The lab
A playground for bioregional innovation
The Lab is where we experiment, explore, and develop new ways to shape resilient actions in South Devon and beyond. It’s a space for collaboration, curiosity and creativity – where ideas take shape, partnerships flourish and solutions take root.
Art + ecology
We have begun an enquiry into the role of art + ecology within our work and within the bioregion. The impetus comes from The Saltmarsh Artist Collective; 6 artists collaborating within the container of a BLC ecosystems restoration project, The Saltmarsh Project, working alongside 13 partners. We are creating a space for this enquiry in the Lab, currently hosting creative meet-ups to discuss and open up possibilities.
Bioregional banquet
Evolving from a report researched and written by former BLC Associate Samson Hart, we are bringing the concept of a Bioregional Banquet into The Lab to move it from feasibility and planning to ideation and art direction. More than just a celebratory meal, within it will be a process for discussion, connecting and planning ahead. We will facilitate it so a pathway to action and a network emerges. Our role will be to hold the network in partnership with others.
Bioregional governance
Effective governance is essential for bioregional health. This category explores innovative models of collaboration, participatory decision-making and policies that align human systems with ecological realities.
Bioregional health
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Ecosystem restoration
Restoring ecosystems is at the heart of creating a regenerative future. This category covers projects from saltmarsh restoration to urban green space regeneration, highlighting our efforts to repair and reconnect the vital natural systems that support biodiversity and community well-being.
Learning network
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South Devon strategies
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Storytelling
We have been unveiling facts, data, images and stories about the bioregion since BLC emerged back in 2017. It's how you reach people. Now, in The Lab, we are getting to know our bioregion better, starting by pooling all the ways we have envisioned or implemented to understand, explain, question, understand, sense or embody the bioregion.
Clare workshop
Artist Clare Parker at BLC's creative meet-up
Artist Clare Parker at BLC's creative meet-up

Imagining a Fellini film... 8 1/2?

Window to the Tuscan valley
Window to a Tuscan bioregion
Window to a Tuscan bioregion

Emilio soil
Artist Emilio Mula is digging into sediment
Artist Emilio Mula is digging into sediment

The bioregion... not a new twist on a story, something we are in, living with, have been with for a long time
Mark Leahy Quote
- Mark Leahy, artist
- Mark Leahy, artist
Bringing the Dart into the room

Where the river meets the sea
Where the River Meets the Sea - DJ set
Where the River Meets the Sea - DJ set

Mycorrhizae loss in the soil will have significant impacts on growth
Food and farming culture
Food and farming culture
Food and farming culture
Ecology + Music
Where the River Meets the Sea II - Christian de Sousa
Where the River Meets the Sea II - Christian de Sousa

Polyphenols (mg/kg) 429

Every painting is always two paintings: The one you see, and the one you remember.
Siri Hustvedt
- Siri Hustvedt
- Siri Hustvedt
It's a process of trust and value redefinition

a+e Zoom Feb 18
Exploring the relationship of art and ecology with a bioregional framing
Exploring the relationship of art and ecology with a bioregional framing
Into the unknown with AI

Transforming learning into a banquet
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Bacteria at work
Oil or chemicals? It may not be what you think. Good bacteria is at work in the saltmarshes
Oil or chemicals? It may not be what you think. Good bacteria is at work in the saltmarshes

Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.
Thomas Merton
- Thomas Merton
- Thomas Merton