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The Spring Into Action 2007 website has now been replaced by a more general purpose Eastside Climate Action website. The old site is still here for the moment though.
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Workshop programme
The programme of events is now online here!
[ Printer-friendly PDF version here ]
For details, locations and times, please see the workshop descriptions below.
The week of events will take place from Thursday 5th – Wednesday 11th April 2007. The events listed below are confirmed for the programme, with a few more on the way!
There is also a (slightly less up-to-date) printed version of the programme, available from various locations around Nottingham city and the surrounding area.
The online programme is now in it's final state, so is not expected to change further.
*** ALL WORKSHOPS ARE FREE OF CHARGE! ***
Pre-booking a workshop place
If a workshop you are interested in taking part in has a "Max 15" or similar in it's listing, that means the number of places available is limited. You can pre-book your places on these limited workshops by emailing bookings, or by calling 07765 217118.
Venues
Central Venue - J. B. Spray factory
We have now moved in to the central venue, which is the old J. B. Spray & Co. factory on Russell Street, Radford. Built in 1870, the historic lace mill - a grade 2 listed building - has sat empty for years. While it's not exactly luxurious, it offers a good amount of space for workshops and cooking, plenty of smaller rooms that can be used for sleeping in, and a breathtaking aerial view of the city.
[ map ]
Attenborough Nature Reserve & Centre
Barton Lane, Attenborough.
Situated 7km south west of Nottingham city centre, this nature reserve was once an area of wet grassland alongside the River Trent.
[ website ] [ map ]
ASBO Community Space
33 Burns Street, Radford
"A Simple Building Occupation" squatted community space.
[ website ] [ map ]
Bestwood Country Park
Alexandra Lodge, Northern Drive, Park Road, Bestwood Village
This 650 acre park on the northern fringe of Nottingham has an incredible variety of different wildlife habitats.
[ map ]
Blueprint Club
509 Alfreton Road, Nottingham
[ website ] [ map ]
Hill Holt Woods
Norton Disney, Lincolnshire
Environmental social enterprise, situated in 34 acres of mixed deciduous forest in Lincolnshire.
[ website ] [ map ]
Hungerhill Allotments
Hungerhill Road, St. Anns
The oldest and largest allotment site in the country. Home to several projects including Ecoworks and the community orchard.
[ map ]
International Community Centre (ICC)
61b Mansfield Road, Nottingham
[ map ]
Lee Rosy's Tea Rooms
17 Broad Street, Nottingham
[ website ] [ map ]
The Art Organisation
21 Station Street, Nottingham.
This venture in Nottingham is an adventurous step toward creating a sustained project, in the first of a series of derelict buildings, offering opportunity for the introduction of the arts to the community, education in the arts; classes, workshops and exhibitions, and the promotion of local and national artists and their artwork.
[ website ] [ map ]
The Golden Fleece
105 Mansfield Rd, Nottingham
[ website ] [ map ]
The Sumac Centre
245 Gladstone Street, Forest Fields
The Sumac Centre provides resources and a meeting place for local groups and individuals campaigning for human and animal rights, the environment, peace and co-operation world-wide.
[ website ] [ map ]
Pickup point: (outside) Wagamama's
The Cornerhouse, South Sherwood Street side
This is the pickup point in the centre of town for some events. Look for a big yellow minibus!
[ map ]
Meeting point: Market Square
Market Square, by the left lion of the town hall
This is the meeting point for the Critical Mass bike ride. Look for lots of bikes!
[ map ]
Meeting point: Nottingham Station
Carrington Street
This is the meeting point for the Attenborough cycle ride. Look for lots of bikes!
[ map ]
Workshop information, times and locations
Basket Weaving
Friday 6th, 10am Adults, 2pm supervised Children, Meet Sumac Centre
Learn a technique to weave baskets using exclusively recycled materials.
Max 12
Beginners guide to growing fruit & veg in your own backyard
Sunday 8th, 11am-2pm, Sumac Centre
Learn about container gardening & growing food in small spaces in a practical hands on way.
