In this Utopias Bach experiment, we want to explore different approaches to getting to know place, through mapping, learning from and with plants and weeds.

It is currently in development by the Collaboratory. We are creating a co-learning programme, of unknown duration, shaped by the offers and interests of those taking part. As well as exploring how the Experimental School might work, we are considering:

• Noticing - what do we notice, when we pay close attention? How does this change our perception and our actions and connection? Michael Jepson has started an online Padlet where you can add photos and texts: noticing plants and weeds in cracks and surprising places

• Mapping - exploring different types of mapping, long term mapping of individual gardens, pots and places, how we make decisions, what we include and don’t include

• How and what can we learn with weeds? Weeds are a complex, contested and contextual subject. Often ‘othered’, or labelled as ‘invasive’, weeds survive in the margins, in the cracks and boundaries, they have a will to life and an unruly quality, the first life on disturbed ground. Could they be allies/teachers for social cohesion, well-being and inclusivity of our communities?

We have an “Ysgol Chwyn - Weeds School Padlet”, open to all to contribute to help develop this experiment.

We will add more here as this experiment evolves, or see our events page for the latest events