James Chapman

James Chapman profile picture
My Projects
Notes about contacting me


Phone number
07790 265883

Taking new apprentices?
No

About me

I work as a permaculture teacher, and consultant working mostly in Scotland. I love designing large complex sites but also have professional experience with community gardens, small scale intensive systems and social enterprises.  I have a broad range of experience including woodland management, food growing, building design and construction, composting systems and teaching. I have a run a permaculture social enterprise since 2011 and also spent 3 years managing a wood recycling project for a charity in Edinburgh.  

In 2016 my family moved to a 7 acre mixed site at Leadburn near Penicuik. We are slowly turning this previously unloved land into a thriving, abundant permaculture demonstration site. 

Teaching 

I am a certified Educator and have been leading Permaculture Design Courses since 2011. My background is in music, art and sustainability which makes for a colourful, participatory and memorable learning experience. My courses are fun and relaxed, which allows time for the students to absorb the information and participate fully in an exchange of learning. I'm particularly interested in including people who have English as their second language and those who like to learn through doing, watching, talking and interacting. I am a keen promoter of living and working towards a sustainable and regenerative future and am one of Scotland’s busiest permaculture teachers.

Consultancy 

My design clients include Comrie Croft, Boreland farm, Whitmuir farm and Faldonside House. I have also completed extensive design work on my own 7 acre site including food systems,composting, tiny houses, cabins and woodland. I feel most at home designing larger sites with a blend of food production and social or tourism aspects.  

Diploma 

I'm currently not taking on diploma apprentices. 

Diploma Tutor Experience

Woodland management Firewood producing planting scheme Transition projects Terraced house and garden Developing the design process Planning PDC’s

Diploma Tutor Skills

Native trees Chainsaws Coppicing The design process Rural Permaculture Community composting Intentional communities Compost toilets Music

Educator experience

I have now taught 18 Permaculture Design Courses and over 40 introduction courses. 

Educator skills

I am a certified Educator and have been leading Permaculture Design Courses since 2011. My background is in music, art and sustainability which makes for a colourful, participatory and memorable learning experience. My courses are fun and relaxed, which allows time for the students to absorb the information and participate fully in an exchange of learning. I'm particularly interested in including people who have English as their second language and those who like to learn through doing, watching, talking and interacting. I am a keen promoter of living and working towards a sustainable and regenerative future and am one of Scotland’s busiest permaculture teachers.

Educator qualifications

Permacutlrue Design Course, Diploma in Applied Permaculture, Teacher Training