Practical Permaculture Gardening Course

If you have been looking for a way to get your hands dirty while learning how to manage a garden more sustainably, there is a Practical Permaculture Gardening Course happening at Stanmer Park on the 6th and 7th of June 2026. It is a two-day workshop running from 09:30 to 17:00 each day, and it is designed for anyone over 16 who wants to apply permaculture principles to their own space, whether that is a home garden, an allotment, or a community plot. It is open to both beginners and those who already have some gardening experience under their belts.

The course is led by Fran Pickering, who has over 12 years of experience working on the site. The approach here is very hands-on; the sessions are almost entirely practical and involve a tour of the grounds, so you should be prepared to spend the entire time outdoors. The curriculum covers a range of essential topics, including how to grow both annual and perennial food crops, methods for composting, and ways to manage soil fertility. You will also look at practical techniques like 'no dig' gardening, rainwater harvesting, and how to control pests without relying on chemicals. The goal is to provide a solid understanding of how to design gardens that are productive and supportive of local wildlife.

Regarding the logistics, the course is not certified, but it does offer a deep dive into the core principles of permaculture. There is a sliding scale for the fees, which range from £84 to £247.50, depending on your circumstances. It is worth noting for anyone planning to attend that the site is not suitable for wheelchair users, so keep that in mind when booking. If you are interested in the practical side of gardening and want to see how these design concepts work in a real-world setting, this weekend at Stanmer Park offers a straightforward way to learn those skills.