Learning with the Land - A day of deep connection and shared learning

Groundschool warmly invites you to a day of deep listening and experiential learning — a chance to deepen your connection with the intelligence of the land.

In collaboration with and inspired by the 'Listening to the Land' initiative that has emerged through the Oxford Real Farming Conference, this immersive event draws on the wisdom and practice of those who work in close relationship with the land.

For millennia, people on the land and Indigenous knowledge holders, have listened to the subtle language of soil, water, plants, animals and place. These relationships offer vital insights for today’s regenerative and agroecological movements.

Guiding us are two experienced Landlisteners, Patrick McManaway and Brid Walsh, who will share their approaches to working with the energetic and subtle dimensions of farming and land care. Together, we will spend time on the land — tuning into its signals and rhythms — to learn how to farm and live in ways that restore balance, vitality, and reciprocity.

This gathering is for anyone who feels called to deepen their relationship with the land in their life and work.

Event Details

Date: Tuesday, 1st July 2025

Time: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Location: Groundschool, Irongate Farm, Halls Green, Hertfordshire, SG4 7DR

Cost: £135 (includes a nourishing lunch)

Speakers

Bríd Walsh - Growing up in West Cork, Ireland, Bríd was immersed in traditions of deep listening to land and trees. She carries forward a family lineage of close communication with the natural world. Bríd's work helps release trauma from landscapes and supports regenerative decision-making by attuning to the wisdom of place.

Patrick MacManaway - A renowned "land whisperer," Patrick works with farmers around the world, helping them attune to the subtle energies of soil, water, crops, animals and human communities. His talk will explore how understanding and working with these flows of nature leads to greater health, vitality and harmony on the land.

Event Hosts

Jackie Thoms, Fraendi - Jackie is a systemic and somatic practitioner who helps individuals and groups navigate complexity, deepen dialogue and grow regenerative relationships with each other and with the living world. She will guide the day and create a welcoming, grounded space for exploration.

Joanna Bowen - Joanna is a founder and director of the Groundswell Festival and is now working towards starting Groundschool, offering learning opportunities on-farm in Weston, Hertfordshire. As well as completing training in systemic constellations she has worked as an actor, director and teacher and has initiated community theatre projects and festivals.

Cancellation Policy

• Up to 1 month before the event: 50% refund
• Within 1 month of the event: No refunds, but you're welcome to transfer your ticket to someone else — just let us know their name and email in advance.

Special thanks to Francesca Price from the Oxford Real Farming Conference for her generous and collaborative support.