Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a few questions that we are commonly asked regarding the courses we run. Have a look below to see if your answer is here before e-mailing us, though we will still be pleased to hear from you!
Must I do an Introductory course before I can do a design course?
Who are the lead educators for the course, whats thier experience with Permaculture and how are they supported?
How does the Education Center Facilitate their courses?
What is the classroom like and maximum class size?
What accommodation is provided in the course price?
Does the course include field trips?
Does the Education Center provide students with a curriculum and schedule?
What teaching styles do the Educators employ to facilitate learning?
Does the Education Center have or utilize a Permaculture Master Plan?
What materials are provided to the students before, during and after the course?
What is the farm / Education Center like for the hands on practical sessions and does the course actually have practicals?
Does your Permaculture Education Center allow you to copy their Permaculture Database?
Are fruit snacks / coffee inclusive in the course cost?
Will there be internet access?
Does the Education Center cater to dietary needs?
Are there areas that provide for a diverse social atmosphere?
Is their a holistic lifestyle?
Do you recommend reading any books before a course and if so, which ones?
We don’t expect you to do any reading before a course, but if you’d like to get started now there are a few books that we particularly like.
If you’re looking for a small introductory book, we like both ‘Permaculture in a Nutshell’ by Patrick Whitefield & ‘A Beginners Guide to Permaculture’ by Graham Burnett.
If you’d like something a little more in depth, Graham Bell’s books: ‘The Permaculture Way’ & ‘The Permaculture Garden’ are excellent.
As far as chunkier texts go, there are a few more options. The only British book in this category is Patrick Whitefield’s ‘Earth Care Manual’. There are a couple of excellent American books: ‘Gaia’s Garden’ by Toby Hemenway & ‘Designing & Maintaining Your Edible Landscape Naturally’ by Robert Kourik (not technically a permaculture book, but close enough in our opinion).
Then there are the Australian books, starting of course with Bill Mollison’s books. His most accessible text is ‘An Introduction to Permaculture’, though his ‘Permaculture – A Designer’s Manual’ is still his finest work. In addition, David Holmgren’s ‘Permaculture – Principles & Pathways beyond Sustainability’ is an updated look at the subject, though quite an academic one. In contrast, Rosemary Morrow’s ‘Earth User’s Guide to Permaculture’ is very easy to read & full of excellent illustrations.
Most of these books can be ordered from the Green Shopping Catalogue.
There are plenty of other great books out there on Permaculture & related subjects, but these should keep you occupied for a while…
If you have any questions that we have not covered above please contact us at [email protected] and we would be happy to answers them.