Introduction to Permaculture - Two Day Course

In this certified introductory course, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about permaculture design principles and ethics and how to apply them to your daily life, as well as being introduced to agroecological farming methods and techniques.

Permaculture offers a way of creating spaces and systems that are driven by a set of design principles inspired by natural, self-sustaining methods and based upon the ethics of caring for people, the planet and our combined future. The permaculture design framework has inspired and been utilized by countless farms and other food growing spaces around the world as a practical way to create and manage agroecological farming systems. It provides easy solutions to complex problems.

Spend time with like-minded people and gain practical tools and tips. Hopefully you’ll also gain reassurances that there are lots of small but mighty things we can do to turn our current climate and wildlife emergency around.

This two day course is set up to be informative and inspiring, and will help you:

- Understand the ethics and principles of permaculture

- Learn eco-observation and design methods

- Understand natural systems and patterns

- Share skills and knowledge with others

- Enjoy reflective time in nature

This intimate course with a lively small-group gives you the opportunity to discuss important issues in a positive, creative and supportive space.  

The course also starts you off on designing your own permaculture patch or project – straight away putting in to practice the learning you’ve gained!

This course is suitable for you if you...

- Need a springboard to start putting permaculture into action for yourself.

- Love wildlife but don’t know how to support nature in your own home, garden and life.

- Are a gardening newbie or novice wanting more skills and confidence in organic growing.

- Care about supporting health and happiness in your community, beyond the garden.

- Are interested in progressing to a full Permaculture Design Course.

The training is certified by The Permaculture Association, and led by Emily Howgate and Shila Brown of Muck & Magic. Both are permaculture practitioners and attentive facilitators, with experience working in national conservation groups and local community orgs.

Permaculture: earth care, people care and fair shares for all.

Places are limited to 14 participants, so make sure you book early to avoid disappointment.

Tickets include a farm-to-fork seasonal light lunch and refreshments from our Cafe.

Testimonials from 2025 Course Attendees:

"Lovely to be able to relate the theory to the land. Brilliant input which was engaging, inspiring and confidence building."

"The course was brilliant - so interesting with lots to think about and good principles for moving forward.  And FarmED is probably the best course venue - ever!!"

"Found it really helpful in understanding permaculture a bit more and how to go about utilising the processes in a step by step way. Maybe it isn't quite as daunting as I thought!"

Arrival/ timings info

Please arrive at 9:45 both mornings. A farm to fork lunch will be served at around 13:00. The course will be expected to finish at 16:30 each day.

Tiered Pricing

Delivery of our mission is a collective effort and our values embrace inclusivity and diversity. We don’t want price to be a barrier to anyone visiting FarmED or attending our events. Read more about our tiered pricing policy here.

If cost is a barrier to you attending, then please do ask us for financial support. The FarmED Bursary offers free or subsidised places to those that will benefit most.

Cancellation Policy

We understand that there may be times where you need to cancel your booking. Our cancellation policy is outlined here.

We like to take photos and occasionally videos of our events to use on our website and social media, please let us know if you do not want to be photographed.