Early work
Archimedes Screw Fest
A celebration of science, ecology, arts, and learning centered around renewable energy and river health on the River Dart.
The Archimedes Screw Fest was an annual event that ran for three consecutive years, bringing together diverse elements to raise awareness about river health and renewable energy.
This free, day-long festival took place on the banks of the River Dart, offering a unique blend of education, entertainment, and environmental stewardship.
Key aspects of the festival included:
- Theatrical performances: Tim McGill of Boabab Theatre portrayed Archimedes, cleverly connecting ancient inventions with modern environmental concerns.
- Hydropower education: Visitors could tour the twin turbine hydropower plant, which generates approximately 1,350 MWh of clean electricity annually.
- Citizen science: The Westcountry Rivers Trust provided river science training, encouraging attendees to become active participants in monitoring and protecting river ecosystems.
- Environmental awareness: The event highlighted issues such as plastic pollution and the importance of river health through creative and engaging means.
The festival exemplified the Bioregional Learning Centre's approach of working at the intersection of economy, ecology, learning, arts, and culture, demonstrating how these elements can be integrated to address complex environmental challenges.
