Introduction to Green Roofs

The Living Roofs Academy is running an Introduction to Green Roofs workshop at Hayley Court on Thursday 29 October, from 9:30 to 15:30. It's a one-day course led by Matthew Hoddinott, and they keep the group small — limited to ten people — so it's more of a hands-on session than a lecture. The day splits its time between classroom learning and practical, real-world demonstrations, so you're not just listening; you'll be seeing how it actually works.

The scope is broad, and it's designed to work across both domestic and commercial projects. Over the course of the day, you'll cover the history and evolution of green roofs, health and safety, and the structural requirements needed to hold one up. From there it moves into the biological and technical side: biodiversity, the full range of green roof components, and how to plan a project from start to finish. You'll also look at the environmental and energy benefits, water management and SUDS, and the emerging opportunities in rooftop energy generation.

It's aimed at anyone wanting to get a proper grip on the subject, whether you're a landscaper, a homeowner, a designer, or part of a facilities team. Planners and people simply curious about how urban greening can shape the future of the built environment fit in too. Everyone who completes the day gets a GRO (Green Roof Organisation) Introduction to Green Roofs certificate, which you can later upgrade to a GRO Skills Card through further training or an assessed module.

The workshop runs from 9:30 to 15:30 at Hayley Court, Linford Wood, Milton Keynes, MK14 6GD, and tickets are £294.