PDC Essential Info
An holistic exploration of an integrated, simple and commonsense design approach to low-impact living, through the application and practice of Permaculture Design ethics and principles. Discover how we might meet our basic needs for food, shelter, connection, and fulfillment, in a way that is truly regenerative and joyful.
The Permaculture Design Course
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Our lead Permaculture tutor, Tammi Dallaston, leads the working group on Disability, Accessibility, Inclusion and Equity (DAIE) as part of her role as a trustee with the Permaculture Association. She is neurodivergent, and disabled. She is passionate about creating safe teaching spaces to authentically support individual needs and self expression.
Through our onboarding process onto the PDC, we will be able to understand your needs, and take steps to ensure they are met to the best of our ability and capacity.
The teaching venue, toilets and kitchen are fully accessible. There is residential on-street parking outside the venue.
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Weather appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear for field-trips. (Failure to do this will exclude you from attending the field trip).
Veggie snacks to share within the group (please label all ingredients if homemade).
A bottle of water
Accreditation
In order to obtain PDC certification from the Permaculture Association, students must complete 72hrs of study through;
Attending all Monday evening sessions (or catching up on missed sessions through homestudy if unable to attend)
Attending a visit to Royate Hill Community Orchard with permaculture teacher Mike Feingold.
Attending a Mapping Skills day at Worthy Farm (with the option of camping over for the weekend, and partaking in a work weekend at the permaculture area of the Glastonbury festival site).
Attending 2+ other field trips to local projects demonstrating aspects of permaculture, for a tour, and some additional practicals. Each lasting approx 4hrs with travel time either side.
Contributing a minimum of 6hours to their group design project.
Where, When & How
Shift Bristol's full permaculture design course is tailored for those leading busy lives, as you join us for weekly evening classes, plus learning and field trips over some weekends.
