Permaculture Design Course
The course follows a 72 hour syllabus and leads to the internationally recognized Permaculture Certificate
Next PDC here 22 March - 1 April 2012
Teacher - Peter Cow
Camping or shared accommodation available.
Teacher - Peter Cow
Camping or shared accommodation available.
What is Permaculture?
The term permaculture was coined by its founder Bill Mollison, as an amalgamation of “permanent” and “agriculture”. With the expansion of the concept, “agriculture” was made interchangeable with “culture”.
Permaculture integrates people into Nature's design: it blends Applied Science with Ecology and stimulates our inate sense of harmony with the land we live in. An effective permaculture design provides us with shelter, food, water and income, within a balanced and healthy ecological community, and offers practical solutions to the global crises we now face.
People encountering permaculture will be attracted to any one of its aspects according to their own outlook:
they may see it as a way to being able to survive on their piece of marginal land, or to help make their local area function more sustainably .
By the end of the course, students will understand the concept of sustainable development as well as the principles and strategies of Permaculture Design, and should be able to apply this knowledge to their or other's piece of land, or to their outlook on the way their area of society is functioning.
Permaculture integrates people into Nature's design: it blends Applied Science with Ecology and stimulates our inate sense of harmony with the land we live in. An effective permaculture design provides us with shelter, food, water and income, within a balanced and healthy ecological community, and offers practical solutions to the global crises we now face.
People encountering permaculture will be attracted to any one of its aspects according to their own outlook:
they may see it as a way to being able to survive on their piece of marginal land, or to help make their local area function more sustainably .
By the end of the course, students will understand the concept of sustainable development as well as the principles and strategies of Permaculture Design, and should be able to apply this knowledge to their or other's piece of land, or to their outlook on the way their area of society is functioning.
Who is the Permaculture Design Course for?
Permaculture is for EVERYONE, regardless of background, education, profession, or experience.
Whether you are a high school graduate, an accountant of 25 years, long time farmer, land owner or tenant,
the PDC will give you the perspective and tools needed to put your skills and passion for the environment and people,
towards the ends of an improved household economy, earth repair and community benefit.
Whether you are a high school graduate, an accountant of 25 years, long time farmer, land owner or tenant,
the PDC will give you the perspective and tools needed to put your skills and passion for the environment and people,
towards the ends of an improved household economy, earth repair and community benefit.
The PDC - by Peter Cow
This practical course will bring the possibility of significant and positive life changes. Although permaculture is most commonly thought about in connectiowith gardening & farming, its principles, ethics and design methods can be adapted and used in each individual's own work, interests, land project, community and home to bring about a more harmonious & sustainable lifestyle. Permaculture offers a perspective on all aspects of building a sustainable, regenerative future. Permaculture encourages us to develop and use our individual skills, knowledge and interests, whilst drawing on traditional wisdom, science and our innate ability to observe and learn from the world around us.Course participants will be awarded the Permaculture Association (Britain)'s internationally recognised Certificate in Permaculture Design. Learning outcomes:
Design courses are not just about imparting information to the students, there is plenty of knowledge out there. The important thing is knowing how to use this & feeling confident to do so - empowerment is the essence of the Design Course. The course culminates in the main design activity that helps to consolidate all of the learning & empower students to take permaculture back into their own homes, lives & community. As a group we will benefit from collaborative learning & from having fun together. No previous knowledge is required & it is recognised that everyone has their own unique skills, knowledge & areas of interest to bring to the course.
Peter Cow Dip.Perm.Des.
About the tutor...
Peter is an experienced Permaculture teacher and designer, currently working in Portugal and the UK. He took his Design course in 1998 and received the Diploma in Applied Permaculture Design from the Permaculture Association (Britain) in 2007, and has been teaching Permaculture Design since then, from one hour talks to 2 week residential courses, and he also mentors new designers through the 2 year Diploma Apprenticeship.
