shifts to how humans have adapted this bountiful heritage. We discover why, where and how agriculture was invented, and why this step has been described as “the worst mistake in history“. We continue with an overview of the key discoveries and different approaches to food growing in places as diverse as China, the Americas, the Islamic World and Britain. We culminate with the revolutionary changes of the Twentieth Century and the challenges and possibilities of the future.
By the end of the course, the plants in your garden will no longer look quite the same!
Set in the peaceful Somerset countryside near Wincanton, Holbrook Manor is a graceful Georgian house combining heritage, comfort, and tranquillity. Its elegant architecture and landscaped gardens create a calm, inspiring setting.
With its serene atmosphere and warm hospitality, Holbrook Manor is the perfect place to learn, connect, and unwind.
For a full course description, including details on the tutor, venue, accommodation (where applicable) and more, visit our full listings page by clicking here.
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Greg Morter is an educator with a long-standing fascination with origins, from human history and evolution to cosmology, and has been leading Cosmic Walks since 2009 to make the history of everything tangible through a 13.8 km walk through deep time. A tutor with the Workers’ Educational Association, he develops and teaches courses that weave together subjects such as plant evolution, food growing, cosmology, and the history of money, and lives in Somerset, where he works as both a teacher and gardener.
Click here to find out more about Greg Morter and his other available courses
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Nestled in the Somerset countryside near Wincanton, Holbrook Manor is a charming Georgian house offering comfort, calm, and character — ideal for residential courses and retreats. With elegant rooms, home-cooked meals, and access to the indoor pool, spa bath, sauna, and steam room, it’s the perfect place to learn, relax, and recharge.
The venue has plenty of free parking, accessible course rooms and some accessible bedrooms. There are also a few bedrooms which are dog friendly.
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A pen and paper might be handy if you wish to make notes and an open mind!
