An Introduction to Permaculture

A two day Introduction to the principles of Permaculture Design. Suitable for anyone seeking to live and work more sustainably.

This course aims to give you the foundation tools of permaculture design so that you can create more sustainable ways of living and working. It will give you a good grounding in the core elements of a permaculture approach including the ethical framework that underpins it, the principles from nature that it draws on, and a design framework for applying them. You will be able to explore and consider the issues that matter to you in your life and work, and learn about practical examples of permaculture in a range of contexts. You will also consolidate your learning by undertaking a short, small group design exercise during which you will develop a permaculture design for a designated area.

By the end of the Introductory course you will be able to:

• Explain what permaculture is and how it draws upon and puts into practice insights from the field of ecology;
• Describe ways in which it can be applied, with reference to a range of examples;
• Identify ways in which you may be able to use permaculture design in your life
• Carry out a basic permaculture design using the tools provided.

Tutor: Dr Angie Polkey

Angie is a founder member of the Lampeter Permaculture Group (which arose from the first full Permaculture Design Course (PDC) that she co-taught in 2000) and Lampeter Resilience Hub. Her background in ecology and conservation helps her understand – and teach – the natural principles, patterns and processes that have inspired permaculture. Her enthusiasm for permaculture began on an introductory course in 1995, followed by a PDC with Ben Law (featured in Grand Designs) and then a sabbatical to study permaculture and sustainable land use in Australia. Enthused and motivated to ‘walk the talk’, Angie first practised permaculture in a tiny urban garden in Sussex and then moved to Wales with her husband in 1997. Their small acreage in west Wales has several forest gardens, vegetable beds, a polytunnel, wildlife habitats, and hard-working chickens, and is designed to minimise inputs and maximise outputs over the longer term. After a long career working for conservation organisations such as the RSPB, Wildlife Trusts, Learning through Landscapes, Denmark Farm Conservation Centre and PONT Cymru, Angie works freelance as a facilitator and advisor in the sustainable design & management of land-based & community projects.

Fee: £110 per person

For terms and conditions of bookings please click here

NB. COVID-19:

• This workshop will take place according to COVID safety regulations at the time of running.
• Please do not attend if you should be self-isolating for any reason.
• Please come prepared to work in a well ventilated room, or outdoors if the weather permits, with plenty of warm clothing.

You may also be interested in other courses and workshops at Denmark Farm. Please see our events calendar for our full list.