You don't have to go on a course to learn about permaculture. There are lots of ways to learn with other people and share your skills and knowledge. These include:
- Visiting projects with friends
- Volunteering on a local project
- Attending or setting up a local study group
- Carrying out a practical project
- Use cyber-space and connect to people anywhere
Here are a few pointers for each.
Visiting projects with friends
- Read the tips for visiting projects.
- Have a look at the project listings to find nearby projects.
- Contact the project in advance to make arrangements for your visit.
- Encourage the group to take notes, photos, and concentrate on good observation (a key permaculture skill!)
- After your visit, make time to share your impressions of the project within the group. This helps to draw out learning points and provoke useful discussion.
Volunteering on a local project
- Have a look at the project listings to find nearby projects.
- If you can't find a permaculture project, consider other groups that can offer opportunities to develop skills - organic gardening groups, city farms, wildlife trusts, BTCV, conservation groups, community groups.
- Be clear about what you want to learn, and make sure you discuss this with your host.
Attending or setting up a local study group
- Have a look at the listings to find nearby groups.
- Find out when they meet - some have regular monthly meetings.
- A group in Leeds have started a reading group, in which they pick a book, read, and then discuss, much like an ordinary book group.
- A group in London have set up a regular Film Night.
- If you want to set up a local group, the Association can provide lists of members in your area to help you start (if you are a current member.)
Carrying out a practical project
- Probably the best way to learn is to do it. Think about practical projects you want to do, and see if you can find others to help.
- Alternatively offer you help to other people that are starting out on a practical project.
- The Association can provide lists of members in your area (if you are a current member.)
Online communities
Ok so you live in the middle of nowhere, and even 'organic' is a new concept. Luckily you can use the net to connect up with like minded people and knowledgeable others. Find lists of permaculture related forums, blogs and email lists here.