50 Shades of Clay - Soil Workshop for Women
A full day workshop designed for women to learn the basics of soil and water chemistry and native tree selection and planting
Capacity building - LP_13_LLCTR-TRLA1
The issue
Many women involved in land management lack access to supportive, hands-on training environments where they feel confident to ask questions and actively participate. Soil health—a critical aspect of sustainable farming and land care—is often seen as a technical area dominated by male voices. The challenge was to create a space where women could build practical knowledge and confidence in understanding and managing soil health, thereby increasing their participation in on-farm decision-making and broader community-based environmental management.
The solution
The “50 Shades of Clay” Women’s Soil Health Workshop was initiated by Dr. Aurelie Quade. Aurelie is a soil scientist working for Climate Friendly. Climate Friendly funded the day and was organized by Tamworth Reginal Landcare Association Staff. Kate Masters, from the local Landcare group Bubbogullion 100 hosted the and event and facilitated. Kate could share her knowledge of being a woman on the land who has been practicing regenerative farming and soil improvements. Held near town for accessibility, the workshop attracted around 40 women and used a rotating small-group format for personalized, interactive learning. Attendees brought their own soil and water samples, engaged in hands-on sessions with experts, and participated in native planting and pasture management demonstrations. The event created a welcoming, all-female environment that encouraged learning and engagement
The impact
The workshop successfully increased women’s knowledge and confidence in soil health, with overwhelmingly positive feedback. Attendees valued the practical, hands-on learning and the opportunity to contribute their own experiences. It fostered a sense of community and encouraged women to take a more active role in land management decisions. Importantly, the event highlighted the demand for female-focused learning environments and demonstrated their effectiveness in empowering women land stewards across farming, gardening, and conservation contexts.
Key facts
- Women focused learning is importance for relaxed learning environment