We have practical courses, taster days for our courses, debates to open up conversations and share ideas and residential experiences to help make sense of the present and plan your future.  Here’s our line up…  Find our Latest News here.

Talgarth Talks – Carwyn Graves

Writer and naturalist Carwyn Graves takes us on a journey into the human and ecological history of Wales. Why, he asks, does the countryside contain far less nature and fewer people working the land than it did a century ago… Read more

Monthly Campus Tours – April

Join us for a free tour of our farm site, Troed-yr-Harn, as well as a visit to our Hay Castle teaching venue on the 1st Wednesday of each month! If you are interested in any of our courses but are… Read more

Talgarth Talks – Jojo Mehta

A talk and Q&A, as part of the Talgarth Talks series, from Co-founder and executive director of Stop Ecocide International  Imagine a law that puts people and the planet first. Stop Ecocide International is the driving force behind a global… Read more

Monthly Campus Tours – May

Join us for a free tour of our farm site, Troed-yr-Harn, as well as a visit to our Hay Castle teaching venue on the 1st Wednesday of each month! If you are interested in any of our courses but are… Read more

Talgarth Talks – Video Recordings

Didn't manage to catch one of the events in our Talgarth Talks series? We record each one so you don't miss out on any of the talks from our knowledgeable key speakers.   Rupert Read - Public Lecture and Q&A … Read more

Talgarth Talks – Chris Smaje

Saying NO to a Farm-free Future: The Case for an Ecological Food System and Against Manufactured Foods Social scientist and small farmer Chris Smaje argues for a radical rebuild of our food and farming system: one that is local, low… Read more

Water Harvesting, Reuse and Conservation Short Course

Learn how to harvest and recycle water for food cultivation and household use; design and construct your own systems. As climate change puts increasing stress upon our water supplies conserving water, harvesting rainwater and using our greywater are simple ways… Read more

Dry / Composting Toilets Short Course

Plan, design and build a dry / composting toilet. Designed for those who seek an alternative to conventional ‘flush-and-forget toilets’, this course will explain why dry/compost toilets are environmentally significant, how to plan for, select an option from the market… Read more

Monthly Campus Tours – June

Join for a free tour of our farm site, Troed-yr-Harn, as well as a visit to our Hay Castle teaching venue - the last tour before September! If you are interested in any of our courses but are hoping to… Read more

Treherbert Open Day – 8th June

Join us for our third Open Day in Treherbert, in partnership with Welcome to Our Woods, where you can discover more about our new courses! Come along for free We will be showcasing our educational offers, including our one-year-long NVQ’s… Read more

Tiny Homes Short Course

Introduction to designing and building a Tiny House Tiny houses are low carbon, low impact, compact timber cabins on wheels. The popularity of the tiny house movement has grown as a response to changes in our climate, ecosystem and society.… Read more

Discovery Day – 29th June

Our next Discovery Day is Saturday 9th March at Hay Castle from 10am - 3pm! Come along for free We will be showcasing our educational offers, including our one-year-long NVQ’s in partnership with NPTC Group of Colleges*: - Level 2… Read more

Tiny Homes Short Course

Introduction to designing and building a Tiny House Tiny houses are low carbon, low impact, compact timber cabins on wheels. The popularity of the tiny house movement has grown as a response to changes in our climate, ecosystem and society.… Read more

Introduction to Soil Microbiology Short Course

This course combines scientific understanding of microbiology and practical experience to help bring soils back to life. The course will have a combination of theory about soil microbiology food web and how this effects plant nutrition and health. It will… Read more

Introduction to Mushroom Cultivation Short Course

Talgarth-based mushroom grower and tincture maker, Marley Burns of SuperFungi will teach us the basics of indoor and outdoor mushroom cultivation. You will learn the basics of mushroom cultivation: about both high and low technology approaches, the growth cycle of… Read more
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Past Events

