Field Notes: An Introduction
My experience studying Sustainable Food Systems
A little about me
Welcome to Field Notes! My name is Nicola, I am a baker living in semi-rural Cheshire. I am about to begin a master’s degree in Sustainable Food and Natural Resources at The Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) in Wales. This blog will serve as a kind of open journal/notebook, recording my experiences as a student and a way for me to consolidate and process everything I will be learning.
1. Why this, why now?
Last year I graduated from the Open University with a BSc in Environmental Science. For the last ten months I have been asking myself ‘what next?’. After five years as a distance learner, and with my daughter about to embark on her own higher education journey, I find my self with some spare time on my hands and in a very fortunate position where I can continue my studies. This space will not be polished; rather, it’s a place for me to ramble and reflect and invite others to do the same.
2. Building a community through food
Food has dominated my life, and whether or not your realise it, it has dominated yours too. It is the one thing we all have in common, yet our experiences of it are unique. We all have a relationship with food that in some way defines us, and these relationships directly impact the world around us. This is what I will be studying and I hope to hear your thoughts and experiences as producers and/or consumers.
3. What to expect
Each week I will be summarising what I have learned and my personal reflections on the subject matter. You can expect content on emerging technologies and practices of sustainable agriculture, food production trends, the relationship between food and health and food sovereignty.
4. A little about CAT
The Centre for Alternative Technology is an environmental charity and provider of postgraduate education located in Powys, Wales. It is a beautiful, awe-inspiring facility, dedicated to researching and communicating solutions for environmental change. Learn more about CAT, postgraduate and short courses here: CAT
Ive never heard about this career before. Looking forward to learn about it with you! It would be nice to know about the pictures you took, what's that place and small details about it. Nice work!
If you don’t mind me asking, will you be studying that remotely, or in person? (I ask because I have considered doing some further university study via distance learning, but have very little experience of it)