Permaculture Design Course
August 10-19th 2007
With Graham Strouts, John Dolan, Lisa Davies
Permaculture is a design method that uses natural systems as models for creating sustainable human settlements. Using a variety of creative learning methods we will look at a range of
sustainable solutions for energy, buildings, food and the community.
This Certificate Design Course will take a special format: it will be spread over three different locations around West Cork. In this way, course participants will get the opportunity to see the beautiful area and observe how three different permaculture projects have been developed over the last few years.
The course will begin at John Dolan’s place near Ballingeary; then move onto Graham Strouts’ place in the Coomhola Valley; and finish at the home of Lisa Davis on the Sheeps’ Head Peninsular. Click each name on the home page for more details and photos of each project.”
West Cork is replete with smallholders, organic farms, natural buildings and innovative sustainability projects. There is a wealth of experience and knowledge in this area about how to work towards self-reliance in preparation for a low-energy world.
Topics to be covered in this course will include:
- Introduction - what is permaculture? The challenge of energy peak.
- Ethics and principles
- Food - the home garden
- Waste, composting, recycling
- The forest garden - orchards and other tree crops
- Trees - for shelter, fuel and crafts
- Water - water in the landscape; reedbeds and sewage solutions
- Natural building - strawbale, cob and cordwood; passive solar design
- Money - sustainable economics; local currencies
- Energy - living off the grid; community power supplies
- Design process - putting it all together; where to from here?
Course Tutors
Accommodation
This course is spread over three different venues - three nights in each place. Arrangements for travelling the short distance - 10-15miles - between the different venues will be made nearer the time - please let us know if you are bringing your own vehicle, and how many places you have.
Camping, shared yurt space, or shared barn space is included in the cost, as is full board. During the course, we will live together as a community, this experience being an integral part of the course.
If you would prefer to stay in a local B&B let us know and we will suggest places nearby, but this would not be included in the course fees.
Food
Food will be generally omnivorous including a vegetarian option and local organic meat on occasion.
Gardening, local food production and cooking will play an integral part of the course. Meals will be provided on-site, but light chores and some help with food preparation and cleaning will be expected from participants.
Please let us know if you have any particular dietary requirements.
Reserve your place now!
Get in touch now to register your interest, ask a question or print out an application form.