Treherbert Open Day – 16th March

Join us for our third Open Day in Treherbert, in partnership with Welcome to Our Woods, where you can discover more about our new courses! Come along for free We will be showcasing our educational offers, including our one-year-long NVQ’s… Read more

Discovery Day – 9th March

Our next Discovery Day is Saturday 9th March at Hay Castle from 10am - 3pm! Come along for free We will be showcasing our educational offers, including our one-year-long NVQ’s in partnership with NPTC Group of Colleges*: - Level 2… Read more

Monthly Campus Tours – March

Join us for a free tour of our farm site, Troed-yr-Harn, as well as a visit to our Hay Castle teaching venue on the 1st Wednesday of each month! If you are interested in any of our courses but are… Read more

Talgarth Talks – Public Lecture and Q&A with Rupert Read

Public Lecture and Q&A with Rupert Read Pathways to change, both imaginative and practical: Introducing the Climate Majority Project   Dr Rupert Read, campaigner and former spokesperson for the Green Party and Extinction Rebellion, presents his urgent new book and project, 'The… Read more

Radical Adaptation for Fund Managers

Redefining risk models for a Climate Changed Future One-day in person workshop by Black Mountains College at Schroders Asset Management in London. Endorsed by the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment    Dangerous climate change has arrived. Carbon dioxide emissions… Read more

Online Open Evening – Higher Education

Join us for a virtual Open Evening on Thursday 19th January to learn more about our brand-new, multidisciplinary degree programme: BA (Hons) Sustainable Futures: Arts, Ecology and Systems Change!   Who will be there? The Open Evening will be hosted… Read more

Monthly Campus Tours – December

Join us for a free tour of our farm site, Troed-yr-Harn, as well as a visit to our Hay Castle teaching venue on the 1st Wednesday of each month! If you are interested in any of our courses but are… Read more

Discovery Day – 2nd December

Our next Discovery Day is Saturday 2nd December at Hay Castle from 10am - 2pm! Come along for free We will be showcasing our educational offers, including our one-year-long NVQ’s in partnership with NPTC Group of Colleges*: - Level 2… Read more

Mushroom Cultivation – 2nd December

Introduction to mushroom cultivation and foraging One day course – at Troed yr Harn Campus, Talgarth Talgarth-based mushroom grower and tincture maker, Marley Burns of SuperFungi will teach us the basics of indoor and outdoor mushroom cultivation. We will start… Read more

Treherbert Open Day – 11th November

Join us for our second Open Day in Treherbert, in partnership with Welcome to Our Woods, where you can discover more about our new courses! Come along for free We will be showcasing our educational offers, including our one-year-long NVQ’s… Read more

Mushroom Cultivation

Introduction to mushroom cultivation and foraging One day course – at Troed yr Harn Campus, Talgarth Talgarth-based mushroom grower and tincture maker, Marley Burns of SuperFungi will teach us the basics of indoor and outdoor mushroom cultivation. We will start… Read more

Tiny Homes – 27th August

Introduction to designing and building a tiny home Tiny houses are low carbon, low impact, compact timber cabins on wheels. The popularity of the tiny house movement has grown as a response to changes in our climate, ecosystem and society.… Read more

Tiny Homes – 19th August

Introduction to designing and building a tiny home Tiny houses are low carbon, low impact, compact timber cabins on wheels. The popularity of the tiny house movement has grown as a response to changes in our climate, ecosystem and society.… Read more

Ecological Futures Camp

On-campus residential camp – full board – across 5 days Experience Black Mountain College and explore your future. How can you use your passions and skills to make a difference? For school leavers and others thinking about the world of work at… Read more

Hurdle Making and Greenwood Crafts – 12th August

A half-day workshop at Hay Castle. Learn a traditional skill by having a go at using a draw knife and a shave horse to create traditional sheep hurdles. This workshop is for people who are interested in sustainable woodland management and… Read more

Botanical Illustration for Nature Connection

Connect with Nature and experience the joy of producing a beautiful botanical drawing and painting, inspired by the gardens at Hay Castle. One day course – at Hay Castle, Clore Space An introduction to painting beautiful botanical studies. You will… Read more

