Rainwater harvesting at home

If you have ever looked at your garden during a downpour and wondered how to make better use of all that water, there is a practical session coming up on June 28, 2026, that might be worth a look. Brighton Permaculture Trust is hosting a course titled Rainwater harvesting at home at the Earthship in Stanmer Park. It is a full-day event, running from 10:00 to 17:00, aimed at anyone over 16 who wants to get hands-on with water management, whether for home use or gardening. You do not need any prior knowledge to attend, though it is worth noting that the course goes ahead regardless of the weather, so dressing appropriately for the conditions is a good idea.

The day is structured to cover the basics of capturing, storing, and purifying rainwater. The programme includes a mix of theory and practical application, touching on why we might want to collect water, how to calculate storage needs, and the different methods for distribution and purification. A significant part of the day involves a guided tour of the Earthship’s own water system, which processes rainwater for human consumption and manages greywater for toilets. There is also a practical session on installing water butts to downpipes, and a one-to-two-mile walking tour led by Paula Gardner from the Stanmer Preservation Society to look at historical water features in the area.

Regarding the logistics, the course is a paid event with a tiered pricing structure based on income. The fees are set at £175 for those with an income over £25k per year or for sponsored/organisation bookings, £140 for those earning between £18k and £25k, £105 for those earning under £18k, and a concession rate of £70. These prices cover the tuition, refreshments, and all the handouts and information sheets you will need for the day. Since space is limited, you will need to book your place directly through the Brighton Permaculture Trust website if you decide to go.