MODULAR PERMACULTURE DESIGN COURSE PORTUGAL
Discover the realm of permaculture and regenerative agriculture within our educational hub located in Portugal, nestled amidst the picturesque coastal mountain range of Sintra, a short 45-minute journey from Lisbon.
Expect to learn tangible solutions to address challenges of today and how to embrace a transformative lifestyle tailored for your benefit, the global community, and the well-being of our planet.
Whether you aspire to create communities, foster a stronger connection with nature, or reduce your ecological footprint, our course welcomes individuals of all backgrounds, requiring no prior experience.
Terra Alta is one of the most established Permaculture projects in Europe, located 45 minutes by car from the Lisbon Airport. With 10 years as a permaculture site-in-development, and a centre for research and education with over 20 Permaculture Design Certificate Courses (PDCs) taught, we offer Permaculture education at the highest level, led by artist, visionary and certified Permaculture teacher, Pedro Valdjiu.
COURSE OVERVIEW
The 8-Saturday modular PDC is an internationally recognised intensive program that equips students with:
a comprehensive understanding of the concepts of Permaculture
tools and know-how to design your own regenerative projects
the basics for land design, and whole-systems thinking tools to better navigate society as well as your own inner landscape
It is about 50% practical, with plenty of hands-on activities. We create a participatory learning environment and use interactive, embodied learning methods.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
Bill Mollison’s 72h curriculum
The seven domains of permaculture action from David Holmgren
The principles and ethics of permaculture
Permaculture design method for planning a project and designing a homestead - Schematic design
Orientation to Terra Alta as home and land resource system
Appropriate technology and sustainable energy systems
Animals in permaculture systems
Introduction to plant care and seed saving
Community and social tools for project and personal development
Regenerative landscape design
Water retention and regeneration
Composting and Soil Science
Bio-intensive techniques for kitchen and market gardening
Introduction to Regenerative Agriculture
Zero Waste strategies
Introduction to natural building
Food Forest design, management, and implementation
Introduction to herbalism
PROGRAM INFORMATION
COURSE FEE
Sliding scale price:
- fair: 800€
- regular: 850€
- supportive: 900€
This includes a vegetarian lunch on each course day with food sourced from our gardens. Upon registering you will be asked for your details and a registration fee of 200 € to secure your spot. This is a deposit and part of the course fee. You just pay the balance when you arrive. Please make sure to read our refund policy.
COURSE LANGUAGE
All our courses are conducted in English.
ACCOMMODATION
As this is a Saturday only course, we do not offer accommodation during the modular PDC.
SUITED FOR
Students looking for practical experience and holistic perspective (our certification can be accredited for university depending on the requirements of your programme-please check with your university first)
Project developers & land holders
Designers, architects, and landscapers
Ecologists and restoration workers
Activists & artists
Farmers
Urban gardeners
NGO-members
People in urban and settlement planning
Social workers
Environmental educators & school teachers
Community members & anyone looking for nature connection
STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
CONTINUING EDUCATION
KNOWLEDGE BASE
All students will have lifetime access to our easy-to-use online knowledge base which contains information from the core curriculum presentations, plus additional resources (which we update) to enhance students’ post-PDC self-learning path. This content is meant to be used as a complement to students’ notes taken in class.
ONLINE NETWORK
To keep in touch after the course and connect with Terra Alta's international community of permaculture practitioners, activists and artists, all students will get access to our bespoke online community. This gives the opportunity to share, ask questions, request volunteers or volunteering opportunities, and organise events.