Discovery Day – 22nd July

Our next Discovery Day is Saturday 22nd July at Hay Castle from 10am - 2pm! Come along for free We will be showcasing our educational offers, including our one-year-long NVQ’s in partnership with NPTC Group of Colleges*: - Level 2… Read more

Writing, Climate, and the Living World

This course will ask a central question: what does it mean to be a writer today, in light of the Climate and Ecological Emergency (CEE)? How can we approach the vastness of the emergency we are in, with effective creative… Read more

A New Story – Radical Adaptation

Unleashing the human potential for ecological transformation This 5-day residential is an opportunity to experience our signature approach to learning, systems change and climate action. Each year it draws together a wide spectrum of people to jointly re-imagine our communities,… Read more

Print Making for Activism

Gain an introduction to lino cutting to help you draw, cut and print you own activist designs. One day course – at Hay Castle, Clore Space An introduction to linocut. Printmaking techniques have long been associated with protest and following… Read more

Hurdle Making and Greenwood Crafts – 1st July

A half-day workshop at Hay Castle. Learn a traditional skill by having a go at using a draw knife and a shave horse to create traditional sheep hurdles. This workshop is for people who are interested in sustainable woodland management and… Read more

Botanical Dyeing

Join textile artist Siân Lester for an introduction to the magical and alchemic process of botanical dyeing. One day course – at Hay Castle, Clore Space Welsh textile artist Siân Lester will share her knowledge and skills in a one-day… Read more

Bat Ecology

Join us on our Bat Ecology 1-day Short Course to gain a foundation to bat biology, ecology and conservation on Saturday 1st July with Just Mammals! Designed for those new to bats and wanting to develop a broader understanding of the species… Read more

Moth and Butterfly ID Course

Learn to identify moths and butterflies, and join us for a walk around our regenerative farm to survey and record the species we have here. Listen to an expert talk by National Trust Ranger, Nick. Comprising of over 2000 species in Great… Read more

Tiny Homes Short Course

Introduction to designing and building a tiny home Tiny houses are low carbon, low impact, compact timber cabins on wheels. The popularity of the tiny house movement has grown as a response to changes in our climate, ecosystem and society.… Read more

Treherbert Open Day – 17th June

Join us for our first Open Day in Treherbert, in partnership with Welcome to Our Woods, where you can discover more about our new courses! Come along for free We will be showcasing our educational offers, including our one-year-long NVQ’s… Read more

Tool Sharpening and Maintenance Workshop

Learn how to maintain and sharpen your hand tools instead of replacing them on our one-day short course!  Bring two or three unsharpened tools along with you to our Troed yr Harn campus and learn how to make them sharp… Read more

Aquaponics Short Course

Small-scale, domestic aquaculture food growing As the climate and ecological crisis deepens, food security will become a concern. The cost of food has dramatically increased over the past year, and modern production systems can have negative effects on the environment.… Read more

Troed yr Harn and Accommodation Tour

Join us for a free tour of our farm site, Troed-yr-Harn, as well as some of our accommodation options available for September 2023 on Saturday 10th June! If you are interested in any of our courses but are hoping to… Read more

Dry Stone Walling

Collect and sort stone from the land, and help us build a retaining wall with a seat for the children’s fire pit area at our Farm campus! This will be a hands-on practical day focusing on the principles of building… Read more

Cob Oven Workshop

A one-day workshop turning the ground under our feet into a wood fired oven to bake pizza in! The course will introduce the durable building material, ‘cob’ which has been used in traditional cultures across the world since before records… Read more

Dawn Bird Chorus Walk and ID

Join us bright and early to listen to our local birds and learn some identification tips. Have you been meaning to wake up early to listen to the dawn chorus sounds? Now is the time to join BMC and a… Read more

