PRACTICAL SUSTAINABILITY COURSE CURRICULUM OUTLINE
Permaculture Design Permaculture is a design system that works with Nature rather than against it. An approach to growing, using and conserving resources that harnesses the abundance of our natural world whilst providing for our needs. The Permaculture module provides hands on experience of designing in a range of settings from small gardens to whole farms to community projects. Led by Sarah Pugh
Also includes an introduction to herbal medicine with Max Drake, wild food foraging with Andy Hamilton, animal husbandry and land based practicals with Mike Feingold.
Woodland Management Looking at all aspects of sustainable woodland management, from understanding the ecology of existing sites to planning and implementing new woodlands. Learn how to manage existing woodlands for production of timber, food, fuel, wildlife, community use and craft materials. Plus agroforestry. Led by Mike Gardener with Ben Law and Justin Smith.
Organic Horticulture An extensive and practical study of growing fruit, vegetables and mushrooms organically. Follow the growing year and learn about propagation, fertility, soil management, pests and diseases, weed control, seed saving, composting and harvesting. A mix of classroom and land based study at Boiling Wells in St Werburghs. Led by Tim Foster.
Soil and Ecology An in-depth study of how to assess and work with the natural foundations of life. Learning to read the landscape, assess the attributes, health and viability of a piece of land. Understanding the roles and connections between soil, plants and animals. Practical experience of creating wildlife habitats. Led by Patrick Whitefield.
Re-localisation An exploration of the possibilities of food and resource production, distribution and marketing in a re-localised world. Looking at Community Supported Agriculture, producers co-ops, engaging people with their food and making local food financially viable. Also looking at local economics and alternatives to a cash society and how we can understand, influence and work with local government strategies. Led by Matt Dunwell and Sarah Pugh
Energy Exploring the issues of energy and the effects of Peak Oil on our way of life. Gain a practical understanding of alternative technology, energy efficiency and reducing our dependency on fossil fuels. A look at what’s happening on a local, national and global scale to reduce carbon emissions and prepare for energy descent. Led by Trevor Houghton with Chris Vernon and others.
Green Building Beyond bricks and mortar. A study of the theory and practice of retrofitting existing houses to improve their green performance, eco-friendly materials, eco-development, self-build and eco-innovations. With hands on retro-fitting practical. Led by Jackson Moulding. Plus practical experience of building a reciprocal frame Roundhouse with wood and cordwood led by Tony Wrench.
Group Dynamics How do groups come together to face the challenges ahead creatively and positively? An in depth study of the techniques and approaches that make groups work. Including visioning, decision making, consensus, conflict resolution and planning approaches. Led by Nick Osborne and Alice Cutler with others.
Creating Change Understanding the psychology of change and how we find the personal power to tackle global problems from our own front doors onwards. Exploring ways to face our fears, be responsive to challenges, build on our strengths and engage ourselves and others in positive action. Includes learning about Transition Towns. Led by Dr Chris Johnstone with Jenni Horsfal.
Facilitating Community Engagement Learn practical skills for communicating, engaging and facilitating community-led action. Running effective meetings and events, getting the message across, celebrating diversity and building strong cohesive community initiatives from the outset. Practical methods for engaging in local decision making and influencing policy. Includes a guest session from a tutor tbc on creating seasonal celebrations. Led by Sarah Pugh.
Most study will take place in the city with field trips to rural sites around the South West and Wales. Including Ben Law’s woodland, The Agroforestry Research Trust, Tinkers Bubble Community, Fivepenny Farm, Ourganics, Brithdir Mawr and others.
There will be guest speakers in addition to the lead tutors on some of the modules.
The course is a mix of classroom and site based with practical sessions run on local community projects. Designs and practical work are taken on in line with the real requirements of the participating sites.
