Rooted

A nature-inspired leadership programme.

How can we cultivate a more inclusive, connected, nature-centred future?

At Birch, we believe leadership can take inspiration from the natural world. It’s not always about being the loudest person, having all the answers or holding a position of power. Like a healthy ecosystem, good leadership can be about listening, noticing what is needed, helping others thrive, bringing people together and caring for the places and communities around us.

Rooted is a new programme for people aged 18-30 who want to build confidence, develop practical leadership skills and explore how they can make a positive difference in the communities they care about.

You don’t need any previous leadership experience. In fact, our programme welcomes people who may never have thought of themselves as leaders before.

Over four evenings, we’ll spend time outdoors, share food, learn alongside one another and explore what leadership can look like when it’s inspired by nature, rooted in relationships and shaped by lived experience.

Dates: Tuesdays; 22 & 29 September, 6 & 13 October

Timings: 5.15-6pm (Optional) Dinner- Join us for dinner and a gentle landing in the garden if you would like to. 6-8.15pm Rooted Session.

Who for?: Anyone aged 18-30

Cost: FREE

Reward: Everyone who completes all four sessions will receive a £40 voucher as a thank you for their time and commitment.

Location:

Click to

Outdoors at Strawberry Lane Community Garden, St George, Bristol, BS5 8EY.

See on google maps

What we'll explore

Together we'll explore questions like...

💪 What strengths do I already bring?

🤝 How do groups build trust and make decisions together?

🍃 What can nature teach us about leadership?

🐝 How do communities create positive change?

The programme is practical, participatory and low-pressure, with plenty of opportunities to reflect, try new things and learn from each other.

Who it's for

Is this for you?

Rooted is for people aged 18-30. Our group will include both people who are already part of the Birch Collective community and new faces. We'd especially encourage you to apply if you:

🪞 don't currently see yourself as a leader

🪴 would like to build your confidence

🤝 enjoy working with others

🌿 care about people, community or nature

💡 are curious about creating positive change

No previous leadership experience is needed.

We’re seeking people who are keen to take part and are able to commit to joining all four sessions.

What you'll gain

Gain experience, skills and opportunities

By taking part, you'll have the opportunity to:

🪴 Build confidence.

✦ Discover your strengths.

🛠️ Develop practical leadership skills.

🌱 Learn how communities create change.

🌲 Explore nature-inspired leadership.

🤝 Make new connections.

🌳 Become part of Birch's community of Rooted Leaders.

⭐ Apply for Birch's paid Youth Leadership Board.*

* Places on the Youth Leadership Board are limited and will be offered primarily to people who have completed Rooted.

How to apply

Apply by 1st September

If you’d like to join us, please complete our short expression of interest form here, this should take 5-10 minutes.

Applications are open until 1 September.

Once you have submitted your application, we aim to get back to everyone within two weeks.

There are limited places on Rooted so submitting a form doesn’t guarantee your place. We’ll be offering places with the aim of creating a diverse and passionate group.

If you have any questions or would like to have a chat before applying you can contact harri@thebirchcollective.co.uk.

Images from Birch programmes