Education

Exploring a Forest Food Garden

Module code: X5700E
Level 5
15 credits in autumn semester
Teaching method: Seminar
Assessment modes: Coursework

This module explores the campus ‘Forest Food Garden’.

The practice of harvesting food, medicine and other practical needs from a woodland ecosystem is re-gaining attention as a response to climate change and loss of biodiversity. In this module, global issues are related to local lives, and abstract theories to concrete practices, which can include you preparing/planting the garden, preserving harvested foods, or communications about the forest food garden across the university and beyond.

The module also examines how forest food gardens sit within wider food systems, including interconnections with economic, environmental, health, political and social factors. There is a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary thinking, drawing on the expertise that you will bring from your degree courses, and an exploration of the value of an inter-dependency within and between human communities and with other species.

Module learning outcomes

• Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of forest food gardens and critically examine their role within sustainable food systems, including that of addressing social and ecological justice.
• Reflect on your ideas and actions in relation to food systems in light of your engagement with the module, and consider any changes that you might make, individually or collectively, as a result of the module experience
• Effectively communicate information, arguments and informed positions in written, oral and creative ways.