Aranya first came across permaculture back in the late 1980's, being fortunate enough to meet one of the first designers working in this country. He found the subject full of common sense ideas that immediately inspired him to apply the principles in his own life. During the 1990's he regularly lectured and debated on environmental issues in schools and colleges and in the media for a national campaigning group over a period of five years. After completing the 72 hour Design Course, he went on to participate in a week-long Teaching Permaculture Creatively course and to complete Stage One of the City and Guilds Adult Education Teaching Certificate. He has also designed and implemented several major garden projects during the last decade, which formed a major part of his Diploma in Applied Permaculture Design portfolio, completed in September 2003. Also in 2003, he initiated the Permaculture Musicians group of which 'Earth Stars' - a benefit CD of songs in aid of permaculture projects was the first fruit.

Aranya served as a trustee of the Permaculture Association for five years (September 2000-5), then switched his focus to Diploma development. He currently delivers the training of Tutors in the Diploma system in addition to supporting apprentices on their own Diploma pathways. He is also a busy permaculture teacher, leading around ten full design courses a year at present and forty five to date (September 2011). He feels that permaculture has a lot of solutions to offer us and enjoys teaching 'something that can really make a difference in all our lives'. His book Permaculture Design: a step-by-step Guide to the Process is due out at the end of 2011. He is currently involved in co-ordinating a number of other projects, including developing online learning and writing another book about 'Patterns and Permaculture Design'.

Aranya Gardens ~ Aranya's website

Abundant Future ~ Aranya's blog

Send Aranya an email