Many people want to learn more about herbs and there are many different ways of progressing both practical and theoretical knowledge. For those who wish to follow a degree course there are a number of academic institutions such as Westminster University and Lincoln University. Unfortunately the Scottish School of Herbal Medicine and Preston University are no longer accepting undergraduates. Links can be found on the Herb Society links page.
There are also two distance learning introduction to herbal medicine courses,one run by New Vitality and the other by the Scottish School of Herbal Medicine.
For people looking for a more practical, self developmental approach to learning there are now various herbal apprenticeships being run in the UK. In the US, the apprenticeship movement has been flourishing for many years. Most of the respected herbal leaders such as Rosemary Gladstar, Susun Weed, Margi Flint, Gail Faith Edwards and Kiva Rose Hardin have been running practical or distance learning apprenticeships for many years. To my knowledge, this has not been available except on a very limited scale in the UK.
Anne McIntyre has been offering apprenticeships for several years and is looking to expand her placements. Anyone interested in learning with this wonderful teacher should contact Anne via her website
http://annemcintyre.com/
Sensory Herbcraft are offering their first herbal apprenticeships starting in September 2011. Their courses will be held in Cheshunt, Herfordshire and more details can be found on their website
http://www.sensorysolutions.co.uk/apprenticeships.html
I am also offering apprenticeships beginning in January 2011. More details can be found on
http://www.springfieldsanctuary.co.uk
If anyone knows of any other apprenticeships being offered in the UK, please let us know.
If you cannot commit to either a distance learning course or an apprenticeship, there are always the local herb groups. More are being set up each year. Look in the Herbal Groups section on this website.
Sarah
