Soil health and gut health – the hidden links with Jane Gleeson

Ref: S1D37425

Location: West Dean
£157
Book now

Places available

About this course

This course will look at the emerging research on gut health and overall health, and how the health of the soil in which we grow our food is linked to this. We will draw on the parallels between the two and discuss the implications for health care and food growing.

Course Description

There is increasing research to show that our gut health is dependent on having the right balance of microbes in our gut and how this is linked to what we eat. This course will look at the importance of how what we eat is profoundly affected by the health of the soil and its microbial life.

The tutor will discuss the way our gut microbes affect our health and what practical steps we can take to boost the health of our gut microbial life. We will also delve into how food growing impacts the health of the soil microbial life and how this has knock-on effects to our gut and overall health.

The course will be mostly theoretical and will also include a session on how to assess the health of your soil – this will be outside, and so outdoor clothing is required.

Course Materials

Included

The tutor will bring a spade for a soil testing exercise and a small piece of the student plot will be dug to look at the structure of the soil.

What students need to bring

Outdoor clothing – including wet weather gear, boots, pens/pencils and paper for note-taking

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).

Please bring suitable clothing for going outdoors, including wet weather gear, boots, etc.

Timetable

Student registration: 9.15am - 9.30am
Course teaching: 9.30am - 5pm
Morning session: 9.30am - 1pm
Lunch break: 1pm - 2pm*
Afternoon session: 2pm - 5pm
Teaching finishes: 5pm

*Lunch can be purchased on campus, view options

General Information

Tutors

Jane Gleeson

Jane is a tutor with 25 years of experience in gardening. She trained at the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew and was Head Gardener at Schumacher College.

Courses of interest

Growing colour for textiles – creating a dye garden

14 Feb 2026 | West Dean
Places available
Tutor: Vicky Way |
Suitable for all
£170

Willow plant supports and garden structures

20 to 22 Mar 2026 | West Dean
1 place available
Tutor: Dominic Parrette |
Beginners/Intermediate
£364

Practical gardening skills: Lifting and storing dahlias

12 Nov 2025 | West Dean
Places available
Tutor: Tom Brown |
Suitable for all
£74

The winter garden – Creating and maintaining interest

7 Mar 2026 | West Dean
Places available
Tutor: Benjamin Pope |
Suitable for all
£170