Spaces to Flourish

Developing Eco-Reflexivity through Composting

The project explored how eco-centric reflexivity, pro-environmental attitudes, and inter-organisational dialogue could be fostered by ‘exploding’ management learning beyond the classroom. Led by Dr Rosalyn Marron, Dr Helena Kettleborough and Dr Kate Seymour, it was created with partners at Manchester Urban Diggers (MUD) and funded by the UN PRME UK and Ireland Chapter Seed Funding Competition for Developing Innovative Pedagogic Approaches and Teaching Practices.

The project showed how fostering socio-ecological connections and multispecies relationships that surround us in our inner-city lives can advance transformative learning about human and non-human others, training future decision makers to contribute to ecologically sustainable development. Key findings are summarised in this briefing.

Student Composting Workshop

In October 2024, we took our MSc Management and Sustainability students to MUD to learn about the project and the challenges of running a sustainability-focused community-interest company. Through a hands-on workshop, we experienced the more-than-human process of composting and learnt about the central importance of composting within circular systems.

‘More than making compost, this time with MUD was useful to realize how keeping a link with nature is fundamental. We tend to forget how nature is the basis of everything, and how amazing it is. It felt nice to be outside, in a garden where you can sense nature and a creative energy. It also allowed us to connect as a group, by sharing a different experience together, and collaborating in the activity.’ (Student Reflection)

‘The highlight of the visit was feeling the natural warmth of the compost, which made this process feel alive and dynamic… Experiencing the warmth of the compost was specifically transformative, making me realise the power of nature due to my thought of it being alive. This complex and self-sustaining system made me feel deeply connected with the natural world.’ (Student Reflection)