Beginners guide to growing your own fruit and veg on an allotment
Friday 6th, 2pm, J. B. Spray factory
Visit the allotments of two experienced organic growers, where they will give top tips on getting started with growing your own. Meet at the central venue and then walk or catch a bus to the site.
Max 20
Bike repair
All day, all week, J. B. Spray factory
Is your bike in need of some TLC to get you back on the road? Bring it along to learn and share bike maintenance skills, and to get advice and a helping hand on repairing anything a bit more technical.
Thanks to both Ridewise and Pedals for helping out!
Bio-diesel
Wednesday 11th, 2pm, Sumac Centre
Introduction to the different types of bio-diesel, especially the Bio-Power solution which does not use chemical processing. Includes practical demonstration of car running on bio-diesel.
Max 10
Build Your Own Wind Turbine
Sunday 8th, 10am-5pm, Meet Sumac Centre
Max 20
Calculate and reduce your carbon footprint
Wednesday 11th, 2pm, Sumac Centre
interactive calculation of your carbon footprint with a carbon calculator and exploration of the impact of different practical measures to reduce your carbon footprint.
Max 5
Campaigning Skills
Wednesday 11th, 10am, ASBO
Introduction to running a campaign.
Climate action - tackling the root causes, past and future
Sunday 8th, 2pm-3pm, ASBO
A look at past climate actions around the world and opportunities for future action as well as a discussion on motivations and tactics.
Climate change - the essential facts
Monday 9th, 10am-11am, Meet Sumac Centre
The essential facts for people who feel like they need to get a better grounding of the issue with a little politics and science.
Critical Mass Bike Ride
Friday 6th 5:30pm, Meet Market Square
Critical Mass is often described as an 'unorganised coincidence'. It happens when a lot of cyclists happen to be in the same place at the same time and decide to cycle the same way together for a while. For more information see the Nottingham Critical Mass website.
Contraction and Convergence
Saturday 7th, 5-7pm, J. B. Spray factory
An equitable solution to reducing our carbon emissions while allowing for the development of the majority world.
Corporate Strategy
Sunday 8th, 9:30am, J. B. Spray factory
Marks and Spencer and Tesco have recently announced ambitious 'green' targets. In April, a major advertising campaign will take place on 'carbon footprints' in the retail sector.
Soon every corporation under the sun will be proclaiming itself to be carbon neutral and 'green'. But what other corporate strategies are in place besides greenwash? What are the fault-lines within the corporate world, and how are they trying to influence public perception and government policy. A quick global look, then more focused on the UK. For everyone interested in the subject, whether beginner or burnt-out old hack.
Cycle ride to Attenborough nature reserve
Wednesday 11th, 9:30am, Meet Nottingham station, Attenborough Nature Reserve for 11am
Followed by a short talk by the reserve staff about the eco-visitor centre. Approximately 12 miles round trip along the canal path. Cafe at the centre for refreshments although it may be very busy so bring at least water with you. Meet at 9.30am Nottingham Train Station. Suitable for children & unconfident cyclists!
Max 20 people.
Despair to Empowerment
Sunday 8th, 7pm, ASBO
Managing our feelings about what is/could happen to our planet and all who live on it. Finding our hope in the dark. Making a deep connection with what sustains us so we don't burn out and drop out of activism.
Foraging
Saturday 7th, 10am, Meet J. B. Spray factory for Arboretum
Find out what plants are edible and useful and are readily available in a city environment. Involves walking!
max 15
General Plumbing
Monday 9th, 10am, Sumac Centre
Connecting sinks to supply pipes (plastic/copper) and to waste pipes. Creating gravity feed taps (i.e. a container at high level full of water connected to taps) Can be flexible and follow interests/needs of those that want to do it.
Max 5
Getting your message out there
Monday 9th, 2pm, Sumac Centre
Skills share on everything from recognising and countering "greenwash", making websites, online activism, printed materials production, and generally everything to do with ideas on getting your message out there.
