Permaculture community activist. Educator. Communicator.
Ryan (he/him) is motivated by making cool things happen, while regenerating natural resources and showing others how. He loves food and drink, trees, and decent spreadsheets. Healthy governance and healthy soil are radically vital.
Ryan Sandford-Blackburn is a founding member of Earthed Up! Edible and useful plants. A workers co-operative in Belper, Derbyshire.
Ryan is a grower, educator, and company secretary here, since 2021. He is a parent to 2 bright, active young children. He is treasurer of Hidden Potential Recycling C.I.C. and a director of newly formed co-op Eartharmony Ltd., an ethical refills shop.
Professional experience
As Strategic Communications Coordinator for the Permaculture Association for almost 8 years, Ryan learned about, visited, and told the story of many people and projects living the ethics of Earth Care, People Care, Fair Shares. He was part of the events team, co-creating national convergences and IPCUK the international permaculture convergence and conference. Ryan edited 20 issues of Permaculture Works.
Ryan previously worked at York St John Students’ Union, as a reception team member then Campaigns and Engagement Coordinator. Supporting student officers in campaigns and staff with communications. He helped to set up the first student allotment at the university.
Qualifications
Ryan holds a First Class degree in Film & TV Production Ba (Hons). Permaculture Design Certificate. Permaculture Teacher Training. And has read many books.
Educator
Ryan has taught 7 introduction to courses since 2019, as well as leading workshops in different formats on numerous other practical topics too. Composting, plant propagation, forest gardening, cooperation.
Ryan gives talks to garden groups and at events, to share his knowledge gained from over a decade of practical experience.
Learning with Ryan is quite fast-paced and information-rich, learner-centric. There will be a little bit of presenting, plenty of group discussion and styles of creative activities to suit different people.
Testimonials
Here’s some honest feedback from participants on previous introduction to permaculture courses with Ryan.
“I loved being on your site and channelling the info you gave us” J, 2019
“I thought the course was really well run and your icebreaker exercises at the beginning were great for making the room feel comfortable and integrate everyone. I feel I have begun to understand the permaculture ethics and principles from what we covered which is great” F, 2019
“I enjoyed the course and learnt a lot (especially practical stuff about gardening / allotments). Some of this was through observation and the Q and As with other participants, most was from your examples in terms of layout, design, composting and mulching etc.” T, 2019
“Everything! Ryan and Lamis are wonderful, knowledgeable and nurturing teachers. This course has really opened up a new world to me, one that feels like the right ‘fit’.” Anon 1, foundations of permaculture online, 2021
“I felt Ryan was such an active permaculture practitioner, and any information or thoughts he imparted came from his lived expereince of this. So I felt fortuante to have him as a teacher.” Anon 2, foundations of permaculture online, 2021
“Have really enjoyed the sessions, and have learnt a lot about the various ways of making compost, sowing seeds in different mediums and plant feeds, enabling me to choose which methods I can implement at home using available materials in my garden or locally. Ryan, Carol and Christina are also great ambassadors for the natural environment and their small but productive allotment plot is very inspiring and shows what can be achieved from a gentle approach to growing using natural techniques . They are clearly very knowledgeable on all the scientific aspects but also experienced gardeners and growers.” Jane, Soil Health Clubs, 2023
“What a truly awesome place, course, and people. I gope the permaculture message conveyed there spreads far and wide! Great stuff!” Helen, fruit tree pruning workshop, Whistlewood Common, 2024
Earthed Up! 