Charney Primary Conference #10 of 10: Sunday Morning sessions 2 and departure

The final of 10 posts on the Charney Manor Primary Geography Conference 2023.


The final sessions of the conference were by the organisers discussing the key themes, and looking ahead to next time.

Before that, we had Sharon Witt's session called 'Ripples in Water'.

As always, this was about the work she undertakes with Helen Clarke.

She talked about her work in connecting with places. This is always creative, deeply connected to research and rigorous in that sense. She described how to be "fully present" and referred to a chapter written in a recently published book exploring "more than human" encounters.

She referred to a quote by Robin Wall Kimmerer describing the Earth as "lively and sentient".

“Knowing that you love the earth changes you, activates you to defend and protect and celebrate. But when you feel that the earth loves you in return, that feeling transforms the relationship from a one-way street into a sacred bond.”

When out in nature it is important to pay attention. I also liked the idea of carrying out research as throwing a stone into a pond and then choosing a ripple to follow.

She also referenced the work of the Walking Lab

There were plenty of other new resources for me to follow up as always from one of Sharon's sessions.

Elspeth Penfold's 'What is a Saltmarsh?'

I am looking forward to Sharon and Helen's session at the forthcoming GA Conference, which is themed around scarecrows.

We were then fed with a lovely Sunday lunch before heading home. 

My sat nav decided the best way was probably down to the M25 then back up the M11, and went fairly smoothly.

Next year's Charney Conference is already in the planning. 

Keep an eye out for information nearer the time.

If you have an interest in Primary geography, connecting with legends or spending time in a lovely house with colleagues, this is very much recommended. 

You will also receive access to digital copies of all the presentations as an additional resource.

Keep an eye out by following the @CharneyManor Twitter feed. 

You'll see images from this year's Conference there.

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