Conscious Choice: Eco-Learning in England

March 1999

Eco-Learning in England

by Victoria Cunha

Where does one go to learn from the experts about biodiversity, "deep ecology," ecopsychology, Gaia theory, and voluntary simplicity? Many people who know choose Schumacher College located in Devon, England. I attended a two-week course at the school last spring entitled "Living Body of Earth" led by the Buddhist scholar, author and activist Joanna Macy. And though I’m a relative neophyte to current eco-issues, the class clued me in to these in a setting I was eager to visit — the English countryside. In addition, as an American citizen, I was eligible to apply for an Education Foundation of America (EFA) scholarship which covered both tuition and board costs — all I had to do was pay for transportation!

After my acceptance to the course came through, I flew to London at the end of April and spent a few days playing tourist. I then traveled to the school by train, which took about three hours from Paddington Station. As the sheep-dotted hills and sunlit seacoast sped past my window, I grew increasingly excited at the prospect of spending the next two weeks in community with like-minded folk. When I got off in Totnes, I shared the short cab ride to Schumacher’s campus with several other participants, who had come from Germany and the Netherlands.

Of the 25 students, ages ranged from 18 to over 70 and a dozen or so countries were represented, including Australia, Yugoslavia, Spain, Russia, and Denmark. The geographic diversity present in the group’s makeup was especially valuable during feedback sessions with the leaders. (As a prerequisite, the college requires all of its attendees to be fluent in English.) And the energy and dedication of students carried over into the communal (vegetarian) dining room. The latter is under the direction of a chef named Julia, and with her culinary magic at work I didn’t miss fish, chicken, or beef at all!

Upon my arrival at the school, I noticed that the green cow pasture across the neighboring meadow contrasted with the simply-constructed dormitory buildings. The driveway off the road led to the main building, where we had our meals and which was charmingly cozy. A majestic horse chestnut tree formed a protective, leafy curtain at the front of the campus, and a temporarily drained stonework lotus pool brought up the rear of the compound. From my second-story room, I saw from a previous workshop the remnants of a sweat lodge frame that looked like a discarded armadillo shell. This was to be my home for the next fortnight as I forged new friendships, confronted my inner limitations, and explored the region’s ecosystems and cultural offerings.

On the first day, we participants were assigned to small work groups, which were entailed as part of the overall learning experience. At Schumacher, it is believed that sharing chores and cooking leads to bonding and impromptu revelations outside of the classroom setting. While the routine took a few days for me to get used to, I soon understood the benefits of the weekday structure. First, there was a three-hour class period from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm; then free time, interspersed between the meals and chores. Afternoons were a mixture of tutorial, field trip, and free time. Evenings were devoted to lectures and socializing (weekends typically are not scheduled).

This two-day break often proves to be a welcome interlude for both students and teachers, during which many of us participants hooked up to enjoy different activities such as hiking and sightseeing. There’s really no lack of things to do; what was more challenging for me was to slow down and take in my surroundings, as beautiful and as pastoral as they were.

Joanna and her husband Fran Macy were energetic as well as sympathetic co-leaders, and the daily class time flew by. Based in systems theory, "Living Body of Earth" covered a wide range of topics from geography to spirituality. We had guest speakers from various British institutions (health care, food production, etc.) who spoke about their experience with holistic movements. A "retreat day" invited the class to use guided meditation, deep sharing, and a solo nature walk to become aligned with the aims of deep ecology. Other sessions were devoted to a combination of group exercises and question-and-answer discussions. Many of the students took a central role by sharing their own experiences in the environmental movement, from consulting on government projects to smaller, community-based organization work. After class each day, participants were eager to share their individual interests, ranging from photography to folk dances and from tarot card readings to nuclear activism. For example, I enjoyed watching ecology-oriented videos in the den with one or two others while the last of the spring rains swept through the region. Other memorable events were the afternoon croquet games on the campus lawn, walks to town on Elizabethan market days and once-a-week soirées consisting of informal gatherings of staff, helpers, and fellow class members. At one such party, a male student from Lancaster, England recited by heart the entire Dr. Seuss story "The Lorax" wearing a funny hat, and a trio of women course members danced to the sensuous beats of Gabrielle Roth’s five rhythms, on CD.

On departure day, I took a taxi into town and dropped my bags at the B&B situated near the train station where I planned to catch the early train back to London the next morning. Then I strolled down the main thoroughfare and ate fish and chips at a local takeout shop, the first non-vegetarian food I had eaten in two weeks!

As I sat in the square munching on my meal, I reflected on my experiences during the previous two weeks. I resolved to take with me from Schumacher the poetry of the natural setting and the spirit of other like-minded individuals I had met from all over the world. All of us were striving for change — Dryan, Mary, Kis, Peter and Sophie — and all had been in need of inspiration after the struggle and stress of everyday routine. At Schumacher, we had a chance to celebrate the present moment, and be a part of something larger than ourselfs that endeavored to support the precious earth and its processes.

Founded in 1991, Schumacher is one of the most respected forums in the world for ecological studies. It exists as a setting where adult learners "who wish to interweave meditation, reflection, shared work, study, field trips, and community life" can find support. The college is best known for its intensive courses which last from two to four weeks, led by such luminaries in the field as Frijtof Capra, Robert Bly, Terry Tempest Williams, James Hillman, Theodore Roszak, Matthew Fox, and Arne Naess. Lecturers may also employ guest speakers, tutorials, experiential work or any combination of methods in order to espouse their ideas and principles.

To reach the school, write to: Schumacher College, The Old Postern, Dartington, Devon, TQ9 6EA United Kingdom or you may visit them at their web site. Ten EFA scholarships are available to U. S. citizens in 1999 for many of the courses Schumacher offers. Or, e-mail the author of this article at victoria.cunha@parkserv.com.

Recommend this page to a friend

Top Ten pages recommended to friends: