Planning our Environmentally Friendly Landscapes

armagh | environment | press release Sunday August 10, 2003 13:57 by Claudia inpira at hotmail dot com 998, Crumlin Road, Belfast 048 716200

A 20 Hour Introduction Course on Permaculture Design 13/14 September 2003

Permaculture, short for permanent agriculture is about planning and designing environmentally friendly landscapes. It is a practical copy of observed natural systems to constructed and planted landscapes useful for people to live harmoniously.

Permaculture is about the values of life. It’s both a practical workable approach to environmental security and a green philosophy for living. It will grow on you. The course is safe, easy, relaxed and suited for gardeners and non gardeners alike. All past courses have been very successful with positive feedback over the past few years. Led by Phillip Allen who has taught design courses for over ten years.

Planning Service for Ecological Security- A weekend Course

Permaculture, short for permanent agriculture is about planning and designing environmentally friendly landscapes. It is a practical copy of observed natural systems to constructed and planted landscapes useful for people to live harmoniously.

It can be as simple or complex as you like and aims to turn environmental problems into economical solutions- by Designing the Placement of useful things in the best places. Good design sets the direction for increasingly stable, resilient and diverse landscapes big or small, which grow and provide basic needs like foods, fuels, building materials ect. and skills in these areas. It works well in cities, countryside, small space or large farms, because the principles are adaptable.

Permaculture is about the values of life. It’s both a practical workable approach to environmental security and a green philosophy for living. It will grow on you. The course is safe, easy, relaxed and suited for gardeners and non gardeners alike. All past courses have been very successful with positive feedback over the past few years. Led by Phillip Allen who has taught design courses for over ten years.

Programme

12th September 2003 Friday

6.00-7.00pm Friday arrive at 998 Crumlin Road, Belfast

7.00pm Welcome! House/garden safety, group building, expectations, introduce course and finalise programme.

8.30pm Permaculture video and free.



13th September 2003 Saturday

8.00-9.00am Breakfast

9.00am Outside- observation skills in the forest garden.

10.00am Tea break. Ethics & Principles of Permaculture (Flip Chart).

11.00am Mapping the landscape.

11.30am List our local problems- problem solving ideas.

12.00-12.30pm Any questions.

12.30-1.30pm Lunch.

1.30pm Practical Design Skills- Sample Design (Flip Chart).

2.15pm Outside- Patterns in Nature. Build a spiral herb garden- all.

3.00pm Practical Design Skills (Flip Chart).

3.45pm Tea Break. Exercise making the connections in Landscape Design.

4.45pm Any questions.

5.00-7.00pm Dinner.

7.00-8.00pm Either Permaculture video or discussion. Green Careers, Green Kitchens or Green Cities.

8.00- Not too late Bonfire short talk on Bioregional thinking. Bring a bottle.



14th September 2003 Sunday

8.00-9.00am Breakfast.

9.00am walk in the garden. Do we know our wild plants and uses?

9.30-10.30am Revision go over Saturdays studies. (Compost Model).

11.00am Tea beak- in pairs. Begin design your own site or garden at Tools for Solidarity (Maps/Photos available). Working buffet lunch to save time.

2.00pm In pairs present and review designs and add on ideas- all.

3.30pm Finish off session Evaluation Networking list for help.



Costs: The course costs £75 for unemployed and £95 for employed people. Cost include food and accomodation and all course materials. All food will be organic and vegetarian.
Accomodation in bunk beds- bring sleeping bag.

Course includes:
Permaculture Books and Magazines Sales/Handouts.
Where do we go from here?
Plant a tree in close course. Leave with finished designs.

Directions
Bus No. 39 Silverstream or 57 Ligoniel from Royal Avenue.
Jump out at junction Crumlin Road/ Ligoniel Road and walk 500 metres
up Crumlin Road to big hedge on left side.

Telephone: Phillip Allen (028) 90 716200 (from the UK) or 0044 2890
716200 from the Republic of Ireland to book your place. Bring outdoor
clothes, pens and notebooks.

It is very important to confirm your place as soon as possible as places are limited.