Karen Noon

My designs

Design for a new kitchen Perennial Permaculture Orchard Design Herb Wheel Sustainable, Recycled Corporate Garden Climate actions to fit into daily life

My websites

https://www.afrinoonpermacult…

https://www.facebook.com/afri…

https://www.instagram.com/afr…

Availability

I am available to take on new apprentices in person or via zoom and I am flexible on the time (days/evenings)

Individual or group tutorials

both

Notes about contacting me

[email protected]

Phone number

+33788113505

Taking new apprentices?

Yes

About me

Public Profile for the Diploma Network

Hi, I’m Karen, a passionate Permaculture educator and designer based in beautiful Brittany, Northern France, since 2017. Together with my husband, Glen, we have been busy transforming our property into a Permaculture demonstration and education site, aiming to inspire and empower people from all walks of life to embrace sustainable living.

Our vision: To create a thriving, scalable poly-income smallholding that not only serves as a practical example of sustainability but also as a welcoming space for learning, collaboration, and community.

We run an exciting variety of courses throughout the year, from Introduction to Permaculture and Permaculture Gardening to Smallholding Skills and full Permaculture Design Courses (PDCs). Glen brings his expertise to the mix with hands-on workshops in biochar production, charcoal making, and woodland management.

As an educator and designer, my passions lie in:
🌱 Regenerative agriculture
🌱 Climate-resilient planting
🌱 Perennial food systems
🌱 Medicinal herbs
🌱 Holistic land management
🌱 The social dimensions of Permaculture

Beyond our site, I’ve co-founded a local association to encourage skill-sharing, joint projects, and shared resources like tools and equipment.

My experience spans eco-education initiatives, corporate and community garden designs, home-scale projects, and recycling schemes across the Middle East, the UK, and France.

I’m looking to mentor diploma students, collaborate with fellow permaculture enthusiasts, and contribute to impactful projects in the UK, Europe, and beyond. Whether you’re just starting your Permaculture journey or looking to take your designs to the next level, let’s connect and grow together!

My interests

Diploma Tutor Experience

I am currently an Assessment Level Tutor, having successfully completed both the Registration Tutor and Assessment Level training courses.

I am mentoring several apprentices who are actively progressing on their Diploma projects.

We connect regularly through monthly Zoom calls in the winter & spring and have also collaborate on design projects remotely. Together we form a supportive Guild where you’ll receive guidance from me and have the opportunity to engage with a lovely community of fellow apprentices. This global network brings together individuals from different locations, all working on inspiring and innovative design projects.

I have been an active member of the Permaculture Association for many years, as well as an Education Working group member for the past 6 years.

Diploma Tutor Skills

Before permaculture changed my life and world views I was an Accountant and a Certified Prince 2 Project Manager implementing large corporate finance systems. Therefore I am able to bring from my past corporate life experience the following attribute into my role as diploma mentor:

Goal setting: my background in project management can aid in defining objectives, creating action plans, and measuring progress.

Communication: I can help apprentices articulate their permaculture ideas and projects effectively

Mentorship approach: I am able to listen, provide guidance, and adapt to the specific needs and goals of each apprentice. I believe in fostering a supportive and nurturing mentorship relationship.

Examples & Case Studies: I am able to share examples from my own experience both with permaculture projects and corporate world case studies

Since starting my permaculture learning journey I have completed the following courses/certifications:

PDC with Aranya at Sustainability Centre in 2011

RegenAG with Darren Doherty - 2011

Holistic Grazing Management with Kirk Gadzia - 2011

Training of Teachers and PTLLS with Aranya, Hannah Thorgood and Jan Mulreany in 2012

Diploma in Applied Permaculture Design - 2013

Small Scale Mushroom Production with Gourmet Mushroom Academy ZA

Mentoring and Life coaching with Gaia University - 2019

Diploma Tutor course with PAB - 2020

Currently studying with Gaia University for Masters in Integrative Social Design

My areas of interest are fairly broad ranging. As we live on a smallholding I am interested in pasture management, farm to table food systems, edible landscapes, mushroom propogation, no dig vegetable gardening, growing herbs for health and healing, and integrating animals in a permaculture system.

I am also very interested in the social side of permaculture and in this regard I have worked on setting up 2 eco-education projects, a community association in our local area, I run seed swap events and open days for the public from our smallholding.

We run Introduction courses, small holder courses and host volunteers interested in permaculture, so people care and education is an important part of what we do. In addition to the above I am also a certified life coach.

Educator experience

In terms of educator or design experience - these are a few of the designs I have completed

*Smallholding design and implementation

*Food Forest design

*Pasture regeneration

*Corporate sustainable garden design and implementation

*Urban garden design

*Community garden design

* Eco education project

* Recycling project for a members club

* Renovation and build of kitchen

* Design for volunteers at smallholding

* Integrating animals in permaculture

* Regeneration of orchard

Educator skills

I am a certified Permaculture Educator and Assessment Level Tutor with extensive experience supporting individuals on their permaculture journeys. Over the years, I’ve guided apprentices from diverse backgrounds, helping them create amazing design projects while building confidence in their skills.

While I am neurotypical, I have a deep appreciation and understanding of the unique perspectives and needs of neurodivergent individuals, shaped by my personal experience with neurodivergence within my family. I therefore welcome neurodivergent learners and can tailor my guidance to meet individual learning styles and offer a supportive environment.

Whether you’re new to permaculture or refining your design practice, I’m passionate about helping you grow, connect, and thrive in your permaculture unlearning journey.

Educator qualifications