Kadoorie Earth Programme |’Soil, Seed & Community’ Workshop Series 2025

What kind of soil is most vibrant?
Do seeds also carry genetic codes?
How can we ingest seeds in the most nutritious way?
How to engage in artistic creation with seed and soil?

We invite you to take part in this learning journey to experience an ecological worldview by engaging with these two elements that are fundamental to all life on the planet and yet easy to find in a city setting: soil and seed. At a time when modernity pressures us into busy lifestyles, such acts of connection have the power to rekindle the feeling of being part of a wider community of beings – humans and other-than-humans.

Through a journey that combines our holistic education philosophy of 3H ‘head, heart and hands’, you will gain inspiration and ecological knowledge (head) from our KFBG’s experts, experience hands-on activities by using all senses (hands), and cultivate deep connections as we develop a learning community (heart).

In this series of workshops, we introduce you to our dedicated ecologists and agriculture officers who will guide you through the wonders of soil and seed, understand natural cycles and observe how humans and nature can work together.

Flora Conservation

The Flora Conservation Department works closely with soil and seeds for native forest restoration. Efforts include enhancing soil quality through biochar and compost applications to assist in the germination of forest plants, collecting native seeds from wild plants across Hong Kong and nurturing them in the seed nursery to achieve a breadth of genetic diversity. Through these ongoing conservation efforts, we are working towards a resilient future for the ecosystem.

Regenerative Agriculture

KFBG’s regenerative agricultural practices demonstrate how humans can work with soil and seed while fostering a sustainable relationship with nature. We nurture the soil by implementing sustainable farming techniques such as seasonal planting, organic fertilizers and composting methods, enriching the vibrant life within the soil. We also preserve the natural native seeds to ensure the continuity for future generations and human well-being.

In addition to gaining knowledge, we will explore hands-on experiences such as the practical ways to nurture the soil, prepare simple yet nutritionally rich seed recipes and engage in artistic creation with nature. 

Participants will also visit a local project and learn from community members about their stories with soil and seeds. Together, we share our experiences and insights, cultivating a supportive learning community.

‘Seed, Soil & Community’ Workshop Series

Two options for you to participate:

Option 1: Join the whole series for a comprehensive experience
Option 2: Join individual session separately

Session 1) Hands-On Soil and Seed Workshop

Date & Time: 6 September 2025 (Sat), 10:00 - 17:30
Location: KFBG at Tai Po
Content: 

  • Learn from KFBG’s Ecologist and Agriculture expert about what soil is, types of soil and how to nourish soil including different composting methods.

  • Hands-on activities engaging all your senses to reconnect with soil.

Session 2) Forest & Community: Eco-Creative Day

Date & Time: 13 September 2025 (Sat), 10:00 - 17:30 
Location: KFBG at Tai Po & local community at Sheung Shui 
Content: 

  • Learn from KFBG’s Ecologist to observe different native seeds and their dispersal methods, how to collect native seeds from wild plants across Hong Kong and their effort in forest restoration to achieve a breadth of genetic diversity.

  • Visit a local community to discover their stories with soil and seed, enjoy the tea and engage in artistic creation with soil.

Session 3) Co-learning Gathering & ‘Seed-to-Table’ Cooking Together
*Only those joining session 1 and/or session 2 can apply for this activity. 

Date & Time: 20 September 2025 (Sat), 14:00 - 18:00
Location: KFBG at Tai Po
Content:

  • Harvesting at Eco-garden and Seed-to-Table cooking together to prepare nutritious refreshments.

  • Join a co-learning session to discuss concepts like 'Ecological Self,' 'Deep Ecology' and 'The Great Turning'.