by Sarah Cossom
There’s plenty of '48hrs in...' guides around this time of year, designed to make most of us feel like we’re not really hip and happening.
But what if we were to suggest you spend 48hrs in Goffin Land, Exeter this summer, immersed in permaculture and surrounded by like-minded people, great speakers, inspiring countryside and delicious local food?
If that sounds right up your street then you’d better get booked up now - with tickets from just £60 and only 120 available, the first South West Regional Permaculture Convergence is sure to sell out fast.
An amazing programme
Along with a permablitz, numerous practical workshops and entertainment, there’s an impressive line-up of speakers from the region, from Schumacher College’s sustainable horticulture expert Jane Gleeson to local economy expert Jay Tompt and long distance walker Ffyona Campbell, who is on a mission to get more of us foraging for our food.
Steph Hafferty will be stirring up some garden potions, while Caroline Aitken will be talking about integrating forest foods into our daily lives.
And from further afield, but bringing an impressive knowledge of permaculture along with them, is Permaculture Magazine editor Maddy Harland and Permaculture Association’s CEO Andy Goldring, who will be talking about the emerging south west regional network.
Permaculture Design Course tutor Klaudia van Gool will also be leading a practical workshop to put your ideas or project through the permaculture design process. Meanwhile we’re joined by representatives of some wonderful projects including the community-owned Huxhams Cross Farm and East Devon Forest Garden.
Located just a stone’s throw from Exeter and its major transport links, Goffin Land is a beautiful 96 acre site with its own woodland and a brook running through it. If it sounds idyllic, that’s probably because it is; you don’t even have to bring a car as a free shuttle bus will be provided from nearby Pinhoe Station. And once you’re on site, obviously you’re free to come and go at any point, but we’re pretty sure you’ll find so much to occupy your time that you won’t want to leave until it’s all over (and probably not even then!)
All meals are included in the cost of your ticket - reflecting the 'people care' ethic of permaculture in that we don’t believe anyone should go hungry while attending one of our events. Hilltown Organics, based in Okehampton, are on board providing the vegetables, and we’ll be adding more local, sustainable producers in the coming weeks to ensure you get to sample the very best in local produce.
There will also be a cafe and bar for any extras you might like to buy. As it’s a family-friendly event there’s also a dedicated kid’s area.
What we can’t say for sure - and this is the really exciting bit - is what will happen as a result of those serendipitous moments that no one can predict; when you meet someone for the first time but you just click instantly and it feels like you’ve known them for years.
There’s sure to be some amazing collaborations that result from bringing people together like this for a weekend in such an inspirational location.
We believe in the power of working together to develop resilient, regional permaculture networks that can support each other - if you share our aim then what are you waiting for? Book now!