Ten Integrated Modules

Permaculture Design - 

The course begins with an exploration of the principles and methodology of Permaculture Design; a holistic approach to designing sustainably, that can be used in a range of settings from small gardens to whole farms. Integrating land, ecology, social, economic and health factors, to create a resilient, abundant and functional system.

EARTH CARE - LAND

Woodland Management - 

An exploration of sustainable management practice; from surveying existing woodlands, to planning and planting new woodlands. Learn how to manage woodlands for production of timber, food, fuel, community use and craft materials.

Organic Horticulture - 

An extensive study of growing fruit, vegetables and mushrooms organically. Following the growing year you will learn about propagation, fertility and soil management, pests and diseases, weed control, seed saving, pruning, grafting and harvesting.

Soil and Ecology - 

An in-depth study into surveying and working with the earth beneath our feet. Learn to read the landscape, understand the roles and connections between soil, plants and animals. Includes composting and bio-brew sessions.

Biomimicry -

Reconnecting with, learning from and emulating living systems and nature’s core principles in order to design products, processes and human systems which support human and wider ecological communities to thrive.

PEOPLE CARE - PEOPLE

Regenerative Toolkit - 

A holistic exploration of how we build resilience and regeneration within our bodies, minds, communities and systems in the face of overwhelming global problems. In a safe and supportive environment we study ways to face fears, be responsive to challenges, cultivate wellbeing, design more just and thriving human communities and contribute towards healthier ecological systems, whilst engaging and aligning ourselves and others in positive action which brings meaning and purpose to our lives.

Agency - 

A pathway of discovery to find your authentic self, and your unique gifts and offerings for the world. Throughout the course the group and individuals have a transformative experience of unlearning and relearning, in order to reveal what opportunities really do exist, if only we can push through societal norms, self-limiting beliefs, lean into the support of others, and embrace and champion our vulnerabilities.

Group Dynamics - 

An in-depth study of the techniques and approaches that enable groups to face challenges creatively and positively. Including visioning, decision making, consensus and conflict resolution. We discuss the pros and cons of different governance models for groups working together.. This module utilises the coming together of the student group as a rich resource for reflection and learning.

FAIR SHARE - COMMONING

Circular Economy - 

Who owns and makes decisions about our buildings and access to land….Who owns and makes decisions about our means of production and distribution of energy, materials, medicine and food…. - Could Commoning be the answer? An exploration of the possibilities of local production, distribution and sharing in a re-localised world. Looking at The Bristol, and Global, Commoning movements, Transition models, local food initiatives, local economics and building regenerative models for exchange.

Place & Ownership - 

Within the context of Climate Change, we will explore a range of solutions to alternative technology and energy production, from local community owned, to national networks, as well as looking at how to build our own small-scale 12V systems. We explore the changes we can make as individuals and communities to reduce fossil fuel usage within our homes, whilst still meeting our needs for shelter and comfort. We look at overcoming the limitations to retrofitting in rental properties, and alternative models to housing production such as self-builds and co-ops. Finally we end the PSC with a 10 day woodworking large-scale build to create a roundhouse; featuring a roundwood timber frame, reciprocal green turfed roof, and cob and straw walling.

Engagement - 

We investigate what it means to authentically engage with others. How we collaborate with community stakeholders to cultivate common ground and achieve common aims in permaculture design. We focus on overcoming barriers to inclusion and empowering marginalised groups, and approaches to sharing and receiving information through storytelling, clowning, showcase presentation, mapping, and written / visual materials. We explore what it takes to hold an evolving collective process with flexibility, and how to adapt through a system of regulation and feedback.

A variety of other sessions include; An Introduction to herbal medicine, wild food foraging, fermentation, water in the landscape, natural beekeeping, basket weaving, living willow sculpture and more.