Courses

Upcoming Course:
11 Module online full Permaculture design course
with Permaculture Kernow
Launching on the 25th of April
Read more about this course.
Full PDC Course Details
This intensive course Permaculture Design Course (PDC) follows the principles and material designed by Bill Mollison, Australian researcher, author, scientist, teacher, biologist and co-founder of the Permaculture Design System. 

"Permaculture offers a radical approach to food production and urban renewal, water, energy and pollution. It integrates ecology, landscape, organic gardening, architecture and agro-forestry in creating a rich and sustainable way of living. It uses appropriate technology giving high yields for low energy inputs, achieving a resource of great diversity and stability. The design principles are equally applicable to both urban and rural dwellers" - Bill Mollison

"Permaculture is the design of regenerative, self-sustaining and resilient natural systems that fulfill human needs like food, shelter, health, social, cultural and psychological needs whilst acknowledging and providing in the needs of all species within our ecosystem and caring for the Earth.”
During the course we will not only spend a significant amount of hours with the knowledge, science and legacy of Bill Mollison but we will also get our hands dirty on the land, applying practical principles and learning about how to map swales on contour, how to build raised hugel beds and how to improve soil health.
This course is relevant to people from all origins and walks of life.  It includes an in depth understanding of the different applications of Permaculture and provides the relevant knowledge and experience for anyone wanting to start a vocation as a permaculture designer. It is equally appropriate for someone who simply wants to step further into Permaculture design in their own lives.  No previous experience is required but we recommend if you have had no previous contact with Permaculture and simply want to know what it is you may benefit from doing an introductory course first. 

We use a wide range of teaching methods to create an engaging environment which includes all participants and their individual learning styles. This includes practical activities, discussion/constructive debate, games, white board sessions, digital presentations, videos, observation exercises, guided walks and working in groups. 

We start each morning with a short energiser session, including many different activities and games to wake everyone up, get moving, focus and ready ourselves for a day of learning.  Activities include:
·         Yoga/warm-up stretches
·         Different games, to illustrate ideas and to build group cohesion and trust
·         Circus skills
·         Observation/site walks
·         Meditation/inward focusing
Every student receives an internationally recognised certificate from the Permaculture Association UK which will be awarded on completion of the whole course including a design workshop at the end of the course and finishing with a presentation of designs in which participants will illustrate what they have learnt.

☆ About the Program ☆╮

In order to optimise your learning experience and create an intimate atmosphere, participation in this course is limited to 30 participants. The topics addressed during the course, based on an international syllabus, are:

  •  Introductory: Permaculture ethics; approaches to design; guiding principles of Permaculture; biodiversity; learning and study strategies; pattern in design; wilderness and wildlife; evidence / why we need Permaculture.

  • Cultivated Ecology: Permanent pasture; forest gardens; horticultural techniques; no-till cultivation; biological pest control.

  • Climates: Strategies for different climates; microclimates; buildings and structures; urban Permaculture; appropriate technology; waste reduction; the home and workplace; energy efficient planning; waste recycling and disposal.

  • Soils: What is Living Soil?; Soil regeneration techniques and soil conservation.

  • Water in Landscape: What is living water?; water conservation, collection and storage; wastewater and sewage treatment; Aquaculture.

  • Forests and Trees: Energy transactions of trees; woodland establishment; types of forest; woodland management.

  • Invisible Structures: Real wealth; land access; formal/informal economy; community development strategies.

  • Design Workshop: Design process and presentation skills; maps and overlays; surveying; project planning. 

We include a range of other relevant subjects and practical exercises which aim to give each student a tool kit of basic skills to get started with confidence. This course will also provide opportunities for students to learn more about gardening, Eco building and community living herbalism and more.

If you like to receive more information, don't hesitate to contact us. Let's build dreams!

List of Past Courses

We have accredited approximately 220 students in 18 courses since 2012. Below is a list of past course dates and locations.

July 2012
Casalinho e Escabelado

August 2012
Casalinho e Escabelado

September 2012
Casalinho e Escabelado

June 2013
Corga da Pereira 

July 2013
Quinta do Sabugueiro

June 2014
Corga da Pereira

July 2015
Casalinho e Escabelado

August 2015
Casalinho e Escabelado

October 2015
El Regato

May 2016
Foz da Cova 

July 2016
Casalinho e Escabelado

August 2016
Casalinho e Escabelado

February 2017
Lagoa 

May 2017
Newloops Faro 

July 2017
Avida Coja

August 2017
Casalinho e Escabelado


June 2018
Casalinho e Escabelado

August 2018
Ecoaldeia da janas