Transformative Allyship: How to Love (and Be Loved by) Weeds | Power Plants

Growing through the cracks of the pavement, living on railings and gaps in the walls, pushing their way out of chimneys or springing up in vegetable beds. Weeds, pests, undesirables. Nuisances to be controlled or eradicated.

The language used to demonise ‘weeds’ isn’t just reserved for plants or fungi, but is also applied to many human beings. What happens to our understandings of ourselves and others, when we transform this language?

This is an invitation to see weeds as medicine, food, shelter — creatures with names, histories and struggles often interwoven with our own. What can we learn from these resilient and persistent beings when we begin to pay attention?

Join nature-connection facilitator Aoife de Bhál, to learn about the stories of maligned organisms. How did lichen, a.k.a. ‘the poorest peasants of vegetation’, revolutionise our understanding of life on earth? And in a time of climate crisis and collapse, how can solidarity across species point us towards shared futures of flourishing? This interactive workshop invites you to handle plants, help process and taste wild teas and share stories.

This session will include a 30-minute talk leading into a 90-minute workshop.

Delivered as part of the Power Plants project.