Printable workshop notes
Max 10
Greywater
Friday 6th, 9am-5pm, Meet J. B. Spray factory
Brief theory/orientation session about grey water. View existing installation & discussion with creators at Ecoworks. Make simple transportable systems for field situation. Design complex system for fixed installation at Sumac.
Max 5
Guerilla Gardening
Monday 9th, 5-7pm, Meet J. B. Spray factory
Guerrilla gardeners believe in reclaiming land from perceived neglect or misuse and assigning a new purpose for it.
Hay Boxes and Solar Cooking
Thursday 5th, 10am, J. B. Spray factory
Learn how to make low-emission cookers.
Improving Energy Efficiency in the home
Friday 6th, 2-4pm, ASBO
Useful for both home owners and renters. Looking at Draughts:
- Impact of draughts on energy consumption,
- prevention of draughts. (Curtains, draught excludes, replacing windows. etc.)
- Insulation: Wall and roof: fibreglass , blown cellulose, Sheep's wool etc.
- Boiler and pipe lagging.
- Commercial and DIY solar thermal systems.
- Electrical energy usage: Monitoring, appliances, stand-by
- Heating systems: alternatives/options, effect of boiler efficiency on carbon emissions.
Introduction to Ecology
Friday 6th, 2pm, J. B. Spray factory
An introduction to the concepts of ecology. The study of interactions between species. An important workshop for those who wish to understand our dependence on our environment and how climate change will affect that.
Know your rights for activists
Monday 9th, 2pm, ASBO
Feel confidant that your know your rights when stopped or arrested by the police on demos/actions. Explanation of what to do when your are arrested & an update on new legislation and police powers.
Land Access Issues and setting up Housing Cooperatives
Saturday 7th, 2pm, ASBO
Looking at control of land and how to set up co-operative structures that allow you to pursue your carbon neutral dream.
Low Impact Living
Friday 6th, 10am-12pm, Sumac Centre
This workshop will explore how we can reduce our daily environmental impact by making some radical but simple changes to how we live our lives. It will also include a critical discussion of the various strategies emerging from low impact living practices such as localisation, self-sufficiency and self-build.
Making Books
Thursday 5th, Adults 10am, supervised Children 2pm, Sumac Centre
Learn how to make and bind books using exclusively recycled materials. Need to bring your own old envelopes.
Max 15 adults. Max 20 children.
Mitigating Climate Change - The Equity Issues
Thursday 5th, 2pm, ICC
Responding to the climate crisis will cost. Current policy thinking would mean that a lot of money will go to the energy sector to create the incentives and resources to pay for investment in low carbon and low energy technologies. So who's going to pay? At the moment it looks as if sectors of society who are weak and vulnerable could end up bearing a disproportionate share of the burden.
Off Grid Electricity
Saturday 7th, 10am, ASBO
The theory and practice of how to use solar panels, car batteries and make mains electricity. Includes working with solar panels to run lights and a sound system.
Max 10
Peak Oil
Saturday 7th, 10am-12pm, Sumac Centre
A look at the concept of peak oil and the massive implications for our oil dependant society. Or why industrial society will collapse, its just a question of when!
Permaculture in Cities
Thursday 5th, 2pm, Sumac Centre
Find out what permaculture is and how permaculture principles can help reduce our ecological footprint.
Max 15
Plane Stupid
Wednesday 11th, 10am-12pm, J. B. Spray factory
Preserving your produce
Wednesday 11th, 10am, Meet Sumac Centre
Learn how to cope with seasonal gluts of food - everything from storing you food to a practical demonstration of chutney making, and chutney to take home.
Raw Food
Sunday 8th, 2-5pm, J. B. Spray factory
Learn about the benefits of a diet mainly comprised of raw foods, and everything you need to know including sprouting, food dehydrating (how to make a domestic and solar dehydrator), gourmet recipes and juicing.
Renewable Energy in the UK
Monday 9th, 10am, J. B. Spray factory
Introduction to the state of renewable energy in this country including costs, government policy, what you can do at home etc. All your questions answered!
