The Permaculture Design Course (PDC)
Immerse yourself in an in-depth, embodied and dynamic learning experience.
This course provides an exciting opportunity to meet others passionate about sustainability, regeneration, learning from nature, and skills development. We will explore how to navigate the future, with humour and integrity, while creating space for the grief and bewilderment that may arise.
Learn about:
Permaculture Ethics and Principles
Permaculture Design - how to observe and map land, choose plants, interview stakeholders, how to apply permaculture design to the design of your life, your work and your community
Learn skills that will help you understand soil, compost, plants and mycorrhiza, and apply Nature's patterns to growing
Understand how to apply Permaculture design to your self development and well being, your work place, and your family and community
Signposting and Next Steps - development pathways
Quick Links
Key Information
-
The course is taught through chalk & talk, audio visuals, individual reflective exercises, discussions, and design projects in small groups. You will be given a range of art and modelling materials to work with and a comprehensive course handbook with links to extra resources and handouts. We aim to teach in a non-traditional way - balancing our hearts, heads and hands.
-
We have a strong belief that 'the whole is greater than the sum of its parts' and our design project work is carried out in groups; each student bringing a unique perspective and skillset to the task. We also believe that Permaculture can be a powerful tool for empowering and meeting needs within the community. We find 'real life' green spaces in the network of Bristol for our design project sites; ensuring students learn to design within the context of complex, living systems of people and land.
-
Through visiting a variety of inspiring local projects and people, you will see 'Permaculture in action' and can begin to identify how Permaculture principles can be applied and recognised in healthy, abundant systems. You will be able to ask project leaders about what has worked well, and the challenges they may have faced. This local and 'place specific' wisdom gives students a rich understanding of the larger socio-economic system of Bristol, which in turn supports them in becoming responsive Permaculture designers.
Where Next?
The PDC is accredited by the Permaculture Association; each student receives a certificate of completion which is globally recognised within the Permaculture community.
Many students go on to create inspiring designs for their own gardens and green spaces. Others join, enhance and support existing projects and organisations with their new insight and skills. Some even feel confident to purchase land or set up a social enterprise.
We have been teaching Permaculture courses in Bristol for almost 20 years, and have a wide network of past students, tutors and practitioners who form our extended 'Shifty' network. We have internal social media groups, which regularly share news and opportunities of things going on in Bristol and beyond. Whatever your passion or idea, we will be able to signpost you to a useful person or resource that will help you on the next stage of your journey.
For those wishing to take on further training and education afterwards, there is the option for signing up to Shift Bristol's Year-long Practical Sustainability Course, running from Sept 2026 to July 2027. You may wish to embark on the Diploma in Applied Permaculture Design with the Permaculture Association: an option if you want to embark on a career in teaching Permaculture, or becoming a Permaculture design consultant.