PDC - Permaculture Design Course

What?

The PDC is a Permaculture Design Course, certified by the UK Permaculture association. The term permaculture is a contraction of the words "permanent," "agriculture,” and “culture.” Although the original focus of permaculture was sustainable food production, the philosophy of permaculture has expanded over time to encompass economic and social systems.

Where?

The course will be held in the establishing community "El Regato" ( See on Google Maps )

When?

Friday the 16/10 at 9:00 until Sunday the 25/10/2015 at 19:00.

Is it for me?

The course is open to all people and often attended by those in transition to a new life.

It provides all the relevant knowledge and experience for anyone who wants to become a permaculture designer. If you want to know more about permaculture and/or want to implement this knowledge in your life this course is for you!

Requirements

Although it is not an obligation to have experience, the course is very intensive and can be challenging if the subject is completely new for you. If you have doubts, Contact us.

The most important is to bring an open mind and thirst for knowledge!

Costs

The costs of the course are 300€ if you register in September and 360€ for later registrations. To cover preparation costs, 60€ have to be paid in advance and are non-refundable. The rest of the fee can be paid at the beginning of the course.

Includes food (3 meals per day) and accommodation
(Camping Site;
special accommodation (shared rooms in a house) is available, it is on donation base)
If you don't want to have the meals, inform us and we can give you a discount of 2€/meal
There is still the possibility to volunteer, to save costs

Josh Gomez

Josh Gomez began studying Permaculture in 2005 when he attended an introductory course in Cornwall, UK and has been creating designs for many different sites in Portugal and the UK. Whilst studying for the Permaculture diploma, he assisted in facilitating various Permaculture courses with different teachers and learnt many approaches, techniques and exercises.

His experience in working with adults and children in performing and teaching circus skills make the course as informative, enriching and supportive as possible.

He accredited for the UK permaculture diploma in 2011 and is now offering introduction courses and full certificated PDCs.

More information on: www.nurturingournature.blogspot.com

Course contents?

The course is based on an international syllabus covering:

Introductory:

- Permaculture ethics

- Approaches to design

- Guiding Principles of Permaculture

- Biodiversity

- Learning and Study strategies

- Pattern in Design

- Wilderness and wildlife

Cultivated Ecology

- Permanent Pasture

- Forest Gardens

- Horticultural techniques

- No-till cultivation

- Biological pest control

Climates

- Strategies for different Climates

- Microclimates

Buildings and Structures

- Urban Permaculture

- Appropriate technology

- Waste reduction

- The home and workplace

- Energy efficient planning

- Waste recycling and disposal

Soil

- What is Living Soil?

- Soil regeneration techniques and Soil Conservation

Water in Landscape

- What is Living Water?

- Water conservation, collection and storage

- Wastewater and sewage treatment

- Aquaculture

Forests and Trees

- Energy transactions of trees

- Woodland establishment

- Types of forest

- Woodland management

Invisible Structures

- Real Wealth

- Land access

- Formal/informal economy

- Community development strategies

Design Workshop

- Design process and Presentation Skills

- Maps and Overlays

- Surveying

- Project Planning

FAQ: PDC

Who is the course certificated by?

The course is accredited by the UK Permaculture association. This internationally recognised certificate will be awarded on completion of the whole course including a two day design workshop and finishing with a presentation of designs in which participants will illustrate what they have learnt.

Which type of learning will be used?

We use a wide range of teaching methods, including:

● digital presentations

● practical activities

● discussion/constructive debate

● games

● white board sessions

● videos

● observation exercises

● guided walks

● working in groups

Does the course include other subjects?

We include a range of other relevant subjects and practical exercises which aim to give each student a toolkit of basic skills to get started with confidence.

This course will also provide opportunities for students to learn more about:

● Gardening

● Eco building

● Community spirit and living

All participants are also invited to share their skills and interests during the free time.

What accomodation is available?

Besides camping with shared facilities (toilets, bathrooms and outdoor kitchen), there will be some rooms for an extra fee (donation).

What is the timetable

To have the certificate you must be there everyday between 9:00 and 19:00 (minus lunch break-2 hours) except the day off (4th or 5th day) that is optional.

You can spend the night elsewhere as long as you can be there before 9:00 h.

What about food?

The common food will be vegetarian, whenever possible with gluten-free options. Special health requirements can be arranged at request or self-made in the common kitchen.

And drinks?

Besides good water from a reliable local source, kombucha made in "El regato" will be served with no extra cost.

What is the course language?

The course will be taught in English, so it is necessary to have at least a basic level of speaking and understanding in this language. The teachers also know Portuguese and can translate difficult words or concepts if necessary. Hand-outs, presentations and other material with informational value will be in english.

All hand-outs, presentations etc. will be distributed in digital form after the course.

Is there any books that we can/may read before the course to introduce us to permaculture?

Yes, it will be usefull to read:

One straw revolution -Masonobu Fukuoka
Gaia's garden - Toby Hemenway
Introduction to permaculture - Bill Mollison
The basics of permaculture design - Ross Mars