Introduction to Permaculture Course

If you’ve been looking for a practical way to engage with sustainable living and design, the Brighton Permaculture Trust is running their popular 'Introduction to Permaculture' course this summer. The specific session we’re focusing on takes place over the weekend of Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th June 2026. This two-day intensive is held at the beautiful One Garden in Stanmer Park, a location that makes sense given the Trust's deep roots there, including their work at The Plot. The course is designed to introduce the core principles of permaculture design, aiming to equip participants with the basic concepts needed to start applying these solutions in their daily lives. If you can't make the June date, the course is also offered in March and October, though those sessions are held at the Old Boat Corner Community Centre.

You don't need any prior knowledge to attend; the course is open to anyone 16 or older who is interested in tackling global challenges through design. The curriculum is comprehensive, covering everything from the history and ethics of permaculture to the actual design process and case studies. A key part of the experience is putting theory into practice through a collaborative design project over the two days. Teaching methods are varied, including group work and presentations, and they make sure at least a quarter of the time is spent outdoors, weather permitting. The sessions run from 9:30 in the morning until 17:30 in the afternoon. The teaching is handled by experienced tutors like Stephan Gehrels, Fran Pickering (who oversees the Permaculture Plot at Stanmer), Polly Charlton, and Ttai Morra.

Since this is an intensive course, booking is essential. The Brighton Permaculture Trust uses a tiered fee structure based on individual income, which helps make the course accessible to different budgets. For example, the standard rate for individuals earning over £25k annually is £247.50, but this drops to £200.00 for those earning between £18k and £25k, and further down to £152.50 for those earning less than £18k. There is also a limited concession rate available at £84.00 if you can provide evidence of eligibility. It’s worth noting that because the course involves time outdoors at Stanmer Park, participants should be prepared for walking on natural terrain and uneven paths. If mobility is a concern, the organizers recommend contacting them beforehand to discuss accessibility.