Processes of colonisation and capitalism have historically led to the destruction of knowledge systems, ecologies and earth-based practices.
In this practical workshop we will challenge colonial systems of knowledge production and botanical language by engaging in a sensory-based session that draws on perception, intuition and oral storytelling as a way to develop deeper relationships with plants as medicinal and spiritual allies.
Honouring ancestral and indigenous knowledges, we will journey into the apothecary garden, learn about respectful plant medicine practices and weave together our senses and creativity to craft a herbal remedy inspired by the season.
The workshop is part of Invasion Ecology, a season of contemporary land art presented by Radical Ecology and Southcombe Barn coming to Dartmoor from 1 May - 10 August 2024 that questions what we mean by ‘native’ and what it means to belong, reimagining more empathic connections between humans, plants, animals and landscapes.
Mariam Mohamed is a community herbalist, medical herbalist trainee, grower and mother who lives in Totnes, South Devon. She stewards a community herb garden based at School Farm, Dartington. She is founder and director of Radical Plant Folk C.I.C, a community growing project that supports community sharing on plant knowledge and cultural heritage. In October 2022 she ran a healing nature connection circle for black, mixed heritage and people of colour that explored themes around identity, belonging and healing with the land. Her work centers around land justice and themes of belonging, reconnection and reclaiming relationship with the land.