Introduction to Permaculture course (ITP)

The Introduction to Permaculture course is a weekend well spent, with previous participants completing the ITP stating they "will never look at the landscape the same way again". The course will provide an overview of all aspects of permaculture, empowering you to incorporate these learnings into your everyday life. Michelle Sheather is an international ecologist and permaculture teacher who has implemented training initiatives around the world and in many cases, helping preserve rare ecosystems. She is also a member of the PNB committee. Facilitating alongside Elle is Marc Stubbs, a deeply experienced permaculture landscape practitioner with a background in Holistic Management, and PNBs coordinator. The Introduction to Permaculture course introduces the ethics and principles of Permaculture Design. ITP learning areas include: Organic gardening – Growing from seed, companion planting, crop rotation, chemical free pest control and growing within the Sydney climate Sustainable housing – Alternative energy sources such as solar, water saving techniques, ecological design principles and concepts Soil – Soil composition, optimum soil PH, key nutrients, and soil health Site analysis for your garden/site – Tools and techniques to design the ultimate permaculture inspired setup for your lifestyle. Permaculture design – A multi-faceted, integrated and ecologically harmonious method of designing human-centered landscapes. Social permaculture – Incorporating permaculture into your daily living. Zoning – The 6 zones of permaculture and the adaptation of them to various scales of home and garden environments. Practical activities and site visits include: - Workshops and small group sessions - North Curly Community Garden to see permaculture in practice - Native bee hives - Raised planting beds - Food forests - Worm farms, composting, and more! - Optional swim and visit to Narrabeen beach and rock pool with tips for seaside foraging at the end of the day. Venue: Coastal Environment Centre (CEC) on the beautiful Narrabeen Lake. Duration: Each day will run from 9am - 4:30pm Course Cost: PNB Members $370* Non-members of PNB $390* Students $370* *plus Humanitix booking fee Words from previous ITP course participants… "The course was really worthwhile. I took away so much new knowledge in sustainability to practice in my daily life” “This Introduction to Permaculture course is amazing I learnt how to put so many aspects together for working with nature and natural landforms and conditions. It was the whole package" Participants bring along: A hat and closed comfortable shoes Bottle of water Pen & notebook A small plate of food to share (Teas, coffee, and light snacks will be provided) Participants take home: - As part of your course fee you will receive your own copy of Bill Mollison’s book 'Introduction to Permaculture' - commonly regarded as the Introduction to Permaculture bible! - Useful resources and course materials - An Introduction to Permaculture (ITP) certificate, recognised worldwide and a steppingstone to Permaculture Design and other Courses. You might like to make a short getaway out of this opportunity and stay locally. There are many great places to stay in and around Narrabeen, like the NRMA Lakeside Holiday Park. https://www.nrmaparksandresorts.com.au/sydney-lakeside/