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.

Explore our areas of focus
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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.

Ecosystem restoration
2.18.25

Where the River Meets the Sea - DJ set

Ecosystem restoration
2.18.25

Where the River Meets the Sea - DJ set

Where the river meets the sea
Bioregional banquet
12.19.24

Mycorrhizae loss in the soil will have significant impacts on growth

Food and farming culture

Bioregional banquet
12.19.24

Food and farming culture

Food and farming culture
Art + ecology
2.21.25

Every painting is always two paintings: The one you see, and the one you remember.

- Siri Hustvedt

Art + ecology
2.21.25

- Siri Hustvedt

Siri Hustvedt
Storytelling
2.18.25

Oil or chemicals? It may not be what you think. Good bacteria is at work in the saltmarshes

Storytelling
2.18.25

Oil or chemicals? It may not be what you think. Good bacteria is at work in the saltmarshes

Bacteria at work
Art + ecology
2.21.25

Artist Beth Heaney explores the saltmarsh edge

Art + ecology
2.21.25

Artist Beth Heaney explores the saltmarsh edge

Beth's river
Bioregional banquet
2.17.25

Window to a Tuscan bioregion

Bioregional banquet
2.17.25

Window to a Tuscan bioregion

Window to the Tuscan valley
Storytelling
12.19.24

Is this what happens to stories?

Storytelling
12.19.24

Is this what happens to stories?

Nailed to a hoarding
Art + ecology
2.21.25

Into the unknown with AI

Art + ecology
2.21.25

Into the unknown with AI

VLC Snap
Ecosystem restoration
2.18.25

Artist Emilio Mula is digging into sediment

Ecosystem restoration
2.18.25

Artist Emilio Mula is digging into sediment

Emilio soil
Art + ecology
2.21.25

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

- Thomas Merton

Art + ecology
2.21.25

- Thomas Merton

Thomas Merton
Art + ecology
12.19.24

Bringing the Dart into the room

Art + ecology
12.19.24

Bringing the Dart into the room

Voices of Dart jar
Art + ecology
2.21.25

Where will Art + Ecology take us next?

Art + ecology
2.21.25

Where will Art + Ecology take us next?

Mary and boot
Storytelling
12.19.24

Take strength from the granite

Storytelling
12.19.24

Take strength from the granite

Dartmoor mist
Bioregional banquet
2.17.25

This is how to celebrate! Cilento, Italy

Bioregional banquet
2.17.25

This is how to celebrate! Cilento, Italy

Celebrating the Mediterranean diet
Bioregional banquet
2.17.25

Transforming learning into a banquet

Bioregional banquet
2.17.25

Transforming learning into a banquet

Apricot Centre
12.19.24

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

12.19.24

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

Tuscany film projector