Hurdle Making and Greenwood Crafts

A half-day workshop at Hay Castle. Learn a traditional skill by having a go at using a draw knife and a shave horse to create traditional sheep hurdles. This workshop is for people who are interested in sustainable woodland management and… Read more

Water Harvesting, Reuse and Conservation Short Course

Learn about the opportunities to harvest and recycle water for food growing and, in the household, and some basic skills to help you design and build your own systems. Piped water is abundant and low cost in the UK so… Read more

Composting Toilet Short Course

Learn why dry/compost toilets are environmentally significant, how to plan for, design, and build a wooden dry/compost latrine. This practical course sets the scene to make the “case” for compost toilets in some situations, explaining how to meet regulatory requirements… Read more

Tree Planting

Come join us for tree-planting fun! We’ll be planting a shelter belt for biodiversity and creating a brand-new woodland. This one-day course will provide an introduction to the importance of trees considering planting objectives, species selection and tree care. Who… Read more

Climate Careers Fair

How will the impact of ecological and climate crisis affect the context of your working life – what can you ‘be’ in that future and how do you get there? Online seminar. What impact will the new era of climate… Read more

Discovery Day – 11th March

Are you interested in the environment? Looking to learn something new? Maybe you're looking to study on a more practical course where you can learn outdoors and in context... Then come along to our free Discovery Day at Hay Castle… Read more

Introduction to Coppicing Short Course – Part 2

Take part in Part 2 of Introduction to Coppicing course! Learn how to use tools and create products from the material you've coppiced. This is a follow-on course from our Part 1 course from January, but you do not need to… Read more

Introduction to Coppicing Short Course – Part 1

Take part in our Introduction to Coppicing course! Learn how to use tools and create products from the material you've coppiced. A great way to see what BMC have to offer, come along to have a go if you're interested in… Read more

Discovery Day

Are you interested in the environment? Looking to learn something new? Maybe you're looking to study on a more practical course where you can learn outdoors and in context... Then come along to our free Discovery Day at Hay Castle… Read more

Community Tree Planting

Join Black Mountains College for a free community tree-planting event. Free local cider in return! In partnership with Coed Hen Ffordd   Key Information Date: Saturday 12th November Time: 9.30am Location: Our campus is a car-free site, and we encourage participants… Read more

Dry Stone Walling Course – 22nd October

One day course – at Troed yr Harn Farm This will be a hands on practical day focusing on the principles of building a dry stone wall. In the morning session participants will work individually, preparing and building the first… Read more

Writing, Climate and the Living World

3-day residential course exploring how writing can confront and reflect the climate and ecological emergency. Read more

Composting Toilets Re-Run – September

Learn why dry/compost toilets are environmentally significant, how to plan for, design, and build a wooden dry/compost latrine. Key Information Date - Sunday 18th September 2022 from 9am – 5pm Location - at our Troed yr Harn Campus. Our campus is a car… Read more

Ecological Futures Camp

Experience Black Mountain College and explore your future. How can you use your passions and skills to make a difference? For school leavers and others thinking about the world of work at a time of uncertainty and ecological crisis. Read more

Botanical Drawing and Painting Course

One-day course – at Hay Castle, Clore Space An introduction to painting beautiful botanical studies. You will receive both fresh and dried subjects - seed heads and pods - to work from, or you can take inspiration from plants growing… Read more

Dry Stone Walling Course – 20th August

One day course – at Troed yr Harn Farm with Stuart Iles This is a repeat of the Dry Stone Walling course on 13th August! You are welcome to book tickets for both sessions to continue your work.. This will… Read more

Tool Sharpening Workshop

A repeat of our Tool Sharpening course from April... Bring two or three unsharpened tools to the TFSR workshop and learn how to make them sharp again rather than replace them. Types of tools you can bring include sickles, axes,… Read more

Dry Stone Walling Course – 13th August

One day course – at Troed yr Harn Farm with Stuart Iles This will be a hands-on, practical day course, focusing on the principles of building a dry stone wall. In the morning session, participants will work individually, preparing and… Read more

