What Does Regenerative Mean? Re-imagining the Future

Overview

The term 'regenerative' is being used as a deeper way of understanding the human relationship with nature, the human footprint on the earth and the planetary systems that support all life on earth. It is very concerned with addressing the climate, ecological and social challenges we face. It has become much more common over the past decade or so and there are now many regenerative initiatives, innovative design practices and platforms to share them internationally.

These often involve re-imagining and asking deep questions about what kind of future we want at the societal level and how best to move towards it. It involves enquiring into worldviews and value systems. In some contexts it has replaced sustainability as a more holistic and ambitious framing: in others not. It has very important implications for many areas of our lives, including the way we see the economy and how to make it fit for the future.

What it means to think, be and act regeneratively is being explored in many related fields such as nature restoration, landscape management, agriculture, food security, business, architecture, health and education. Many of these are inspired by learning from nature’s living systems. But these often sit alongside more conventional or traditional approaches in science, policy and practice.

This weekend event will offer an opportunity to explore the emerging regenerative paradigm, question where it is going, re-imagine what might be possible, look at practical examples in different countries, organisations and communities, and contribute to thought provoking discussions on the potential impact.

It will include a mix of presentations, discussion, individual and small group exercises and at times more of a workshop approach.

Please note: this event will close to enrolments at 23:59 BST on 4 June 2025.

Programme details

Saturday 7 June

9.45am:
Registration at Rewley House Reception

10am:
The journey from sustainability to regenerative: what does it mean and why the shift?

11.15am:  
Tea/coffee break

11.45am:
What can we learn from nature and living systems: and the human story over time

1pm:
Lunch break

2pm:
Re-imagining the future, leading from the future and pathways for change

3.15pm:
Tea/coffee break

3.45pm:
What does regenerative change look like in practice: tools and practices for restoring nature, agriculture and food security

5pm:
End of day

7pm:
Dinner (optional)

Sunday 8 June

8am:
Breakfast (residents only)

10am:
Can we take a regenerative approach to the economy, business, technology and how we practise leadership?

11.15am:
Tea/coffee break

11.45am:
Regenerative and equitable: exploring the social dimensions

1pm:
Lunch break

2pm:
Innovation and design practices for a regenerative future

3.15pm:
Tea/coffee break

3.45pm:
Co-creating approaches and solutions, final reflections and insights

5pm:
End of weekend

Fees

Description Costs
Course Fee (includes tea/coffee) £240.00
Saturday Dinner £28.50
Saturday Baguette Lunch £7.30
Saturday Hot Lunch £19.25
Single B&B (Saturday night) £113.00
Single room only (Saturday night) £98.00
Sunday Baguette Lunch £7.30
Sunday Hot Lunch £19.25

Funding

If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit or are a full-time student in the UK you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees.

Concessionary fees for short courses

Tutor

Ms Jane Corbett

Jane is a facilitator, tutor, consultant and coach on Generative leadership for a sustainable future. She has worked on International and Public Programmes at OUDCE since 1997 as a part time course director and tutor on leadership and sustainability courses and works in the University of Cambridge.

Application

Please use the 'Book' button on this page. Alternatively, please contact us to obtain an application form.

Accommodation

Accommodation is not included in the price, but if you wish to stay with us the night before the course, then please contact our Residential Centre.

Accommodation in Rewley House - all bedrooms are modern, comfortably furnished and each room has tea and coffee making facilities, Freeview television, and Free WiFi and private bath or shower rooms. Please contact our Residential Centre on +44 (0) 1865 270362 or email res-ctr@conted.ox.ac.uk for details of availability and discounted prices. For more information, please see our website: https://www.conted.ox.ac.uk/about/accommodation