Practical Permaculture

Permaculture is a way of using the relationships and processes found in nature as the basis for designing human settlements and agricultural systems.  Permaculture has practical applications in your garden, allotment or farm; as well as your house, your neighbourhood and your town. 

The key to using permaculture is to translate its design principles into everyday practical applications.  These two days will help you do that, using several practical examples as well as demonstrations and theory. 

The first day will include charcoal making (a potential business opportunity), biochar (which improves soil while also combating climate change), rocket stoves, DIY stoves, site surveying & observation techniques, basic triangulation, measurement and levels.  One of the main practicals for the day will be charcoal & biochar making.

The second day will focus on forest gardening, which is an approach that works with nature as much as possible, to generate a high food yield with minimum effort.  Topics for the day include natural succession, deciduous forest layers, canopy distances, wild plants and canopy design.  The main practical exercise for the day will focus around design & work in the new forest garden at Carraig Dúlra organic farm.

This event is run by Suzie Cahn and Graham Strouts.  Suzie teaches Permaculture with the VEC and Organic Food Growing through The Organic Centre in Leitrim.  Graham teaches the Sustainability Course in Kinsale and is one of Ireland's leading permaculture teachers.  Suzie and Graham have designed these two practical days so that you can come away with some specific things you can do at home, along with more general principles you can apply in the future. 

Both days are open to beginners, however those with some Permaculture experience will also benefit from the practical exercises and demonstrations.  You can attend one or both days.   This event takes place at Carraig Dúlra organic farm in Glenealy, Co Wicklow.  Participants are welcome to camp at the farm during the course.  The cost for the event is €60 each day (coffee/tea/camping included), and booking is required.  Concessions are available, please contact us in confidence.

9:30 tea/coffee for a 10am start.  Finish at 5pm (first day may run over for closing down charcoal barrel).

Please download the course flyer for your noticeboard