He co-founded the Steward Community Woodland Community in Devon, UK, in 2000, where he lived for 7 full and happy years. He has designed and implemented many Permaculture projects including low impact buildings, water treatment systems, community events, Permaculture trainings and forest gardens in both the UK and Portugal.
Peter's teaching style is inclusive and engaging, mixing media, learning styles and content to create a rich experience of inspiration, fun and information, supported by a wide range of resources (films, ebooks, articles, slideshows) that participants can take away with them at the end of the course. There will also be some guest teachers from the venue and the locality sharing their experience and skills in practical sessions, lectures and tours.
Peter is a keen musician, traveller, cyclist and nature lover, and more information about his teaching, passions and experience can be found at on his website www.livingincircles.com.
- To observe patterns in nature & apply what we learn to create guiding principles.
- To use permaculture ethics, principles & design tools to create sustainable systems.
- To understand the importance of caring for soil, water and community, & to know techniques for doing so.
- To start using permaculture in your own life, towards creating a more sustainable lifestyle.
- To understand how to apply permaculture design to both land-based & non-land-based systems.
Design courses are not just about imparting information to the students, there is plenty of knowledge out there. The important thing is knowing how to use this & feeling confident to do so - empowerment is the essence of the Design Course. The course culminates in the main design activity that helps to consolidate all of the learning & empower students to take permaculture back into their own homes, lives & community. As a group we will benefit from collaborative learning & from having fun together. No previous knowledge is required & it is recognised that everyone has their own unique skills, knowledge & areas of interest to bring to the course.
Peter Cow Dip.Perm.Des.
About the tutor...
Peter is an experienced Permaculture teacher and designer, currently working in Portugal and the UK. He took his Design course in 1998 and received the Diploma in Applied Permaculture Design from the Permaculture Association (Britain) in 2007, and has been teaching Permaculture Design since then, from one hour talks to 2 week residential courses, and he also mentors new designers through the 2 year Diploma Apprenticeship.
He co-founded the Steward Community Woodland Community in Devon, UK, in 2000, where he lived for 7 full and happy years. He has designed and implemented many Permaculture projects including low impact buildings, water treatment systems, community events, Permaculture trainings and forest gardens in both the UK and Portugal.
Peter's teaching style is inclusive and engaging, mixing media, learning styles and content to create a rich experience of inspiration, fun and information, supported by a wide range of resources (films, ebooks, articles, slideshows) that participants can take away with them at the end of the course. There will also be some guest teachers from the venue and the locality sharing their experience and skills in practical sessions, lectures and tours.
Peter is a keen musician, traveller, cyclist and nature lover, and more information about his teaching, passions and experience can be found at on his website www.livingincircles.com.
The Venue
Rural, quiet, friendly. There are two families living, along with 2 long-term helpers, both fellow permaculturists from the UK. The property consists of 8 hectares which includes a small river, flat valley bottom and hilside land - a good variety!
There are 3 traditional rammed earth cottages around a central terrace, a covered bar area with open fire. Many suitable camping areas. there are numerous permaculture inspired systems in operation to become familiar with - compost toilets, simple solar hot water systems, grey water cleaning system, farm animals, raised beds and productive organic fruit and vegetable gardens, water retention in the land with swales, pond, wormery, irrigation, mulching, traditional bread oven, childsize clay house, food forest started, trees planted, and we should have a rocket stove by then!
On the 1.5 days of free time on the course, local beaches can be visited, or you can explore the valley. We will incorporate a Pizza-making night too!
Facilities - H/c showers, washing machine available for use. We have an electric supply, so you can charge mobile phones.
Accommodation - in 2 bedroom cottage, kitchen facilities, shower and bathroom ,bed linen and towels supplied.
There is a covered teaching space ,also a tipi,and an indoor space if necessary.
What you need to bring
Suitable footwear for land tours and practical work - strong boots are ideal.
A torch.
Please ensure all cleaning products you bring with you contain natural ingredients only. We will have natural soaps and shampoo available to purchase if you wish.
Referrals!
We have held several PDC´s here. What have past students enjoyed?...
