Workshops
Photo by Clem Sandison, LWA
We offer educational workshops that combine scientific and technical understanding with practical, hands-on learning – an immersive experience that makes soil science and ecological concepts engaging, accessible and relevant to soil health, land management and real-world application.
While our workshops are often aimed at farmers, food growers and land managers, we also offer content to engage anyone curious about soils. Workshops can be tailored, and can range from introductory sessions for those new to soil ecology and the science through to more technical or practical sessions.
We like to make sessions interactive and encourage discussion, especially as participants bring valuable experience and perspectives of their own!
Topics can include:
- Soil science fundamentals
- Soil microbiology and The Soil Food Web
- Soil microscopy
- Practical methods to assess soil health and compost quality
- Soil health, plant health and nutrition
- Composting principles and systems
- Ecology, biodiversity & agroecosystems
- Regenerative and agroecological land management
Microscope sessions
Soil biology is at the heart of our teaching. We use microscopy not only as a diagnostic tool, but to help us see and understand soil as a living ecosystem.
The live microscope sessions are often the highlight of the day. Using a trinocular microscope connected to a screen, we explore soil and compost samples together, bringing the Soil Food Web to life. Seeing nematodes, fungi, protozoa and other organisms magnified on screen transforms abstract concepts into something tangible and memorable.
Participants learn basic sample preparation and diagnostics, the role of different organisms in the Soil Food Web, and what their presence or absence can tell us about a sample. Sessions are highly interactive, with questions and discussion. Participants are also encouraged to bring their own soil or compost samples to investigate!
“Lots of people loved looking at the soil samples under the microscope. It really helped bring soil biology to life and better understand soil health.”
Out in the field
We also offer field-based activities, where we look at soil as a living habitat: geology, physical structure, roots and organic matter alongside the organisms that live within it. Through practical observation and discussion, participants develop skills for assessing soil health, understand how physical and biological characteristics interact and how management practices influence soils.
We also look at above-ground indicators e.g. plant health, plant identification, insects and other organisms, and what these can tell us about the wider ecology of a site and relationship to soil.
While lab testing is informative, we’ve found that getting your eyes and nose into the soil and your surroundings is one of the best ways to start understanding what is going on!
Composting workshops
We can also offer practical composting workshops, ideal for small-scale farms, community gardens and growing spaces. We explore how to make good compost from available materials, the principles of decomposition and nutrient cycling, and how to create and maintain the conditions needed for effective composting.
Sessions are hands-on, with participants learning how to build, monitor and manage compost systems, including thermophilic and Johnson-Su style composting and simple DIY compost extracts. We also cover the principles of different composting methods and their practical applications.
Want to book us?
We currently offer workshops across Scotland, although additional travel and accommodation costs may apply for more remote or northern locations. If you’re based further afield, feel free to get in touch, we’d be happy to see if we can accommodate your location and session.
We often recommend half-day workshops combining an outdoor activity with an indoor microscope session.
Get in touch with us at lifetolabuk@gmail.com for more information. We are happy to discuss your ideas, venue and requirements and provide a quote.
