As a values-led organisation which is passionate about supporting communities to live more sustainably, we love helping others figure out how to put nature, social justice and wellbeing at the heart of their activities.
Our knowledgeable and committed staff team has over 17 years’ experience of doing this work and helping others to do the same. So whether you are looking for inspiration, mentoring or practical answers, strategic thinking or advice, we can help!
We offer
Speakers for your sustainability-themed event
We regularly give talks at local and national events and our work has featured in numerous workshops and panel discussions including as part of international gatherings such as the COP -21 in Glasgow and the Oxford Real Farming Conference. If you are wanting someone to inspire, engage and educate your audience, please get in touch to see how we can help.
Mentoring for sustainability
The environmental crisis can feel overwhelming. Many businesses or organisations want to make a change but don’t know where to start. If that’s you, we can help!
We offer deep dive mentoring days where we support you and your staff to get clear on your values and goals for sustainability and social justice so that you can identify the best ways to make change.
We can also offer ongoing mentoring and accountability for your business, so that you can be sure of staying the course, even during the more challenging moments.
Research and consultancy
Our expertise on sustainable food systems, community development and regenerative design, supported by a passionate and knowledgeable staff team, many of whom have a research background, means we are ideally placed to offer consultancy on the topics listed here.
Find out more about the people you’ll work with to bring your project to life.
We offer consultancy in the following areas
Feasibility and scoping studies
In recent years, we have collaborated with organisations including Lancaster City Council and Lancaster University to produce reports on a range of topics including the potential for community and SME food waste composting schemes, allotment and community garden provision and other forms of urban agriculture and local food procurement by anchor institutions. Some examples of our work can be found below.
New project support
We are experienced in supporting the formation and development of new environmental and social justice projects. So if you are looking to start an organisation or initiative, we can help you make good decisions, build your networks and develop a strong and healthy working culture.
FarmStart and market garden consultancy
LESS has been running the successful FarmStart training programme, a scheme which offers training, support and mentoring to would-be commercial organic growers, since 2019. Since this time, we have provided advice, support and feasibility work to other regions wanting to develop their own initiatives in this area.
Advice and consultancy for commercial organic growing and urban agriculture (including vertical farming and hydroponics)
Advice and consultancy for commercial organic growing and urban agriculture (including vertical farming and hydroponics). Our lead grower and FarmStart trainer at The Plot, Dr Dennis Touliatos, is an agronomist by training, has an Msc in Environmental sciences, PhD in plant science and extensive experience in commercial agriculture. He can offer support on: setting up new -rural and urban- sites for crop production; research and development of new ideas in horticulture; troubleshooting and improving existing growing projects.
Regenerative landscape design
Got an area of land that you wish was more beautiful, useful and nature friendly? Our team of designers and growers can help you create a design that is beautiful, useful and nature-friendly, however big or small your space.
Examples of our consultancy work
The work to scope and pilot a North Lancashire Food Hub is u...
