Green Roofs
Why not install your own green roof on a shed, studio or similar building?
You could provide habitats for pollinators & other wildlife, extend the lifespan of your roof, and perhaps even grow some food
Course Content
This intensive, one-day course is designed to inspire you and to give you the basic skills required for the design and construction of a small green roof.
The course looks at different types of green roofs and how to design a retro-fit green roof for a shed or similar small project at home.You will get hands on building a small scale green roof in the setting of beautiful Stanmer organics. Learning best practice for waterproofing, planting and maintaining a new green roof.
On this course you will learn the theory and practical skills to be able to build a small green roof at home.
You will learn:
- Which type of roof will suit your situation
- Flat vs pitched roofs
- Choosing the right materials and plants
- Calculating weight
- How to install proper drainage on your roof
- How to maintain your roof
- Working at height safely
We will also look at additional design features that might benefit your roof, including rainwater harvesting, habitat features, seasonal ponds, light wells, solar panels and trees!
Expect a packed day with a mixture of hands-on practicals and short theory sessions, and lots of fun!
We will be outside in the afternoon, so please dress accordingly.
Who is this course for?
This course is open to anyone aged 16 or over. It is suitable for complete beginners.
This course is for anyone interested in knowing how to build a small living roof.
The practical will include some manual work, lifting and step ladders This is optional and there is seating available nearby.
Why do we teach this course?
This course: fosters self-reliance, giving confidence with practical building skills; promotes the use of natural and recycled materials; encourages use of renewable energy and rainwater harvesting; and supports creating wildlife friendly buildings.
Course Tutors
Stella Peyerl
Stella is a green builder and craftsperson, specialising in living roofs, low-impact building, and work at height.
She has built and maintained living roofs across the UK for over 10 years, having apprenticed with Organic Roofs in Brighton and London.
Becca Mann
Becca will be assisting on this course. She has designed gardens, run a market garden, consulted on community projects, run courses on fruit tree renovation and organises permablitz events, bringing people together to grow, learn, share food and build community.
Course fees explained
Our fees are worked out on a fair share basis, to make sure we cover costs and make courses as accessible as possible.
Standard Rate
By choosing the Standard Rate, you're covering the basic costs of your place and helping sustain the work we do. Your contribution supports our mission and makes it possible for others on lower incomes to join our courses.
Benefactor Rate
If you’re in a position to pay the Benefactor Rate, thank you. Your generosity helps us subsidize places for other people who can’t afford the full cost. Your contribution enables us to continue our charitable mission: Inspiring, Connecting, Learning – for people and planet to flourish.
Supported Rate
This reduced rate reflects our commitment to making participation possible for more people. Please only book on this rate if you are not able to cover the Standard rate.
This one-day course runs from 10:30 am to 4pm
2026 Courses
Venue
Earthship Brighton and Stanmer Organics
Stanmer Park
Brighton
Map & Directions
Fees
Fees include tuition, refreshments, handouts and information sheets.
Early bird discount
Save 20% on the fees listed below!
Use the discount code: SAVE20
Standard Rate
£170
Benefactor Rate
£210
Supported Rate
£95
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
There is a small amount of walking, with uneven ground.
Much of this course is hands-on and practical. It is possible to opt out and observe for any elements you are not comfortable with.
If you have any accessibility needs or concerns, please contact us in advance, and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Have questions?
For any enquiries or if you need further information, feel free to reach out. We’re here to help!