For many people seeing is believing and at Avalon Permaculture Gardens you can see and experience permaculture at first hand.

Andy and Ella Portman have turned what was an overgrazed horse paddock into one of the best examples of a permaculture mini-holding in Britain. They’ve used many permaculture techniques, such as deep mulch no-dig methods, windbreaks to improve the mircoclimate,  ponds to increase biodiversity, a biologial grey water system and compost toilet. There are several gardens, each with a different emphasis, including deep mulched raised beds, self-seeders and edible perennials. There’s a polytunnel, with a rainwater catchment and irrigation system, and a multi-purpose greenhouse made entirely out of salvaged double-glazing units. Two thriving orchards complete the edible elements, and there's also a wildlife meadow and numerous hedges. Electricity is generated by a mix of solar and wind power, and water is heated by solar panels and wood in an integrated system.

Amongst all this nestles the eco-cabin, Any and Ella's new home, which they have spent the past year and more building. With straw bale walls, a living roof, locally sourced timber and stone, it's a wonderful example of a permaculture building. It's both a lovely place to be in and an instructive example of integrated design. Both the building itself and Andy and Ella's experience of building it represent a storehouse of knowledge on ecological building.

This four day course covers:

• How to take care of human needs for food, shelter and energy in ways that take care of the earth


• How to design permaculture systems and put them into action in gardens and small holdings


• Seeing it all in action on the ground, plus a hands on session


• Slide shows of other permaculture sites


• Practical exercises, including a design exercise

Time Table
	Morning	Afternoon
Thursday	Introductions,Principles of Permaculture	Site Tour: Overview
Friday	Design Permaculture, Site Tour: Gardens	Mapping Exercise, An Urban Garden
Saturday	Original Permaculture, Site Tour: Energy, Buildings & Water	Practical Work, Microclimates
Sunday	Q&A and Site Tour, The Soil	Design Exercise

This timetable is for guidance only and may vary from time to time according to circumstances.

Tutors
The course is led by Patrick Whitefield with much input from Ella and Andy Portman.

Accommodation
Staying on site: there is a choice of camping on site or simple shared accommodation in converted stable and in the group space, both options include breakfast and hot showers. If you would prefer local B&B accommodation please ask Andy and Ella for details of local hosts.

Lunch is included for all participants, using organic ingredients, many of them grown on site. For evening meals you can create a communally prepared meal in our group kitchen, or you may like to visit cafes in nearby Glastonbury or local friendly pubs.

Cost
The charge for tuition, and lunch is £235.
For staying on site, including breakfast, the charge is £35

To Book
Please note that this course is not administered by Patrick Whitefield Associates but by Andy & Ella Portman.

To book your place please fill in the booking form and send it with a deposit of £110 to:

Andy Portman
Avalon Permaculture Gardens
Barton Road
Butleigh
Nr Glastonbury
Somerset BA6 8TL

The balance of the fees is due six weeks before the course starts.

If you are paying within six weeks of the start date please include the full fees with your booking form.

Payments are non-returnable unless we are able to fill your place.

For any queries please ring Andy and Ella on 01458 850704 or email andyella@livingtao.co.uk www.livingtao.co.uk

What former participants said about Permaculture in Action:

It was highly inspirational, staying on a permaculture site and seeing practical permaculture projects. It gave me all the background and practical knowledge to start applying it straight away.
Klaudia Van Gool.

What I learnt made so much ecological sense - the course was very practical, informative and accessible. The facilitation was excellent and it was held on a living, breathing, working permaculture site which is a piece of heaven on earth.
Louise Treasure

I found it a truly inspiring experience. I went there to answer the question whether it is really possible for normal people like me to live this way and to create a natural space run according to permaculture principles. The answer was a resounding yes, and the course exceeded my expectations. Ella and Andy Portman are credible role models for this low-impact way of living.
Petra Hoffman