THE PDC COURSE INCLUDES 12 DAYS OF:
classes, group discussion, practical exersises, demonstrations and field days
transport provided !
You are invited to call (08)9848 2171 or email us for any information you feel you may require.
"As we reduce our dependence on the global
economy and replace it with household and local economies we reduce the
demand that drives the current inequities."
David Holmgren
Please download this (PDF) Registration form
Your actions are evidence of your desire for human cultural permanence
Permaculture is the conscious design and maintenance of agriculturely productive eco-systems which have the diversity, stability and resilience of natural eco-systems. It is the harmonious integration of landscape and people, providing their food, shelter, and other material and non-material needs in a sustainable way.
Permaculture design is a system of assembling conceptual material and strategic components in a pattern which functions to benefit life in all its forms. There are two elemens to good Permaculture design that are basic; The first says where we are going, the second, how to get there. The first deals with principles - the management of natural elements to the advantage of humans and the environment. The second is more closely allied to practical gardening and farming procedures. The philosophy of Permaculture is one of working with rather than against nature, of protracted and thoughtful observation, rather than hurried thoughtless action, of looking at systems in all of their functions, rather than asking only one yield of them, and of allowing systems to demonstrate their own evolutions.
Bill MollisonCo-Founder of Permaculture.
The Permaculture Design Certificate covers the following topics -
Introduction
Ethical and philosophical basis; earthcare; people-care; sharing surplus with others; whole property design; wilderness creation; education; community organisation; financial management; village and real estate development; media; applied permaculture or site development.
Evidence of the need to change
Pollution; desertification; acid rain; failing forests; water pollution and waste disposal; energy use and misuse; depletion of resources; rising unemployment.
Principles of natural systems and design
Recycling within natural systems; materials and resources in the community; connection between elements and functions.
Patterns in design
Edge-effects; maximization of edge; harmonics; flow effects; streamlining; turbulence; windbreak and flood control patterning; coasts; patterns in garden field and water; pattern
literacy; traditional patterns by tribal people.
Classic landscape profiles
Humid and arid profiles; placements; water diversion; minor profiles; volcanic; high and low islands; coasts; residuals; wetlands; estuaries.
Water in landscape
Water harvesting, costs and futures; run-off irrigation; swales; ground-water recharge; keylines; tanks; dams - types, placement, diversion, distribution.
Soil
Soil origin; pH; humus; essential elements; minor elements; difficult soils; soils and health.
Design for catasrophe
Natural catasrophes; earth movements; special needs in house placement and design.
Buildings and structures
Design for energy conservation; fences; use of shade; integration and function of houses.
Appropriate energy conservation
Domestic needs; solar collectors; biothermal; fuel types; heat; engines; hydraulics; turbines.
Waste disposal & recycling
Greywater; sewage; composting toilets; solid wastes; sorting and uses.
Forests and trees
Forest types in climatic zones; management; coppicing; shelter and hedges; expanding the wilderness; agriforestry; animal forage; woodlots; long-term hardwood production; fire and burning strategies; natural forest conservation.
Cultivated ecology
Home gardens; food production; zone 1&2 designs; the instant garden; urban permaculture; energy conserving practises; medium & broadacre strategies; herb industry introduction; integrated pest management.
Seed
Collection; recognition; propagation; nurseries; availability & distribution.
Animals
Animals suitable for permaculture; placement.
Aquaculture & Mariculture
Ponds, dams and lakes; size; plant & animal species; costs; implementation; techniques.
Wildlife Management
Urban & rural: understanding ecology; enhancing natural forage & shelter; Biological pest control.