"The people! The surroundings! The Food! Thankyou for everything!" S.Coimbra March 2010
"New Friends. Wonderful atmosphere" A. Ruiva Mar 2010
"I liked everything about this course, the place, the people, the vibes, the food and all the love of the residents" J. Amado Mar 2010
"I don't want to go back to Lisbon" M. Franco May 2010
"I never felt like a paying guest - I stayed with friends" J.Hirt May 2010
"Meeting with like-minded people and learning" F.Raposa Sept 2010
"Entrance into a new world" T.Lucena Mar 2010
"Spending time on a working farm, socializing and making connections" L.Kearney Aug 2011
"Thankyou so much for the amazing hospitality!! I'll never forget my experience at the Varzea!" M.Hynes Aug 2011
The course costs 430 euros, which includes membership of the British Permaculture Association, camping and excellent vegetarian food.
There is limited accommodation available for an extra 10 euros per person, per night, in a shared room in one of our houses.
A 200 euro deposit is required to book a place. Course numbers will be limited to 15.
Details of payment methods can be found on our Prices and Booking page.
Please telephone (00351)282995060 or email us mail@icanfeedmyself if you have any questions at all.
Contact Peter for more info on course content, or us regarding facilities, venue, booking arrangements etc.
Thank You. We look forward to meeting you!
Rural, quiet, friendly. There are two families living, along with 2 long-term helpers, both fellow permaculturists from the UK. The property consists of 8 hectares which includes a small river, flat valley bottom and hilside land - a good variety!
There are 3 traditional rammed earth cottages around a central terrace, a covered bar area with open fire. Many suitable camping areas. there are numerous permaculture inspired systems in operation to become familiar with - compost toilets, simple solar hot water systems, grey water cleaning system, farm animals, raised beds and productive organic fruit and vegetable gardens, water retention in the land with swales, pond, wormery, irrigation, mulching, traditional bread oven, childsize clay house, food forest started, trees planted, and we should have a rocket stove by then!
On the 1.5 days of free time on the course, local beaches can be visited, or you can explore the valley. We will incorporate a Pizza-making night too!
Facilities - H/c showers, washing machine available for use. We have an electric supply, so you can charge mobile phones.
Accommodation - in 2 bedroom cottage, kitchen facilities, shower and bathroom ,bed linen and towels supplied.
There is a covered teaching space ,also a tipi,and an indoor space if necessary.
What you need to bring
Suitable footwear for land tours and practical work - strong boots are ideal.
A torch.
Please ensure all cleaning products you bring with you contain natural ingredients only. We will have natural soaps and shampoo available to purchase if you wish.
Referrals!
We have held several PDC´s here. What have past students enjoyed?...
"The people! The surroundings! The Food! Thankyou for everything!" S.Coimbra March 2010
"New Friends. Wonderful atmosphere" A. Ruiva Mar 2010
"I liked everything about this course, the place, the people, the vibes, the food and all the love of the residents" J. Amado Mar 2010
"I don't want to go back to Lisbon" M. Franco May 2010
"I never felt like a paying guest - I stayed with friends" J.Hirt May 2010
"Meeting with like-minded people and learning" F.Raposa Sept 2010
"Entrance into a new world" T.Lucena Mar 2010
"Spending time on a working farm, socializing and making connections" L.Kearney Aug 2011
"Thankyou so much for the amazing hospitality!! I'll never forget my experience at the Varzea!" M.Hynes Aug 2011
The course costs 430 euros, which includes membership of the British Permaculture Association, camping and excellent vegetarian food.
There is limited accommodation available for an extra 10 euros per person, per night, in a shared room in one of our houses.
A 200 euro deposit is required to book a place. Course numbers will be limited to 15.
Details of payment methods can be found on our Prices and Booking page.
Please telephone (00351)282995060 or email us mail@icanfeedmyself if you have any questions at all.
Contact Peter for more info on course content, or us regarding facilities, venue, booking arrangements etc.
Thank You. We look forward to meeting you!
