Introduction to Permaculture
We want to inspire and empower you to use permaculture solutions in your everyday life. This course introduces the basics of permaculture design.
Course content
Explore the rich landscape of permaculture through a comprehensive curriculum covering:
• History and Definitions
• Design Process
• Ethics and Principles
• Design Tools
• Case Studies from Diverse Applications
Put theory into practice as you collaborate on a two-day design project, gaining hands-on experience in applying permaculture concepts.
We use diverse teaching methods, including group work, games, presentations, and discussions.At least a quarter of the course will be spent outdoors, more if the weather is good.
By the end of the course, you will be ready to apply your understanding of permaculture ethics and principles to your everyday life.
Who is the course for?
This course is for people concerned about the state of the world, who want to look at those challenges and create solutions. It is open to anyone aged 16 or over. No prior knowledge of permaculture is needed.
This course is an ideal starter for anyone interested in a full permaculture design course. We recommend you complete our an Introduction to permaculture course (or similar) before taking Brighton Permaculture Trust’s Permaculture design course (Building sustainable communities).
Recommended introductory material
Living with the Land Short films on permaculture design application
Essence of Permaculture by David Holmgren – Free permaculture introduction download
Recommended Books (optional):
Permaculture design – step by step, Aranya
The Permaculture Way, Graham Bell
Permaculture – a beginner’s guide, Graham Burnett
Introduction to Permaculture or Permaculture One, Bill Mollison
Permaculture In A Nutshell, Patrick Whitefield
More details about these books can be found on the Permaculture Association website.
Course Tutors
Led by experienced tutors, including:
Stephan Gehrels
Stephan Gehrels is a key member of our orchards team with many years of teaching experience. He completed his Permaculture Design Course in 2003 and his Diploma in 2009. Passionate about permaculture, Stephan has worked extensively with children through eco-school projects and forest garden plantings. He is known for his engaging, approachable style and is especially popular with younger learners at our juicing events.
Fran Pickering
Fran is a permaculture tutor, carpenter, and has oversight of our Permaculture Plot forest garden at Stanmer.
Polly Charlton
Polly completed her Permaculture Design Course in 2018 and is on her Applied Permaculture Diploma Pathway with five designs signed off and implemented.
Ttai Morra
Ttai completed her Permaculture Design Course in 2023, and is now working on her Permaculture Diploma designs.
Course reviews & feedback
A two-day weekend course, 9.30am to 5:30pm in Brighton.
2026 Courses
OCTOBER
Saturday 3 – Sunday 4
Venues
MARCH & OCTOBER
Old Boat Corner Community Centre
Carden Hill
Hollingbury
Brighton
BN1 8GN
Map & Directions
JUNE
One Garden
Stanmer Park (near University of Sussex)
Brighton
Map & Directions
Fees
Fees include tuition, refreshments, handouts and information sheets.
Sponsored / Organisation rate
£247.50
Individual income: more than 25k/yr
£247.50
Individual income: 18-25k/yr
£200.00
Individual income: less than 18k/yr
£152.50
Individual: Concessionary rate
£84.00
(check eligibility)
Concessionary places are limited.
Our commitment to affordability relies on voluntary support.
ACCOMMODATION
If you intend to book accommodation, please check availability before booking a place, as accommodation in Brighton can be hard to find, especially over the summer months.
Get details of local accommodation and Brighton Permaculture Trust supporters who can provide accommodation in their homes.
BOOKING
Booking is essential, as most of our courses/events are fully booked weeks in advance. However, if places are still available, then bookings can be made until midday the day before the course/event. A place is not secured until we have received the requested payment.
If you have completed the booking process but you haven’t received a confirmation email from us please contact us to check your booking has gone through.
If you are booking within two weeks of the event, or the event is nearly full, you will not have the option to pay by BACS. Instead, you will need to pay immediately using a credit/debit card or PayPal.
ACCESSIBILITY
If you have any accessibility needs or concerns, please contact us in advance, and we will do our best to accommodate you.