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. Explain what permaculture is, including how it draws on and puts into practice insights from the field of Ecology.
2. Identify ways in which permaculture design can be used, in life and work, in order to produce more environmentally, socially and personally beneficial outcomes.
3. Create a basic permaculture design, using the tools provided and with tutor and peer support. 

Assessments

1. Produce three pieces of written work based on the topics covered in the three online seminars. Each piece should be 500 words.
   
   
2. Permaculture Design Project.

Reading Suggestions

Whitefield, P (2010) Permaculture in a Nutshell. Permanent Publications.
Aranya (2012) Permaculture Design. Permanent Publications.
Bell, G (2004) The Permaculture Way: Practical Steps to Create a Self-sustainable World. Permanent Publications.

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 blended 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.