CAWR Newsletter

Open Day Special Edition

Our monthly newsletters are an easy way to keep up-to-date with new developments at our research centre. From successful project bids to upcoming events, our newsletter informs you on how we are 'driving innovative transdisciplinary research on equitable, sustainable and resilient food and water systems.'

The views and opinions expressed in this newsletter are those of the contributors at the Centre for Agroecology, Water and Resilience (CAWR) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Coventry University.

CAWR Summer Open Day

CAWR welcome banner

The Centre for Agroecology, Water and Resilience (CAWR) held an Open Day on the 28^th June at Ryton Organic Gardens. The event was a chance for colleagues and the general public to learn more about the Centre’s research to promote resilience in food and water systems.  

The open spaces at Ryton provided the perfect environment for the event and allowed everyone to explore the beautiful gardens.

Ryton Organic Gardens

The Centre for Agroecology, Water and Resilience is known for its ground-breaking research that seeks to find sustainable solutions to pressing environmental and social challenges. The Open Day created a safe space for discussion on the Centre’s world-leading food and water research, bringing together researchers, students, allotment holders, farmers, gardeners and other citizens for ‘mutual learning’.  

By studying the intricate relationships between social and ecological processes, the Centre seeks to understand how we can foster equity, sustainability and resilience in food and water systems. 

“Public Engagement events that share information on climate change, food security, and the decolonisation of knowledge are vitally important today. These dialogues with the public are one way of ensuring that research stays accountable to society and focuses on issues of concern for citizens in our rapidly changing world” said Professor Michel Pimbert who is the Director of the Institute for Sustainability, Equity and Resilience in which CAWR is based.

Reaching out to the public

A discussion around the hay bales

The Centre Director, Professor Moya Kneafsey, says “our open days are an important way for us to reach out to the public. They provide a wonderful opportunity to discuss our research in a relaxing garden setting”

“It is vital to create spaces where we can all ask questions, debate the answers, and share ideas for making our world more sustainable, resilient and just”.

Tipis in the gardens

Tipis

During the Open Day there were presentations in the tipis, activities at the hay bales and tours of the site. 

CAWR Open Day 2023 Video

CAWR Open Day Video created with Microsoft Clipchamp

The following photo gallery shows researchers, students and members of the public interacting. To learn more about their research click on the individuals name.

Presentations

Dr Jessica Milgroom's presentation about Wild Rice

Dr Jessica Milgroom giving her presentation on wild rice

Dr Iain MacKinnon's presentation about Plantation Slavery and Landownership in North West Scotland

Dr Iain MacKinnon delivering his presentation in the tipi

Dr Donna Udall's presentation about Welsh Ponies

Dr Donna Udall with Betty the Welsh Pony

Dr Jonathan Eden's presentation about Climate Change and Forests

Audience participation during Jon's presentation about Climate Change and Forests

Dr Ulrich Schmutz's presentation about Agroforestry

Dr Ulrich Schmutz's presentation on Agroforestry

Dr Francis Rayns' presentation about Organic Horticulture

Dr Francis Rayns' discussing mulch trials at Ryton 

 Professor Michel Pimbert's presentation was titled: Citizens' Assemblies for policy making on food futures 

Discussions after Professor Michel Pimbert's presentation

Hay Bales

Dr Lucy Aphramor's Reading Corner

Guests interacting at Lucy's Reading Corner

UBUNTU Encounters

UBUNTU Encounters

UBUNTU Encounters was ran by Miche, Flora and Melanie. The hay bales enabled an enriching and relaxing encounter around the theme of Ubuntu, an African philosophical concept.

UBUNTU Encounters display

Tours

Grounds Team Tours

Grounds Tours

The Grounds Team organized tours of Ryton Organic Gardens, showcasing their organic growing techniques and the onsite biodiversity. They were also giving away plants at their stall in the tipi.

Ryton Organic Gardens growing space

5 Acre Community Farm Tours

Becca from 5 Acre Community Farm giving a tour

5 Acre Community Farm offered tours of their growing spaces.

Garden Organic Tours

Catrina Fenton starting a Heritage Seed Library Tour

Garden Organic ran tours of their Heritage Seed Library, which is a vital resource to connect people with seed, keep our heritage alive and increase biodiversity. They also opened up their organic demonstration garden for visitors to explore.

Events

Upcoming Seminars:

21 September 2023 - Rebels without a cause? Rosewood and insurgency in Senegal with Dr Martin Evans, register here. 

Catch up on our events and seminars by visiting our YouTube channel