Imagine you are forming a group to work together on a project,
a Community Supported Agriculture scheme, or a Transition group,
or a school design. How would you start? How would you collect
and document people’s ideas? How would you build strong
group cohesion?
Permaculture for Groups is a two week course of
mixed skills to help you as an individual go back into a group
situation and design projects, based on the principles of permaculture.
The course is not a training to become expert Permaculture designers
but more how to apply Permaculture to group projects. Permaculture
combined with goal setting, group decision making and facilitation
ensures an holistic approach.
As we look to a sustainable future we have to work together effectively
in planning and managing our land in an ecologically sound way.
This is what this course is about. It will help you facilitate
this kind of process with groups. Permaculture on its own is not
enough. This course adds dimensions to Permaculture which enrich
it and take it to another level.
Permaculture - more info
• a design system based on the observation of natural systems
• an integrated approach for productive land use
• an understanding of our relationship with the land
• integrating our food, homes, energy use and our communities
Holistic Goal Formation - more info
• creates group cohesion by taking time to discuss values
in detail
• provides a comprehensive group goal in order to make decisions
• looks at social, ecological and economic factors together
• describes the land and project far into the future
Facilitation - more info
• different facilitation techniques used throughout the
course
• open space technology, action learning, mind mapping
• group dynamics (led by Peter Lipman), implementation planning
• develop a set of guiding principles for facilitation
Tutors
John Wilson - Permaculture
teacher with 20 years experience
Matt Dunwell - founder
Ragmans Lane Farm
Peter Lipman - Chair Transition Network UK, Trustee Transition
USA, Policy Director of Sustrans
Freya Davies - Manager
of Ragmans Lane Farm
Peter Kafno - Farm Worker at Ragmans Lane Farm
The weekend is held on a small farm overlooking the River Wye
in the Forest of Dean.
Cost and Accommodation
The course costs £550 and includes accommodation in the
bunkhouse on the farm and all meals. Bursaries are available for
those on low income. A £60 deposit is payable to book your
place (see bookings link at bottom of page) and please let us
know if you are vegan or vegetarian. B&B
is available locally at your own cost. Don't forget to bring macs,
wellies, towels and sleeping bags.
Cheques should be made payable to Ragman's Lane Farm and sent
to Ragman's Lane Farm, Lower Lydbrook, Glos, GL17 9PA. For further
information, please ring us on 01594 860244
The timetable leaves time in the evening for walks to the pub
(15 mins), sitting round a fire or Hot Tubs!
Domestic arrangements
Bookings
