WORKSHOPs for groups IN amsterdam

If you are interested please email workshopsams@cityplot.org and we can organise a workshop custom made for a private group. This means that the interested person needs to put together their own group consisting of a minimum of  five people, and then choose a workshop from the list below and get in touch with us. 

For our online workshops click here

Our cancellation policies are here

PLANNING AND GROWING YOUR OWN URBAN EDIBLE GARDEN

Join us for an informative, hands-on and fun workshop on how to grow your own edible, urban garden in small spaces like balconies, window sills, allotments or roof terraces. Herbs, salads, vegetables, berries, edible flowers and a surprising variety of other plants can thrive with very little space if you know which plants to grow and how to care for them. This workshop is suitable for both beginners and gardeners with some experience. You'll leave with a customized crop plan and seeds, ready to start growing and eating clean healthy food! 

Language: English, Dutch

Contact: workshopsams@cityplot.org

All about composting

Do you want to live a more circular life and start giving your food scraps back to the earth to make compost for your plants? Get more familiar with all that lives in our lovely soil? Even without an outside space it's possible, and it doesn’t smell funky! We can teach you the ins & outs of vermicomposting (with worms), bokashi, mulching, leaf mold, animal manure, green manure, lasagne composting and hügelkultur. There are so many ways, and you can choose between getting really involved or a more lazy approach! This workshop can be given inside, but also in a garden, where we can get our hands in the soil building a compost project. Please get in touch to talk over your ideas!

Language: English, Dutch

Duration: tailored from 2 to 4 hours
Cost: Depends on duration and location, let’s chat.
Maximum participants: 15

Contact: workshopsams@cityplot.org

INTRODUCTION TO PERMACULTURE

Join us for an introduction to permaculture ethics: earth care, people care, and fair share. We will interactively explore how these ethics and the design principles can be applied to city garden projects of all sizes.

Language: English, Dutch

Contact: workshopsams@cityplot.org

FOOD SOVEREIGNTY AND PEASANT STRUGGLES AROUND THE WORLD

Indigenous communities in South Asia, peasant movements in Latin America, the African food sovereignty movement, resistance farming groups in the Middle East and European small-scale farmers movements. These groups organise themselves under the flag of the food sovereignty movement, and what they all have in common is their resistance to corporate agri-business and the expansion of the neoliberal farming model.

In this workshop, we’ll explore how La Via Campesina, the largest social movement in the world, brings together all peasant struggles across the globe. We wll explain how the movement is organized, and highlight the most important historical moments of the movement such as the Nyeleni Declaration and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Peasants and Other People Working in Rural Areas (UNDROP).

Duration: 1,5 hours
Language: English, Spanish
Location: Live at the Fruittuin van West or Stadsboederij Osdorp, or online
Maximum participants: 20 in person / unlimited online
Fee per person € 25

Contact: eduard@cityplot.org

HOW TO GROW AND USE YOUR OWN HERBS

Cityplot presents a workshop on how to grow and use your herbs at home. We will cover how to plant, care, propagate and use common herbs for culinary and medicinal purposes. We will focus on five common herbs: Mint, Parsley, Thyme, Rosemary  & Lavender 

The workshop includes two activities, making lavender massage oil and propagating rosemary.

Language: English, Dutch

Contact: workshopsams@cityplot.org

AMSTERDAM’S FOOD LANDSCAPE BY BIKE

Curious about Amsterdam’s pioneering grassroots local food projects? Join us on a talking tour of Amsterdam hotspots of Amsterdam’s urban farming landscape. Ann will also tell you about the history of Amsterdam’s urban farming movement, the challenges and the successes. This tour can be given for groups of any size, and we can adjust distances and destinations based on your preferences.

