Permaculture is a way of making wise decisions in your life, land and home, inspired by, or directly utilizing the patterns and principles observed in natural ecosystems. The term permaculture (as a systematic method) was first coined by Australians David Holmgren, then a graduate student, and his professor, Bill Mollison, in 1978. The word permaculture originally referred to „permanent agriculture“,[1] but was expanded to stand also for „permanent culture“, as it was understood that social aspects were integral to a truly sustainable system as inspired by Masanobu Fukuoka’s natural farming philosophy.
It has many branches that include but are not limited to ecological design, ecological engineering, environmental design, construction and integrated water resources management that develops sustainable architecture, regenerative and self-maintained habitat and agricultural systems modeled from natural ecosystems, as well as social, economic and community design.[2][3]
Mollison has said: „Permaculture is a philosophy of working with, rather than against nature; of protracted and thoughtful observation rather than protracted and thoughtless labor; and of looking at plants and animals in all their functions, rather than treating any area as a single product system.“[4]
Throughout the course we will build on the knowledge and practical experience of the course participants and the tutors using creative teaching techniques. The beautiful surroundings of river, woodlands, organic farm, low impact buildings and visits to other farm sites will provide real life examples alongside the stories, videos and pictures.
The aim of the course is to train the participants to become skillful designers who are able to use their creativity and knowledge to find solutions in many areas of their land and life.
We start the course by covering the basics – developing our permaculture thinking, exploring the core principles and ethics, and learning to observe more deeply.
We then see how these principles and ways of thinking can be used to create abundant and resilient systems in many different areas of life, learning from peoples‘ experience and ingenuity all around the world. We will have practical sessions to learn some of the techniques in more detail, and to keep our bodies moving! The information given will also be supported by lots of group exercises, to help us grow as designers. This course will also cover the social and personal applications of Permaculture – how we can design and set up welcoming, effective communities and groups, and supportive relationships in our life and work.
In the second half of the course, participants will also be working on a design project in a small group, to give everyone practice with using the design process on a real life example. Students are welcome to bring their own projects to the final design practice.
Field trips, group work and hands-on projects in the lodge will provide further insights and consolidate key concepts discussed throughout the course.
Finally, the PDC is an experience of community in itself. For fourteen days, we will be living, learning and working together. Participating in the daily program of activities and helping with the daily chores necessary for the course to run smoothly is an integral part of the process and rhymes with the ethics and principles of permaculture.
During the course we will have one rest morning and one touring day of offsite visits (including time on the beach : )
Check here the course program, keep in mind that it may be alter to changes though; May_June 24 Tinos PDC timetable
For some evening sessions there will be presentations or videos during the course. Also some morning yoga practice will be organized too for the early risers!
The subjects that we are going to cover are:
Introduction
The philosophy of permaculture, Ethics, Permaculture in landscape and society
Concepts and Themes
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Ecological Principles
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Design Principles
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Permaculture ways of thinking
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Observation skills
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Deep nature connection
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Creating an ecosystem of beneficial relationships
The cultivated ecosystem
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Natures guilds
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establishment of organic vegetable gardens
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ecological pest management
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funghi production
Community support systems
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city farms and community gardens
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urban revitalisation
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energy descent plans
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village and community design
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health and healing
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transition towns
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effective meetings and group processes
Reading the landscape
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site planning and analysis
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land assessment for optimal use
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observation of patterns & cycles of nature
Water in the landscape
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the water cycle
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water storage and management
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dams and swales
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key line management
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waste water treatment and use
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erosion control
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water in the home
Building healthy soil
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basics of soil structure and microbiology
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texture and pH
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strategies for improving your soil
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mulching and compost
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erosion control
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mechanical and mineral rehabilitation of soils
Trees
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forest ecology
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design of windbreaks
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timber and other yields
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wildlife corridors and habitat creation
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succession of ecosystems
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tree interactions
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food forest design and maintenance
Shelter
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selecting a house site
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Natural building methods
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energy efficient design and healthy building materials
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appropriate technologies
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energy production
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dealing with ‚wastes‘
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exploring the venue and its systems
People Permaculture
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principles and practices at work in ‚old growth‘ land-based cultures around the world and what we can learn from them
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understanding and working with personal patterns
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social landscapes
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hosting awesome events
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talking circle
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personal resilience
Design Skills
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methods and process of design
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team design
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group work
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pattern understanding
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decision making
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concept planning
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zones and sectors
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problem solving
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having fun
Practical
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building
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making
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designing
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gardening
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cooking
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baking
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sharing experiences
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action learning