Home Cooking for Students 

One-Day Short Course Going to uni or college this September? Can’t cook or won’t cook? This course is for can’t cook new students who would like to be equipped with recipe knowledge to create their favourite foods. From pizza to… Read more

Pole Lathe Making Course

This is a one-day Pole Lathe Making course at our Troed-yr-Harn campus in Talgarth... This workshop is for people who are interested in sustainable woodland management and would like to know how to make useful products from coppiced and other… Read more

Print Making for Activism Workshop

Gain an introduction to lino cutting to help you draw, cut and print you own activist designs. Printmaking techniques have long been associated with protest and following in this tradition we will be using lino cutting tools to carve a… Read more

Riven Ash Hurdle Making Course

Learn a traditional skill by having a go at using a draw knife and a shave horse to create traditional riven ash sheep hurdles. One-hour sessions – at Hay Castle, outdoors on the lawn This workshop is for people who… Read more

Open Day

Find out what Black Mountains College is all about! Join us at Gwernyfed Rugby Club from 10am – 3pm on Saturday 9th July, 2022 for a range of all-day and planned activities...   All Day Activities: Food and drink from The… Read more

Cooking with Foraged and Seasonal Produce

One-Day Short Course Want to learn how to use local and seasonal ingredients? You’ll learn some simple, healthy and delicious recipes to cook at home on this one-day course. For individuals or pairs with an interest in cooking in a… Read more

A New Story – Imagine, Transform, Adapt

Explore what the era of climate breakdown means for you, brainstorm practical strategies for meaningful action in every sphere of your life. Read more

Apples for All

One-Day Short Course  This course is for gardeners, people interested in community orchards, local food production and for everyone who loves apples! Have a go at planning your own orchard, or your community orchard, and learn how to propagate new… Read more

Composting Toilets Short Course – Repeat

Composting Toilet Discover why dry/compost toilets are environmentally significant. Learn how to plan for, design, and build a wooden dry/compost latrine. This practical course sets the scene to make the “case” for compost toilets in some situations, explaining how to… Read more

Community Orchards Short Course

Join us on our one-day Community Orchards course in Talgarth... Learn about community orchards and why local food production is so important for our future food supply. This course is for people with an interest in creating a community orchard,… Read more

Coppicing Crafts: Making a Hurdle Short Course

Make a Hurdle This course is for people who are interested in the ancient craft of sustainable woodland management, coppicing, and would like to know how to make useful products from coppiced material. You will make a garden hurdle to… Read more

Climate Careers Fair – Online Course

How will the impact of ecological and climate crisis affect the context of your working life – what can you ‘be’ in that future and how do you get there? Read more

Composting Toilets Short Course

Composting Toilet Discover why dry/compost toilets are environmentally significant. Learn how to plan for, design, and build a wooden dry/compost latrine. This practical course sets the scene to make the “case” for compost toilets in some situations, explaining how to… Read more

Tree Planting

Come and join us for a tree planting session to create a shelterbelt at our Farm campus! In partnership with Stump up for Trees and the Talgarth Community Woodland Group. Key Information Date: Saturday 23rd April 2022 Time: 10am - 3pm Location: Our… Read more

Tool Sharpening Short Course

Tool Sharpening Bring two or three unsharpened tools along with you to our Troed yr Harn campus and learn how to make them sharp again rather than replace them! Types of tools you can bring include sickles, axes, slashers, billhooks,… Read more

Understanding and Changing the Financial System Short Course

An online course delivered with ShareAction over two evenings in April for anyone wanting to understand how the financial system impacts our world socially, economically, and ecologically. What will be covered? The functioning of the dominant financial systems. The leverage… Read more

Community Tree Planting

Join us for a Community Tree Planting session! Take part in planting for the future at our Troed yr Harn farm campus.  This is a free drop-in session! When? Date: Sunday 20th March 2022 Time: 1pm - 5pm Where? Meet… Read more