Language: English, Dutch

Contact: ann@cityplot.org

AMSTERDAM'S FOOD LANDSCAPE AND HOW YOU CAN HELP IT TO FLOURISH

This interactive presentation gives an oversight of the pioneering grassroots urban food and farming projects taking place around the city of Amsterdam: from community gardens to food waste cafes, and from composting projects to food cooperatives. Prepare to be surprised and inspired to learn about what is happening all around us!

Language: English, Dutch

Contact: workshopsams@cityplot.org

INTRO TO FERMENTATION

Curious about fermentation? Wondering what’s going on with that fizzy jar of carrots sitting forgotten on your shelf?
And what’s the difference between fermentation and pickling?

This workshop will ease you into the fascinating world of bubbles and fizz. We’ll explore the basics of fermentation and dive into hands-on experiments; from ginger beer to kimchi to ketchup, the possibilities for flavour and creativity are endless.
You’ll also gain some cultural and historical context behind the foods we’re making, connecting you to traditions that have been around for centuries.
Join this workshop to feel the bubbles, experience the magic — and take home the skills to start your own fermentation!

Duration: 2-4 hours, depending on the foods we’re making
Language: English, Dutch
Location: Amsterdam & region
Minimum participants: 8
Maximum participants: 12
Costs: Depends duration, materials, and location – let's get in touch!

Contact: zoe@cityplot.org

FOOD IMPERIALISM AND LAND REFORMS IN EUROPE

How does imperialism affect our food systems?
How is this directly linked with European public policies and free trade agreements?
How does imperialism affect rural people and youth?
What can we do to change the neocolonial domination of the North towards the South?

Edu from our CSA Pluk! and Toekomstboeren will lead you through a session to discuss how imperialism affects our food systems, how agriculture policies like Europe's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) only benefit the big agrifood players, and how a land reform is needed to achieve food sovereignty and agroecology.

Duration: 1,5 hours
Language: English, Spanish
Location: Live at the Fruittuin van West or Stadsboederij Osdorp, or online
Maximum participants: 20 in person / unlimited online
Fee per person € 25

Contact: eduard@cityplot.org

TAKing CARE OF FRUIT TREES AND BERRIES

Have you always wanted to hear a coherent story about pruning fruit trees and berries?

Together with Zowie from the Fruittuin van West, we will get down to work in this course! We will start with theory inside with coffee or tea, and then move outside. After lunch, everyone will also do a bit of pruning themselves, so that we can immediately put everything into practice! The main focus will be on pome fruit (apple/pear) and stone fruit (cherry/plum) from the Netherlands and the Ribes (currant) and Rubus (blackberry/raspberry) families. Climbers such as grape and kiwi as well as citrus and fig will receive less attention.

Please bring your own pruning tools.

Where: On location (community garden, garden house complex, street or wherever you have fruit)
When: Early January to the end of March
Cost for a half-day session: € 210 excl. BTW
Language: English, Dutch
Minimum number of participants: 4
Max number of participants: 15

Contact: workshopsams@cityplot.org

healing Herbal Teas - Growing, tasting & mixing

Come together and experience the healing properties of herbs.

In a cosy workshop we will activate our senses and learn about medicinal properties of everyday herbs. Following a meditation in a garden setting we can collect fresh herbs and forage wild plants and you will see how simple it can be to re-establish a connection with nature. We will look into how to work with the plants, taste them, how to dry, using dried leaves and flowers and some possible mixes for energizing, relaxing and digesting. We can arrange a lunch or snacks to conclude the gathering.

This workshop is welcome at the herbal garden at Stadsboerderij Osdorp or in a garden of your choosing.

Duration: 2-3 hours
Language: English, Dutch
Location: Stadsboerderij Osdorp or your own garden/space
Maximum participants: 12
Cost: € 260 incl. materials

Contact: eva@cityplot.org

Understanding our soils: Cycles, health & life

The mysterious world beneath our feet is receiving more and more attention. And rightly so if you ask us! In our soils the natural cycles are closed so new life can emerge. But how does this work? In this workshop we will have a closer look at these cycles, e.g. the nitrogen (stikstof) cycle, and explore how they flow as well as determining our position in it. We get to know our soils by getting our hands a little dirty and meeting multiple creatures who are doing a lot of hard work for us. At the end of this workshop you have gained a better understanding of our soils and are given multiple hands on tips to take home!

