This practical course will bring the possibility of significant and positive life changes. Although permaculture is most commonly thought about in connection with gardening & farming, its principles, ethics and design methods can be adapted and used in each individual's own work, interests and home to bring about a more harmonious & sustainable lifestyle. Permaculture offers a perspective on all aspects of building a sustainable future. Permaculture encourages us to 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.

The High Heathercombe Centre is situated at 1250feet, high in the Dartmoor National Park, backing onto the open moor and adjoining Heathercombe woodlands. The centre looks out over the valley towards Easdon Tor, providing a beautiful, tranquil setting for a variety of activities and courses throughout the year. We offer self-catering facilities to youth and community based charities, and run a wide public programme of courses and events, including Creative Family Weeks, Retreats, Arts and Crafts Courses, Permaculture Training and Volunteer Weeks. The developing vision for High Heathercombe incorporates permaculture principles, sustainability, arts and crafts, forest school and an embryonic organic vegetable garden. The Centre is run on a charitable basis by the High Heathercombe Trust.

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We use group work, discussions, videos, slide shows, observation, guided walks & practical activities as learning methods. These are supportive of different learning styles & for people with learning difficulties. We will also be visiting projects where permaculture theory is being put into action. Planned site visits include trips to Steward Community Woodland, the Agroforestry Research Trust, Landmatters Permaculture Project, & the Proper Job Recycling Project.

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 course. We will be using practical and theoretical teaching methods to create a fun, lively & inclusive 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. We don't expect any previous knowledge & recognise that everyone has their own unique skills, knowledge & areas of interest to bring to the course.