Family Learning: Community Growing Short Course

Learn how to grow food plants sustainably for yourself, your family and your community. A morning or afternoon session at Gwernyfed Walled Garden. Read more

Community Seed Swap

Join us for a Community Seed Swap!  This event is free! Remember to label your seeds clearly.  Have a look around and take what you need...  No seeds? No problem! When? Date: Saturday 19th March 2022 Time: 10am - 12pm… Read more

Introduction to Coppicing: One-Day Course

TICKETS FOR THIS COURSE HAVE NOW SOLD OUT!   Take part in our Introduction to Coppicing short course! Learn how to use tools, and create products from the material you've coppiced This course is for woodland group members, people with… Read more

Spring Discovery Day – 12th February

Are you interested in the environment? Looking to learn something new? Maybe you're looking to study on a more practical course where you can learn outdoors and in context... Then come along to our free Spring Discovery Day at Gwernyfed… Read more

Winter Discovery Day – 27th November

Join us at our Winter Discovery Day on Saturday 27th November, from 9.30am – 11.30am at Gwernyfed Walled Garden (Three Cocks, Brecon LD3 0SG) which is the beautiful location of our Regenerative Horticulture course. This event is open to all… Read more

Volunteer Working Party – 14th August

Join us for our next Volunteer Day on Saturday 14th August, for a day of fun and hard work up at our farm campus.  This working party will involve continuing the upgrading of the footpath from the farm to Talgarth, as… Read more

Further Education Taster Day

We will no longer be holding our Taster Day as we have filled all of our available positions on both of our NVQ courses for this year! If you were hoping to attend, and are interested in one of our… Read more

Volunteer Working Party – Footpath upgrading

Join us on the 28th July, for a day of fun and hard work up at our farm campus.  This working party will be focussing on clearing and upgrading the path from the farm to Talgarth. We'll make sure we have… Read more

Apples for All

Join Regenerative Horticulture Tutor, Rashid Benoy, for a day's workshop learning about growing, pruning and grafting top fruit (tree-growing fruit) such as plums, pears, cherries, as well as apples.  apples, and how it grows a community. Understanding the needs of… Read more

Discovery Day

Find out what Black Mountains College is all about. Join us at Gwernyfed Rugby Club 10am - 3pm on 3rd July, 2021. Activities will include: All Day Activities Food and drink from The Malthouse Share visions of the Black Mountains College… Read more

Stories of Talgarth, with Owen Sheers

Come and join us at the Bridge End Inn to share stories of Talgarth. All are welcome to listen and tell stories along with Owen Sheers, Rob Stephens, Elwyn Jones, Havard Prosser and other keepers of histories of Talgarth. We'll… Read more

Webinar: Zero Carbon Britain – Rising to the Climate Emergency

Paul Allen, from the Centre for Alternative Technology joins us to explore the problems we face with our changing climate, give an overview of the solution presented in our Zero Carbon Britain report and end-point vision and explore practical steps, available… Read more

Community Q&A

We have exciting news to share.  We have secured a 50 year lease on a farm just outside Talgarth.  Troyd yr Harn will be our college campus.  On this Zoom webinar, we'll be joined by Talgarth residents County Councillor William… Read more

Hope Imagined: Creative Writing Course (4 weeks)

Hope Imagined is a series of four one and a half-hour interactive workshops to be held weekly, on Monday evenings.  The course will be facilitated by Lynn Clausen. Register on Eventbrite Week 1 - 2/11/20 6pm - 7.30pm Week 2… Read more

Teacher Training

For whole-school INSET training. Practical and stimulating strategies (for learners KS2 – KS5) to explore responses to the current planetary crisis. Read more

Climate Careers Fair Speakers

Learn more about the speakers who will be at our Climate Careers Fair, and the sectors they represent!   KEYNOTES  Scarlett Westbrook  Scarlett is a British climate justice activist and journalist. She is a spokesperson and coordinator with the UK… Read more
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