Duration: 2-3 hours
Language : English, Dutch
Minimum participants : 4
Maximum participants: 16
Location: Stadsboerderij Osdorp
Cost: € 200

Contact: naomi@cityplot.org

POLLINATORS/BENEFICIAL INSECTS: IN YOUR GARDEN AND YOUR SKETCHBOOK

With our busy urban lives, do you crave a connection with nature and your own creativity?

Whether you are interested in growing your own organic food, in learning how to balance an ecosystem with natural pest controls, or you simply care about the environment and are curious about beneficial insects, this workshop will provide you with essential knowledge about the little creatures that do wonders in our gardens, and are crucial to the food we eat each day. In this 2,5 hour workshop you will learn about some of the common pollinators and beneficial insects, what they do, and how to attract them. You will also get a chance to draw one of them. Amy will show you some drawing techniques with a humble pencil and share how this is a wonderful way to connect with nature, in your own home.

Duration: 2-3 hours
Language : English
Minimum participants : 4
Maximum participants: 8
Contact: amy@cityplot.org

FLOWER GARLANDS AND MORE; creation, meditation & ritual

A sweet gathering where we take time to see and smell the flowers. Depending on what is blooming, we will bring your tribe a big bunch of flowers and other natural materials to create beautiful garlands. Let’s blossom :)

This creative workshop (for all ages) can be combined with edible flower snacks & homemade lemonade with, yes, flowers! It’s also possible to include some self care activities like meditation, breathing or simple yoga exercises as well as including rituals and seasonal thoughts.

Traditionally seasonal celebrations like Beltane (May 1) and Midsummer (June 21) are when flower garlands are made & worn. But it’s fun in all seasons. We can organise a space with you, or come to your garden or home with this workshop. We are looking forward to share the flower power with you.

Duration: 1½ - 4 hours depending on program elements
Language: English, Dutch
Cost: Depends on duration and location, let’s chat.
Maximum participants: 12

Contact: eva@cityplot.org

GROW YOUR OWN HERBAL TEA MIX

Cityplot presents a herbal tea workshop, where you will create your own delicious herbal tea mixes from a selection of herbs and learn about their diverse benefits. We have chosen a selection of easy-to-grow herbs that you can plant on your balcony or garden. These herbs can be used fresh or dried so you have access to a medicine chest of tea varieties all year round. All materials are included. 

Language: English, Dutch

Contact: workshopsams@cityplot.org

COMPOSTING WITH WORMS

Did you know that worms can transform your food scraps into a rich compost? Come along and learn how to make your own worm bin for your kitchen or balcony! You will leave with hungry worms to live in your bin, and information about how to feed them so that they make a delicious treat for your plants.

This workshop is suitable for either indoor or outdoor spaces and for people with no composting experience at all.

Language: English, Dutch

Contact: workshopsams@cityplot.org

Build your own terrarium

Would you like to create an oasis for your living/working space, but you don't have time to maintain indoor plants? Join us in our workshop where you will learn to make your own terrarium, a self sustaining ecosystem in a glass vase that brings a bit of green to your life.

During this workshop, Amy will start with a short intro to the history and science behind building a terrirum. She will then guide you through the steps of designing and building your own terrarium. She will also provide you with tips on the minimal work needed to maintain it. By the end of the workshop, you will have your own beautiful terrarium to take home and watch it thrive! All materials included (glass jar, plants, soil, pebbles, etc.)

Duration: 2-3 hours
Language: English
Minimum participants: 4
Maximum participants: 8

Contact: amy@cityplot.org

BUILDING A LIVE WILLOW STRUCTURE

Would you like a growing willow structure somewhere in your garden, school or office? We can build one together!

