Introduction to Permaculture

Overview

This module begins with 3 short units online, followed by a weekend at an inspirational site where we will practice permaculture design tools and observation techniques. It introduces permaculture as an approach to designing more sustainable and regenerative ways of living and working on the Earth. It will give a good grounding in the core elements of a permaculture approach including the ethical framework or values that underpin it, the principles from nature that it draws on, and a design framework for applying them.

Learners will be encouraged to explore and consider the issues that matter to their own life and work, as well as offered plenty of practical examples of permaculture in action. The course includes 2 days at an inspirational site where the tutor, who has been involved there since the late 90s, will show what they have done and how it all works in practice. It is relevant for those working towards their Certificate of Higher Education in Field Ecology, and for those with a general interest in sustainable living and design, as it can also serve as the first module towards the full Permaculture Design Certificate accredited by the Permaculture Association of Britain.

Programme

Online Seminar 1: What is permaculture? Input-Output analysis. Permaculture ethics.

Online Seminar 2: Permaculture principles and pattern understanding.

Online Seminar 3: Permaculture design cycles and observation.

Day 1 Fieldwork to include: A full day (8.5 hours including breaks) at Denmark Farm which will include: permaculture design exercises; a permaculture approach to water (harvesting, retaining, using and cycling); site exploration; a permaculture approach to soil and soil practical’s (soil pit / worms, drainage, texture, pH, indicator plants)

Day 2 Fieldwork to include: A full day (7 hours including breaks) at Denmark Farm which will include: microclimates and reading the landscape, using survey tools (pacing, A-frame, bunyip), design brief, presentations and feedback.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to:

1. Describe and apply permaculture ethics as a framework that governs and guides all design decisions.
2. Describe and apply permaculture principles as tools to assist in and guide the process of design and decision making.
3. Understand & apply the role and application of zones and sectors in sustainable design. 
4. Conduct a simple client interview & site assessment.
5. Prepare a simple design for a permaculture project (usually land-based). 

Assessments

1. Prepare a simple permaculture design for a client’s site (can be private or public).  To include a brief client interview & site assessment, application of ethics & selected principles, a simple base map and a design plan overlay with zones & sectors.
   800 words plus appendices (client interview & site assessment), base map & design plan overlay.

Reading Suggestions

• Permaculture in a Nutshell, Patrick Whitefield – INTRODUCTORY LEVEL. 
• Permaculture, a beginner’s guide, Graham Burnett – INTRODUCTORY LEVEL. 
• Permaculture Design Companion, Jasmine Dale – INTRODUCTORY LEVEL. 
• The Earth Care Manual, Patrick Whitefield – MORE COMPREHENSIVE.  

Entry Requirements

This course is for everyone. No previous experience is needed and there are no formal entry requirements. 

What Do I Need?

As this is an online course, you would need the following:

• Internet access.
• Access to a laptop or computer with a web camera and microphone; the use of headphones might also benefit.
• Use of the Chrome web browser where possible.