This course introduces the basic concepts of Permaculture, and develops a basis for permaculture design by explaining the patterns which occur in nature, such as weather systems, water cycles, topography, soil-plant interactions and forest ecology, and how a knowledge of these patterns can be used to reproduce balanced and productive garden growing systems.
E-Learning Structure
The duration of this online course is 100 hours. This consists of 5 in-depth lessons:
- Concepts – The basic theory and ethics of Permaculture
- The Environment – Ecosystems, the web of life and interactions between living organisms
- Soils – Soil management, fertilisers, nitrogen, cultivation, gas and nutrient cycles
- Climate and Water – The hydrological cycle, infiltration, microclimates, the Greenhouse Effect, water and plants
- Forest Systems – Biomass, how natural systems relate to agricultural systems
Course Aims
- Develop a good understanding ofthe scientific system of naming plants.
- Discuss some of the aspectswhich play a part in permaculture.
- Describe how permaculture is different to other forms of horticulture and agriculture.
- Visit an outdoor environment areadetermine what relationships the living and non-living things might have with each other.
- Explain how a permaculture system operates. Considering:-Relative location -Multiple functions-Multiple elements-Elevational planning -Biological resources-Energy recycling -Natural succession -Maximise edges-Diversity.
- Determine some of the characteristics of soil samples collected by you.
- Explain contour maps and howthis information can be used to estimate potential effects on plant growth.
- Explain the relationship between soils and plant growth.
- Research different ecosystems such as arid deserts, savannas, mangroves, etc.
- Explain weather patterns in your local area. Determine why this knowledge may be important to the permaculture practitionist.
- Explain water within an ecosystem or permaculture garden and its application.
- Describing the microclimate of arid classification.
- Describe the differences between the three main types of climate zones (ie: Tropical, Temperate and Desert); and briefly give your views on what major differences would need to be taken in establishing a permaculture system in each climate zone, compared with the other two.
- Consider the impact of plant communities on each other and to the rest of the ecosystem.
- Determine the affects of light, rainfall, wind, leaf letter, etc, on the growth of the plants you observed.
- Explain the importance of trees in a Permaculture system.
How Does A Warnborough Online Course Work?
You can start the course whenever is convenient for you. You will be studying from home and have access to support from our qualified tutors. Practical exercises and research tasks will be set at the end of each lesson – including an assignment. You will submit this assignment to your course tutor, who will mark your work and give you constructive feedback and suggestions.
If you have any questions please contact us.