Our expert team of willow builders loves to make different willow structures: domes, hedges, tunnels, teepees or igloos are all possible.
We can advise on the right design for you, provide the willow branches and lead the building session. It’s a great group activity, and leaves a lasting result that can be enjoyed for years to come.

The best season for willow building is from October to April (frost periods excluded), as the small roots need regular watering, and rain is plentiful at these times. Otherwise you will need to water regularly during dry spells for the first three months.

Duration: 1 or 2 days (depending on size of the structure)
Language: English, Dutch
Cost: Depends on duration and location, let’s chat!
Maximum number of participants: 8

For more info & photos of our willow work please contact us: workshopsams@cityplot.org

FERMENTING VEGETABLES: MAKE YOUR OWN KIMCHI

It's easy and fun to learn to make delicious and gut-health promoting Korean Kimchi! We'll be using a traditional recipe shared with us by Yeon Choi. Kimchi can be spicy, sour, strong flavoured or mild. It is a traditional Korean food preservation technique using natural fermentation, and the perfect activity for an Autumn evening. No experience necessary. You'll go home with a jar of fresh kimchi!

Language: English, Dutch

Contact: workshopsams@cityplot.org

CHRISTMAS WILLOW WREATH WORKSHOP

Want to learn how to make your own Christmas decoration? Come and join Helder Dias Pinto and learn how to make your own decorative Christmas wreath using wild greens from in and around the city. 

In this workshop you will learn to create a strong base, which materials to combine and how to engage your creativity. The Christmas wreaths created will be 100% compostable, but can also be dried for a longer lifespan.

Language: English, Dutch

Contact: workshopsams@cityplot.org

MAKING SEED BOMBS: GUERILLA GARDENING WORKSHOP (adult version)

Become a nature activist and help the bees!

Together we will make seed bombs with a huge variety of flower seeds. You will take them home and once dry you can throw and let them explode in places where you think some flowers will be happy to grow. At the same time we are helping the bees and other pollinators, and we are making the city more pretty. In this workshop we will also look at some of the different plant families and you will learn how to recognize them.

Language: English, Dutch

Contact: workshopsams@cityplot.org

GROW YOUR OWN COCKTAILS (or MOCKTAILS)

We will learn how to grow and forage ingredients for delicious and healthy seasonal cocktails. And of course we'll shake some up and taste them to start off the weekend on a good note! Edible flowers and seasonal herbs are the key ingredients .

Language: English, Dutch

Contact: workshopsams@cityplot.org

AN EVENING WITH THE WOLF: AN INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP

Did you know that there are wolves in the Netherlands? Since 2018, this small country has been hosting these majestic animals!

The presence of the wolf raises many questions: are they dangerous to us? What do they eat? Where can they be found? Let's explore together the characteristics of this charismatic but often misunderstood predator that roams free in Dutch nature.

In this introductory workshop on wolf ecology you will learn about where the wolf comes from, what it eats, how it communicates and much more.

Language: English, Italian, Dutch
Contact: giulia@cityplot.org

 THE SOUNDS OF THE NIGHT: BAT EXCURSION

If you have a garden or a terrace, you may have noticed some strange silent figures fluttering around at dusk. These are bats that come out of their shelters to take advantage of the midges and mosquitoes around.

Join us on this evening walk: ecologist Giulia will tell you about these fascinating creatures and we will listen to their calls with the help of a bat detector. 

Language: English, Italian, Dutch
Contact: giulia@cityplot.org

DAY HIKES IN THE NETHERLANDS/BELGIUM

Come and join Giulia, our ecologist and nature guide, for a beautiful hike (10-15 km)  in one of the most iconic landscapes in the Netherlands/north of Belgium. Giulia will share her expert knowledge on the rich flora and fauna living in this area.

Language: English, Italian, Dutch
Contact: giulia@cityplot.org