Designed Visions - Sustainability through Permaculture - Courses, Design and Consultancy

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.

Our host, Monkton Wyld Court is a community of 12 people running a holistic centre, based in an old rectory and 11 acres of grounds. We will be exploring the site, including gardens, a strawbale house and reedbed sewage system as part of our observation and design work. Accommodation is in shared rooms within the main building all of which have wash basins and electric heaters. We will have the use of 2 group rooms heated by wood burning stoves for the duration of the course, the Old Library for teaching sessions and the beautiful piano room where we can relax in the evenings. There is also a meditation hut, healing room and library for our use. Monkton Wyld has a commitment to a sustainable lifestyle and respect for the environment and has its own water supply with reedbed sewage system. The catering is vegetarian, mostly organic and much of it comes from their own sun-filled walled garden. Milk is supplied courtesy of Frieda & Rosie and they are happy to cater for vegans and other dietary requirements.

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Website: www.monktonwyldcourt.org

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 Five Penny Farm & Ourganics Evolving Systems, both inspiring established local food enterprises where permaculture is being put into practice.

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.