Environment & Sustainability
Most of us appreciate or enjoy being outdoors and are conscious of this. In the lockdowns, many of us learned that access to the outdoors, nature in particular, is a privilege and that having access can be a significant factor in our health and wellbeing.
Some enjoy the spaces for quiet reflection or to watch and listen to wildlife. Others paint, photograph or record what they see or enjoy others’ depictions. Yet, we cannot take being outdoors in nature for granted. We need to do more to create access, sustainable change and meaningful experiences.
At City Lit, we offer a range of courses on nature, climate change and sustainability that will build your knowledge and skills, expand your horizons and give you new ideas on how to engage in everyday sustainable practices and understand the global aspects of the climate crisis and how humanity is currently addressing it.
Please explore our courses below.
- Design your own garden
Course start date: Wed 21 Jan 2026Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Alison WorsterExplore the principles of planting design using form, line and texture to create dynamic planting schemes. In weekly workshops, improve the breadth of your plant knowledge whilst developing the skills and techniques of garden designers.Full fee £299.00 Senior fee £239.00 Concession £194.00 - Try it out: garden design Course start date: Sat 14 Feb 2026
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Alison WorsterGet a taste of how you can improve your outside spaces. In this online workshop you will learn how to assess an outside space and complete a short exercise in garden design planning. A great preparation for our range of beginners garden design courses.Full fee £59.00 Senior fee £59.00 Concession £59.00 - Garden History: Italian Renaissance Gardens Course start date: Sat 28 Feb 2026
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Explore the historical factors and the conditions which led to the creation of the Italian Renaissance Gardens in the 15th and 16th Centuries. Examine the technical developments and design approach as well as the wider socio economic context. The session will conclude with an assessment of the lasting impact of Italian Renaissance Gardens and our relationship with the natural environment.
Full fee £49.00 Senior fee £39.00 Concession £32.00 - Shinrin-yoku: nature therapy Course start date: Tue 28 Apr 2026 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Off Site
Tutors: Hilary LyonsConnect with nature for health and wellbeing. This scientifically backed Japanese tradition of forest bathing has been shown to improve physical and mental health. A slow, guided, mindful walk near trees reduces stress levels and boosts your immune system. We will meet in Richmond Park. We will NOT meet at the City Lit.Full fee £59.00 Senior fee £59.00 Concession £59.00 - Tree walks in Golders Hill Park Course start date: Sat 9 May 2026
Location on this date: Off Site
Tutors: Letta JonesJoin Letta Jones for Saturday morning tree walks, meeting in Golders Hill Park in North London.
Full fee £129.00 Senior fee £103.00 Concession £84.00 - Nature writing Course start date: Sat 9 May 2026
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Julie GartonWhat greater muse could a writer ask for than the wonders of the planet that surrounds them? Learn how to capture the majesty of nature on the page with this exciting course in creative non-fiction.Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £40.00 - The physics of life Course start date: Sun 10 May 2026
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Radmila TopalovicFind out why physics is the science upon which everything depends. In this course we will use basic physics concepts to understand the biological processes in living organisms, including the relatively new field of quantum biology.Full fee £69.00 Senior fee £55.00 Concession £45.00 - An introduction to Jainism Course start date: Sat 23 May 2026
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Ketan VariaThis course is an introduction to Jain philosophy, with a particular emphasis on its relevance to environmentalism.Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £51.00 - Garden History through London's Parks Course start date: Mon 1 Jun 2026
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Explore Garden History through iconic London Parks, discover how politics have influenced Garden Design and how Garden Design trends have influenced our relationship with nature. There will be one onsite session followed by guided walks in Hyde Park, Green Park, Regent’s Park and the King’s Cross Development.Tutor: Nathalie Puget.Full fee £159.00 Senior fee £127.00 Concession £103.00 - Exploring Regent's Park Trees Course start date: Sat 6 Jun 2026
Location on this date: Off Site
Tutors: Letta JonesDo you want to get to know some of the fabulous trees in Regent’s Park? These 3 guided Tree Walks in Regent’s Park are ideal for the tree enthusiast with an introduction to this absorbing activity.Full fee £129.00 Senior fee £103.00 Concession £84.00 - Art and critical theory: rethinking 'nature' Course start date: Wed 10 Jun 2026
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Irina ChkhaidzeExplore the role of critical theory within the field of art history, and learn new ways of thinking about art by focusing on how recent authors have been rethinking our understanding of nature.Full fee £129.00 Senior fee £129.00 Concession £84.00 - Nature and landscape photography: London location Course start date: Sun 14 Jun 2026
Location on this date: Off Site
Tutors: Rachel WeghWidllife in the city is an exciting opportunity to work off-site and enjoy various surroundings focusing on flora and fauna. Travel to some of some of London’s finest open spaces whilst learning the photography skills required in focusing on details, landscape and capturing natures beauty. Ideal for beginners, those who want to broaden their photography skills and those wishing to continue building their photography portfolio.Full fee £129.00 Senior fee £129.00 Concession £129.00 - Creative nature and landscape photography Course start date: Thu 2 Jul 2026
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Rachel WeghExplore nature, landscape and environmental photography in the classroom and in the field. You will learn to create images with impact, whilst developing your own visual style and a personal project.Full fee £339.00 Senior fee £271.00 Concession £220.00 - Design your own garden intensive Course start date: Mon 20 Jul 2026
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Alison WorsterTransform your garden and explore design and plant selection techniques tailored to your space. Discover how to improve your garden with professional, practical garden design solutions and tips to maximise the potential of your site.Full fee £259.00 Senior fee £207.00 Concession £168.00 - Poetry and nature workshop at Keats House, Hampstead Course start date: Sat 25 Jul 2026
Location on this date: Off Site
Tutors: Eleanor PennyA two-day writing workshop on poetry and nature, set in the former residence of the Romantic poet, John Keats, as well as nearby Hampstead Heath.Full fee £149.00 Senior fee £149.00 Concession £149.00
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