A Day to Remember: CAG Somerset Skillshare 2026

Our CAG Somerset Skillshare turned out to be one of those rare days where everything just clicks. We cheerfully and determinedly put our faith in an outdoor event, and the weather rewarded us generously. Sunshine, fresh air, and a perfect backdrop at ARK at Egwood set the scene for a day filled with community spirit, learning, and connection.  A massive thank you to the whole team at ARK for sharing their beautiful space and making the whole experience so special.

A Warm Welcome

We kicked things off with the comforting smell of fresh cakes and pastries from the ARK field kitchen, accompanied by hot tea and coffee. With hopeful optimism, we decided to move our keynote session outdoors.

And despite a chill in the air, Matt Smith from The Waffle House in Axminster delivered a wonderfully energising talk on the power of pro-social environments and the important role that community action groups play in this. His message set the tone for a hopeful, inspiring day ahead.

Diving Into Workshops

After an introduction from Nigel, ARK’s founder and CEO, who shared the rich story of the site and its deep roots in place-based connection and social inclusion, everyone spread out into the first workshops of the morning.

One polytunnel became a hive of sensory activity as Martyn Richards from Agriton guided participants through making effective microorganism mud balls.  Earthy, hands-on, and full of laughter.

Meanwhile, the classroom buzzed with ideas as Esther McLachlan from Edventure led rural changemakers through a supportive, thoughtful discussion on the unique challenges and opportunities faced by rural communities. The conversations were energising, practical, and full of peer led support and solutions.

Food, Feelings, and Community

In the kitchen, the Chop and Chat with Catherine Maxwell, brought people together over chopping boards and shared stories. Discussions flowed naturally, from food security to the emotional power of eating together.  All echoing Matt’s keynote message: activity and conversation are deeply connected, and community grows through doing.

Learning From the Land

Outside on the terrace, Carolyn Dare hosted an insightful session on biochar, unpacking how this ancient practice can enrich our ecosystems from roots to shoots.

A guided tour of the ARK site with Nicola Porter, inspired growers and dreamers alike. Seeing real examples of what a thriving, community-led growing space can achieve left many with new ideas and the confidence to explore their own projects.

And in the toasty polytunnel, Ella Tarnowski from Open Doors led a visible mending workshop. Stitch by stitch people grew in confidence that mending wasn’t a faraway dream but an achievable choice.

The CAG Somerset Skillshare 2026 was more than a gathering, it was a celebration of people, action, creativity, and hope. A day where community came alive, and everyone left with new knowledge, new connections, and the feeling that together, we can make meaningful change.