Introduction to Permaculture

This course aims to give you the foundation tools of permaculture design so that you can create more sustainable ways of living and working. It will give you a good grounding in the core elements of a permaculture approach including the ethical framework that underpins it, the principles from nature that it draws on, and a design framework for applying them. You will be able to explore and consider the issues that matter to you in your life and work, and learn about practical examples of permaculture in a range of contexts. You will also consolidate your learning by undertaking a short, small group design exercise during which you will develop a permaculture design for a designated area. By the end of the Introductory course you will be able to:

Explain what permaculture is and how it draws upon and puts into practice insights from natural systems; Describe ways in which it can be applied, with reference to a range of examples; Identify ways in which you may be able to use permaculture design in your life; Carry out a basic permaculture design using the tools provided.

Tutor: Dr Angie Polkey
Angie is a founder member of the Lampeter Permaculture Group (which arose from the first full Permaculture Design Course (PDC) that she co-taught in 2000) and Lampeter Resilience Hub. Her background in ecology and conservation helps her understand – and teach – the natural principles, patterns and processes that have inspired permaculture.