Max 10
Rocket Stove making
Thursday 5th, 2pm, J. B. Spray factory
Rockets stoves are very efficient wood burning stoves that are revolutionising the majority world. Come and learn how to make your own.
Rural Skills - Tour of Bestwood Country Park
Friday 6th, 10am, Alexandra Lodge.
A guided tour of Bestwood Country Park, looking at examples of coppicing and Hedge Laying.
Seasonal Cooking / The Climate Cafe
Every day, 4-7pm, J. B. Spray factory
Our dietary choices have a huge impact on the environment on many levels, from deforestation, to greenhouse gases, and even water consumption. There will be a chance to get practical hands on experience of cooking with seasonal and locally sourced ingredients and workshop discussions on the benefits of a vegan diet in reducing our impact on the global environment. To find out more, see Veggies Climate Change Info.
Seedy Exchange
Sunday 8th, 11am-2pm, Sumac Centre
Swap leftover seeds, seedlings and plants & natter to other gardeners about their top tips.
Setting up a Community Compost Scheme
Monday 9th, 5-6pm, Sumac Centre
Solar Water Heating
Monday 9th, 2pm, J. B. Spray factory
Come and learn the basics of Solar Water Heating including setting up a very basic thermosiphon system.
St Anns allotments visit
Monday 9th, 10am-12pm & again from 2-4pm if sufficient interest, Meet J. B. Spray factory for Hungerhill Allotments
Visit the St Anns allotments; the largest and oldest allotment site in Britain. See Ecoworks community garden, the community orchard, Fresh market gardens and "Cider club"
Max 15
Straw Bale Building
Thursday 5th & Friday 6th, 10am, Town centre pickup
Street Theatre
Monday 9th, 10am, ASBO
Fun, practical have-a-go, simple props, costumes, banners, signs, staging still images for the media, adapting core street theatre formats that work, moving audiences, static, stalls etc.etc. See Street Acts.
The Science of Climate Change
Thursday 5th, 11am, ICC
Introduction to the complicated world of climate science from Dr. Simon L. Lewis, Royal Society Research Fellow and one of the UK's leading experts on Climate Change and Rainforests.
Transition Town
Wednesday 11th, 2pm, Meet ICC
A transition town is a community-led initiative which is working towards the creation of an Energy Descent Action Plan for the town. The thinking behind a transition town is simply that a town using much less energy and resources than we presently consume could, if properly planned for and designed, be more resilient, more abundant and more pleasurable than the present. This workshop is for those who are interested in beginning this process.
Tours & Talks - Presentation skills
Saturday 7th, 2:30pm, J. B. Spray factory
Veganism and Climate Change
Monday 9th, 2-4pm, Meet Sumac Centre
"Each of us could make a bigger contribution to reducing emissions of greenhouse gases by becoming a vegan than by converting to an eco-friendly car..." However moving towards a vegan diet is just the start. We need to consider where our ingredients are sourced and how they are produced. This workshop compliments the daily Seasonal Cooking workshops, continuing and drawing attempting to draw conclusions from the discussions that will hopefully develop around the chopping boards and cooking pots.
Visit to Hill Holt woods
Thursday 5th, 9am, Meet J. B. Spray factory for Hill Holt Woods
Visit and practical work at a woodland low impact permaculture project.
Washing for the World
Monday 9th, 2pm, J. B. Spray factory
It is generally accepted that the energy and water we use for bathing (personal washing) are important contributions to our impact on this overloaded planet. We are exhorted to be careful. The principal advice is 'take a shower rather than a bath'. This workshop will examine the idea that such advice is at best of little environmental help, and may well increase overall consumption. The case for stand-up washing as part of a varied regime will be examined. The workshop will consider all aspects of bathing - technical (energy and water consumption), personal (pleasure, our bodies) and political (consumerism, advertising). Participants will be encouraged, but not pressed, to contribute personal opinions, valuations and experiences.
See the accompanying Wash with Attitude article.
Working with the Media
Wednesday 11th, 2pm, ASBO