Introduction to Permaculture

The classic 12 hour introduction to the fundamentals of Permaculture, a design philosophy that aims to create sustainable ways of living with nature.

About the Course

This introductory course covers the fundamentals of this exciting and wide-ranging approach to living ecologically wherever we find ourselves.

You will learn about the ethical basis of Permaculture, look at the main principles of the Permaculture approach, and come away equipped to experiment with some of these techniques in your own projects.

You will be challenged to think afresh about how you meet your needs, about our shared need to build and strengthen communities, and you will be invited to start your design thinking from the very beginning of the course. You might also be asked to imagine that you are a beaver, a forest elephant or an inhabitant of a fictional village!

“Inspired and motivated after this amazing experience.”

— 2026 Participant

What you will learn

  • What permaculture is and why it matters in a changing world

  • How to “listen to the land” through ecological and cultural observation

  • Beavers, forest elephants, and other examples of nature as designer

  • The permaculture ethics: Earth Care, People Care, Fair Share

  • Key design principles from Bill Mollison and the origins of permaculture

  • Practical design tools: zones, sectors, slopes, microclimates, and energy flows

  • David Holmgren’s 12 Principles — explored through real examples

  • How to begin a simple permaculture design project of your own

  • Patterns: seeing connections, feedback loops, and opportunities

  • How to continue your permaculture journey with confidence and curiosity

Upcoming Courses

In partnership with:

The Environment Centre, Swansea

Dates: 7th & 8th March

Time: 9.30am to 4.30pm

Pricing: £60 - £100

Location: The Environment Centre, Pier St, Swansea, SA1 1RY

In partnership with:

Permaculture Tywi

Dates: 25th & 26th April

Time: 9.30am to 4.30pm

Pricing: £60 - £100 (bursary places available)

Location: Gwynfe Growers, Gwynfe, Llangadog, SA19 9RL