Introduction to Permaculture - Weekend Course

See the world differently with Permaculture!

Join us for a transformative two-day weekend course designed for anyone seeking meaningful change; whether you're starting a new project or chapter in your life, looking to deepen your connection with nature, or wanting to be part of a supportive, like-minded community.

Permaculture is a powerful approach that can be applied across all areas of life; from growing food, to home design, shifting your livelihood, and sustainable business planning. It’s about working with nature’s patterns, not against them.

Over the weekend, you'll explore:

• What permaculture is and its origins

• Core ethics and principles

• An introduction to the permaculture design process

• Tools, real-life examples, and hands-on applications

You'll have the chance to put theory into practice with accessible, urban-focused activities; plus time working outdoors in the beautiful Secret Garden.

• Learn from Nature: Understand natural patterns and processes and how to design systems that can be applied to various aspects of life

• Feel Deeply Connected: with yourself, your community, and the natural world

• Collaborate & Share: Reflect, plan, and implement strategies that help accelerate natural regeneration

• Hands-On Learning: Get involved in practical activities which apply the principles to real-world scenarios

Through group work, games, discussion, video, and time in nature, you’ll gain tools and inspiration to bring permaculture into your everyday life.

Who is the Introduction to permaculture course for?

This course is for anyone curious about creating a more sustainable and connected way of living. Whether you're a farmer, gardener, homeowner, architect, project manager, tech professional, retiree, or simply someone seeking fresh inspiration; you’re welcome here. No prior knowledge of permaculture is required. We aim to create an inclusive, accessible experience for people of all backgrounds, abilities, and interests.

This course is suitable for anyone aged 16 years and over.

Please note we are a non-smoking, alcohol-free, no dogs site.

Feedback from our 2025 Introduction to Permaculture Courses:

"It was fantastic! Really great content delivered by excellent, knowledgeable teachers. The activities were varied and incredibly well designed to help us learn and apply the principles."

"Very good amount of substance for a weekend course."

"Thoroughly enjoyed the experience & feel inspired to take action. Thank you!"

"I just love being here with everyone. It is such a tonic for my soul! I love learning and meeting other wonderful people."

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How much does it cost?

• We are using a flexible pricing system to allow people with different income streams to be able to attend. We encourage people to give what they can afford.
• Standard price ticket £145*
  
• Lower earner ticket £115* - as a rough guide, for people on salaries below the Real Living Wage of £26k
  
• Pay-it-forward ticket £200* - pays for your place and also funds a bursary place
• Bursary ticket £50* - 4 places available for unwaged, full-time students, and people on means-tested benefits.
• Please email education@groundedcommunity.co.uk if you cannot afford the bursary ticket cost.
• The proceeds covers tuition, hot drinks, handouts AND makes a contribution towards Grounded Community's six projects, building community through sharing growing skills and local food.
• *Friends of Grounded can use their exclusive discount code and enjoy a 25% discount on the total ticket cost. Or if you haven't joined, click here to join the Friends of Grounded and obtain your discount code, which can be used straight away.
  

What should I bring?

• To reduce costs, we will be having a Bring & Share lunch on both days. Please bring a vegetarian or vegan dish to include in a cold shared buffet - bread, salad, hummus / dips, savoury pastries or cake are all welcome. Hot drinks, sweet pastries and biscuits will be provided.
• We'll be outdoors for the full session so please check the weather forecast and dress appropriately.
• Bring suitable clothing for practical gardening work.
• We have all the tools you will need and can lend you gardening gloves if you prefer to use them.

Can I bring my children?

• This workshop is suitable for anyone aged 16 years and over.
  
• Unfortunately we are not able to accommodate younger children on this workshop.

Can I bring my dog(s)?

• We are a 'no dogs' site. Unfortunately this also applies to very well-behaved ones too.
• We are a safe space for several adults and children with anxiety issues around dogs. Also we look after rescue chickens who are distressed by their presence.

What if I need to cancel?

• If something comes up and you can no longer make it, please tell us by replying to your booking confirmation email. Then we can let those people on the waiting list know that a space has come up. Thank you!
• Unfortunately we are not able to refund ticket costs on cancellations made less than 72 hours before the event. If you cancel before this time, please let us know if you would like a) your ticket cost to be donated to our charity to provide discounted/free spaces for disadvantaged communities to attend our workshops, b) your ticket to be transferred to a future available date on this workshop, or c) a refund to your account, minus processing fees.

How do I get there and where can I park?

If it's your first visit then please give yourself a bit of extra time to find us...We are tucked away in a corner of St Clements Churchyard, St Clements Road, Boscombe, BH1 4DJ. Our gate is in the churchyard. Walk towards the church along the path leading from Knole Road and our gate is on your right. Unfortunately there is no visitor parking allowed in the churchyard but there is some on-street parking available on Knole Road and the surrounding streets.

Any further questions about the course?

Please email education@groundedcommunity.co.uk