Effective climate change adaptation relies on the knowledge and skill contributions of a diversity of roles – scientists/researchers, practitioners at a range of levels and policy-makers. While scientific knowledge, and the scientific method behind it, are crucial for solving many of the world’s pressing problems, such as climate change, there is increasing acknowledgement that other forms of knowledge have an equitable contribution to make to the development of solutions. Democratisation of knowledge is the idea of valuing and utilising different types of knowledge in addition to scientific knowledge. Through a process of shared learning applied in the context of the project AdaptNRM, we demonstrate how the contributions and limitations of different types of knowledge and skill sets for understanding and addressing climate adaptation are recognised, valued and as such democratised. We share our insights into how deep engagement can change the direction of adaptation knowledge, with the resultant potential for changing the magnitude of its value. But the process of democratisation is not easy. Challenges lie in changing the culture of valuing knowledge, establishing trust, meeting contrasting needs, and deepening collaboration in order to co-produce knowledge. Addressing these challenges presents us with the opportunity of unlocking the value of adaptation science – with democratisation of knowledge as a key.