Permaculture is not just growing food in a sustainable way. It is a complete design methodology in which we we learn from nature how to manage systems in order to fulfil human needs with minimal negative environmental impact. Sure, it usually starts by wanting to grow our own food but soon develops into ideas about working together to sustainably management of all our society needs.
The PDC course is based from Garden Cottage in Britains oldest intentional forest garden. There is nowhere better to learn about permaculture. You will be learning in a place where permaculture principles have been put into practice for over 25 years!
The course will be led by Graham Bell. There is no-one better to start your permaculture journey with. Graham has a thirty year engagement with permaculture and has been teaching the subject for twenty five years. He has taught on four continents, pioneering new approaches in environments and cultures as diverse as Iceland and Israel, Slovenia and Senegal, Guinea and Germany.
Run over 6 weekends, the course covers all aspects of permaculture design, forest gardening and sustainable growing and permaculture principles.
Module 1 (Introduction to Permaculture)
First we share better ways of learning and agree how they will be used throughout the course. We decide what is permaculture and why do we need it. We look at design methods.
Module 2
How can we record information? Mapping and energy flows. Some design tools: Understanding energy. True yield, patterns and climate.
Module 3
Assessing and analysing what we have. More design basics: soil, tools, plants and trees, gardening techniques.
Module 4
Praciticalities of design. Social systems and communication. Built environment. Real Wealth. Understanding Money and resource management.
Module 5
Site visits. Ecological building and structures. Water.
Module 6
Design project. Next steps.
