Permaculture Project
Llanfyllin Workhouse Project
Y Dolydd, Llanfyllin,
Powys, SY22 5LE
Workhouse
Tel: 01691 649 062
1st October 2008

Hi there ,
Thank you for your interest in our Introduction to Permaculture Design weekend on 25th-26th October at the Workhouse. Its the first of what we are planning to develop into a regular programme of practical short courses and workshops here at the Workhouse. Here is some local accommodation

This Introduction to permaculture weekend is bought to you by Steven Jones & S39 design partnership at the Llanfyllin Workhouse project; a brand new initiative for arts, creativity and sustainability.

S39 is an association of sustainability faciliators and trainers and project crew building forest gardens and edible landscapes and running permaculture courses and events. We are thrilled to be doing this at the Workhouse and really want anyone interested to come along and make this really great weekend.

The Workhouse is developing a programme of courses, workshops and events promoting practical skills and resources for suistainability.

Permaculture is a design system based on observations of natural systems, it is the concsious application of the priciples of sustainaility. Permaculture is insipiring, fun, inclusive, a chance to join in and meet people. Permaculture is a chance to look at the world in a creative, positive and solutions based approach. Gardens, communities, businesses; its ideas and insights can be applied in many contexts.

Nature as a teacher: Natural systems are self perpetuating, abundant, diverse and dynamic. Permaculture is the art of getting the power of nature and natural abundnace to work for you.

The weekend introduces the basics of permaculture and shows how this approach can be applied in a variety of circumstances.

Venue
Workhouse, Llanfyllin (near Welshpool, Powys). The Llanfyllin Workhouse is a new groundbreaking project promoting arts, environment and creativity.

Transport.
We can meet the Welshpool train, on the Saturday and Sunday mornings by arrangement.
A train departs Machynlleth station both days at 8.02 am for Welshpool where it arrives at 8.55 It returns from Welshpool at 19.51 arriving at Machynlleth 20:42. also on both days

Trains from Shrewsbury depart 9.28 and arrive in Welshpool at 9.50 am both 25th and 26th. The return train in the evening leaves Welshpool at 18.49 on both evenings.

By road; The Workhouse is situated less than half a mile south of the town of Llanfyllin and about 7 miles North of Welshpool.

Course tutors
The course will be taught by one or more of these tutors:

Steven Jones, permaculture teacher and designer.
Amanda Dean, Transition Towns trainer and designer, medical herbalist
Hannah Towsey, permaculture student and environmental activist

Who is the course for?
The course is open to anyone over the age of 16. No prior knowledge of permaculture is needed.

What will the course cover?
This is a 12-hour course, which will offer information about, and some hands-on experience of, the basics of permaculture design; designing for sustainability in all walks of life. Whether your interest is gardening, farming, planning, building homes, community work, economic regeneration, business or green lifestyles, the application of Permaculture principles empowers you to make a positive contribution towards a sustainable future. The course will enable you to apply permaculture principles in your individual circumstance to help move towards sustainability.

Please note that attending this course does not qualify you to use the term 'permaculture' as part of your work as a professional or with the public, such as being a gardener, a teacher, a designer, giving talks about permaculture, etc. In order to do this you need to complete a permaculture design course.

What you are advised to bring

• Warm/waterproof clothing & sturdy outdoor footwear - Very Important!
• Sun hat & sun screen
• Warm indoor footware
• Gardening gloves if you want to get involved in the practical
demonstrations
• Pens, pencils, notepad & an A4 paper a ring binder
• Water bottle
• Tent and sleeping bag if you are planning to camp on the Saturday night
• Pictures, maps etc. of your plot of project, if you have one
• Musical instruments/ sketch pad etc. in case you are feeling creative
• Favourite books or other resources to share
• Bring a clean empty jam jar, to take away some home made produce

Learning methods and outcomes
The course will be taught using a variety of methods; group work, games, presentations, discussion, video and slides. We will also explore the Workhouse and find out more about the project here and what is
underway.

By the end of the course you will have a basic knowledge of some of the permaculture ethics and principles and how to apply them.

What does this course lead on to?
This course is an ideal starter for anyone interested in a full permaculture design course. The intention is also to use the event to initiate more active local permaculture networks.

Course Weekend structure
Core sessions will take place each day between 10 am and 6 pm, with an optional session on Saturday evening as well as a social and music later on that evening. There is opportunity to camp or bring live in vehicles here for the weekend for those who feel intrepid. There are basic facilities available and provision will be made for those wanting to stay over.

There will be vegetarian lunch and Saturday dinner provided with vegan and wheat free options. Herbal and caffeinated drinks will of course also be available. If you have fresh produce, please bring some to share!

Recommended reading
These books are recommended but it is not necessary for those attending to buy or read them.

Permaculture In A Nutshell, Patrick Whitefield
Permaculture - A Beginner’s Guide, Graham Burnett
The Permaculture Way, Graham Bell
Introduction to Permaculture, Bill Mollison

Fees
Fees include tuition, refreshments, handouts and information sheets.
We are offering this course at a special introductory fee of £30 and £20 for concessions
Concessionary rates are available to people in receipt of means tested benefits, students & OAPs.

We endeavour to make our courses affordable to all. Unfortunately we do not receive any external funding and as such rely on large amounts of voluntary input to run courses. In some circumstances we may be able to negotiate fee reductions if you can offer significant other support or facilities.

There limited places so please secure your place with a £10 deposit.

Payable to TSW Jones, at the above address.

Any questions please get in touch with me directly.

Steven Jones,
Workhouse Environment Project.