I have been learning and practising permaculture since 1994. I took my Certificate course in 98/99 and finished my Diploma in 2003. I have been actively practising permaculture in landscape gardening, community gardening and community development work ever since. I am a member of the Abundant Earth smallholding near Durham City where we grow veg, run a veg box scheme, manage hens, create craft products and run courses. I co-ordinate the North East Permaculture Network and support local Diploma apprentices. I run one main PDC every year in Durham, support intro courses in the area and I am currently in the process of becoming a Senior Tutor on the Diploma programme.