Fran Pickering and Andy Reynolds have been collaborating for several years to develop courses aimed at enhancing skills, knowledge, and resilience. All their courses recognize that we are all part of communities, and emphasize that individual self-reliance can strengthen the resilience of those around us.
The four courses they are teaching this year are:
Woodland management
Learn how to design, establish and care for a woodland. Planting a new wood has huge benefits for habitat and carbon capture, and can provide an income too.
Date: Saturday 17 May
See our webpage for more information and to book: Woodland management
Wild Clay
Learn about sourcing local wild clay, and the various stages of processing it into pottery and ceramics, along with some thoughts on kiln building. With a little space, you can explore your creative side with minimal financial investment. You will be having fun playing with clay in the tranquil setting of Stanmer Park.
Date: Sunday 18 May 2025
For more information and to book please email Fran Pickering direct.
Integrated solar battery systems
Reduce your reliance on the grid! Learn how to create a small solar/battery or grid set up
and how to design and install on-grid photovoltaic energy systems. This course includes the new edition (four) of Andy’s book Wind and Solar Electricity.
Date: Saturday 5 July 2025, 10am – 4pm
See our webpage for more information and to book: Integrated solar battery systems
Pathways in Self-Reliance
This course looks at both urban and rural approaches, and relates them to our modern interconnected society. Rather than presenting an ideal, the course encourages participants to perceive their lives as a continuous learning journey, promoting a less stressful existence without the pressure of specific end-point expectations.
The course includes a free copy of Andy’s latest book. Tales of Power follows Andy’s 40 year project of turning a derelict house into a sustainable home; and converting an industrial cabbage field into a wildlife oasis, carbon capture, and a renewable fuel supply.
Date: Sunday 6 July 2025, 9:45-4:30pm
See our website for more information and to book: Pathways in Self-Reliance
More about Andy
Andy’s books are available form Bimble Solar
Check out Andy’s YouTube channel