Ecological Futures Camp 2026

Tuesday 28^th July – Saturday 1^st August 
Talgarth, Wales 

This is a fully-funded residential course – your place includes full-board accommodation in our bell tents, all meals, and the full programme. 

🌿 Experience Black Mountains College — and explore your future 

Spend five days living, learning and camping with us — on our 120-acre farm in the Black Mountains. 

This is a chance to step out of the usual routine and into something different. You’ll meet new people, try new things, and explore what your future could look like in a changing world. 

Together, we’ll ask: what does a good life look like now? And how can you be part of building it? 

To apply for a place, complete this short form.
Deadline for applications:  Midnight on Monday 1st June 

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Interested in studying with us long-term? Check out our Degree course ‘Sustainable Futures: Arts, Ecology and Systems Change.

🏕️ What to expect 

You’ll camp on site, cook and eat together, swim in streams, sit around the fire, and spend your days learning through doing. 

Through workshops, conversations and hands-on making, you’ll: 

• explore the skills we need for the future 

• connect with others who care about similar things 

• and start to shape your own path forward 

Many people leave with new friendships, fresh direction, and a clearer sense of what comes next — whether that’s studying at BMC, or heading off on a different adventure. 

🛠️ Learn by doing 

At the heart of the week is a real-world challenge — this year focused on housing and how we build. 

Working with practitioners and BMC facilitators, you’ll explore: 

• how current construction systems impact people and planet 

• alternatives using natural and bio-based materials 

• and take part in a hands-on co-build project 

You’ll be guided by guest practitioners including Louise Southwell and Edward Dale-Harris, who bring deep experience across design, ecology and construction. 

🌍 Why this matters 

We’re living through a time of huge change. This course is about helping you find your place within that — not just through ideas, but through action, creativity, and community. 

You don’t need to have everything figured out. Just curiosity, openness, and a willingness to get involved. 

👀 Who it’s for 

This is for you if you are: 

• Figuring out what to do next 

• Interested in the environment, creativity, or making things 

• Curious about different ways of living and working 

• Looking to meet like-minded people 

No specific background or experience needed — just a willingness to take part. 

Ages 16–25. 

🌱 What you’ll take away 

• practical, real-world skills 

• new ways of thinking about work, life, and the future 

• connections with others (many of which last well beyond the course) 

• a better sense of your own strengths and direction 

🏡 The practicals 

Date: Tuesday 28^th July – Saturday 1^st August 

Location: The BMC farm campus Troed-Yr-Harn in Talgarth, Wales 

Arrival/Departure:  

• You will arrive in the afternoon of Tuesday 28^th of July 

• The programme will end in the early afternoon on Saturday 1^st of August 

We will provide:  

• A place in one of our shared bell tents, all meals, and course content.  

• Travel isn’t included; however we do provide a free minibus shuttle from Abergavenny train station.  

✏️ How to apply

• Complete this short form to apply for a place 

• Or send us a video of yourself in which you answer the questions listed in the form. Video applications should be sent to: magda@blackmountainscollege.uk 

Deadline for applications:  Midnight on Monday 1st June 

You will hear back from us by the week commencing 29th June about whether we can offer you a place. 

Eligibility: 

• You must be between 16 and 25 year old at the time of the course 

• You are not eligible for a place if you have accepted a place on one of our FE or HE courses at BMC to start in September 2026 
• You will need to be able to attend the full dates 

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Interested in studying with us long-term? Check out our Degree course ‘Sustainable Futures: Arts, Ecology and Systems Change.