The Design Course gives you what you can’t get from books: the experience of permaculture design. It centres on a series of practical exercises in which you develop a design for an actual piece of land, either a domestic garden or a smallholding according to your choice, with guidance from your tutor throughout. There’s no better way of learning than by doing, and by the end of the course you will be ready to go home and design your own place for real.

In the orchard at Ragmans Farm

In addition there are shorter desk-top exercises, slide shows, talks and discussions. As well as focusing on permaculture as a design system we also explore it as a guide towards more sustainable living in this time of great change.

The course is certified by the Permaculture Association of Britain. This is a qualification recognised by the permaculture community internationally.

For more details on the course contents, including a sample timetable, click here.

The main tutors are Caroline Aitken and Morwenna Lewis, with guest tutors: Sarah Pugh, urban and community permaculturist, Matt Dunwell, permaculture pioneer and the farmer of Ragmans Lane, Steve Pickup, expert in living willow structures and Simon Cutter, farmer.

The venue, Ragmans Farm, set in the glorious countryside of the Wye Valley, Gloucestershire, has long been noted as a leading permaculture site. A particularly interesting aspect of their work at present is holistic orchard management, a probiotic approach which avoids the pesticides used in organic orchard management.

We make two visits as part of the course: to Model Farm; and to to a range of urban permaculture sites in Bristol including Feed Bristol, guided by Sarah Pugh.

Special Offer!

The Earth Care Manual, Patrick’s major permaculture book, at discount price. You can order your copy in advance or collect it on the course. Simply choose either option on the booking form and add the cost to your payment: £35 in advance, £30 on the course.

Fees

Including tuition, full organic board and lodging: £700.

A deposit of £300 is due on booking, and the balance of £400 six weeks before the course starts. On receipt of the full payment we will send you joining instructions. Payments are non-returnable. You may like to take out insurance for your fees in case you’re unable to attend through illness etc. Guest First is an insurer which covers this kind of risk. (If the course is cancelled for any reason, then of course all payments will be returned.)

If you’re unable to afford the full fees please click here.

For More Information

Click here or contact us by email or phone. We’re always happy to hear from you.

Testimonials

“I have been satisfied beyond all expectations.”

- Daniel Kronenberg

“The wide variety of learning styles employed and well balanced timetable were unique.”

- Julia Groves

“The course was taught extremely well – professional, yet fun and personal at the same time. One of the most amazing experiences of my life!”

- Alison Ensor

“There’s nothing I’d rather have been doing for the past two weeks of my life and nowhere in the world I’d rather have been.”

- Chris Klasinski