Earthworks is the foundational first step of any long term project and unfortunately often a non-regenerative plague that haunts modern human civilisation. Moving earth is something humans have done since the very dawn of human life, shaping water courses, enhancing opportunities or leading to ruin. In this course we will learn how we can harmonise land shapes to natural water flows so that human settlements can be actively regenerative. Roads, house pads, dams, swales; designing earthworks to sustain regenerative human settlements.
Earthwork Courses
Course Description
In this course students will learn the theory behind creative and regenerative earthworks to ensure 1. no erosive effect occurs across landscapes 2. Soil is actively built 3. maximum water capture is achieved, and 4. the regenerative uses of water are achieved. The course is both theoretical and practical, with on-the-ground earthworks occurring through the duration of the course, as well as theory for designing and engineering suitable earthworks. Make sure to bring your gumboots and sun hat as well as a notebook and pen!
Students will be taught by world-class teachers Geoff Lawton and Sam Parker-Davies. Geoff Lawton is internationally renowned and one of the most famous names in Permaculture considered an elder in the movement with one of the most impressive bodies of work behind him that exist within this field, and Sam Parker-Davies is a full-time international consultant, project manager, developer, and farmer, born into Permaculture, and Geoff’s student for almost 10 years. Both Sam and Geoff have worked all over the world for the poorest of the poor and the richest of the rich, committed to the regeneration of our beautiful earth because they believe it is the only ethical direction for humanity.
This is only offered once a year and is part of a limited edition special course series on a very unique and sophisticated, 25 year old Permaculture site, unlike anywhere else in the world. These courses will not run longer than a few years on this site, so book in while they are available. This course can be expanded in depth and length upon request, but demand must be suitable. Please note “Week 2”
Curriculum:
- Day 1: A tour of existing earthworks across the site. Differences, unique qualities, regenerative effects and maintenance needs.
- Day 2: Planning earthworks and reading maps. LiDAR and design software
- Day 3: Surveying planned earthworks on the ground.
- Day 4: Selecting appropriate machinery and directing it
- Day 5: Planting earthworks
Running schedule is subject to change due to the changing nature of earthworks on the ground.
Week 2 (Optional – upon request – must be booked and organised one year in advance) In-depth hands-on experience with master earthmovers and cartographers
(must be requested – extra cost)
Email us directly to register and book for an extra week
Course Outline
INTRODUCTION
Reason for earthworks and types of earthworks
Earthwork elements and types of machines
Learning how to use survey equipment; learning practical surveying and design of dams and swales
Learning how to direct earthmovers
DAMS & SPILLWAYS
Design systems with multiple elements
Specifics of dam construction and design issues
Tour farm site to identify different elements on the farm
Survey of dams. Break into groups for survey designs
SWALES & SPILLWAYS & GABIONS
Specifics of swales
Integration of swales into a system including planting-up of the system
Visit existing swale sites
Surveying of potential sites. Break into groups for survey designs
EARTH BANKS
House Sites/Benches/Terraces
Access tracks/driveways/crossing pipes
Activity: Stability Plan-Ups and Erosion Control
Placing of swivel pipes and crossing pipes
REVIEW OF EARTHWORKS
Questions and answers from the class
Miniature Earthworks Exercise by students
Completion of unfinished design projects with groups
Included in the course
Face to face
lectures &
on the ground practical
Classroom lectures delivered by a world-renowned teacher
Question & answer sessions
Practical sessions on the ground with the earthmover
Farm Tour
REAL
HANDS ON
LEARNING
Learning how to use survey equipment
Learn how to survey dams
Learn how to place swivel pipes and crossing pipes
ONSITE CAMPING ACCOMMODATION
AVAILABLE TO BOOK SEPARATELY
If you would like to stay at Zaytuna Farm during the course you can book your accommodation on hip camp. by booking accommodation you get access to:
Hot Showers
Camping Shelter/ or on-ground camping
Access to Wi-fi
Access to kitchen facilities
*Please note only 10 camping shelters are available. Plenty of ground space is available.
ABOUT THE TEACHERS
The main facilitator for this course is Geoff Lawton. Geoff is internationally recognized as a leading earthworks engineer – having extensive experience worldwide in setting up earthworks systems that drought-proof land and optimize productivity.
Whilst we try to ensure that we advertise the correct teacher information on the site, due to unforeseen circumstances, the teachers may change at short notice.
Geoff Lawton
Geoff Lawton is the main facilitator for this course. He is a Permaculture consultant, designer, and teacher. He first took his Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC) Course with Bill Mollison in 1983. He holds a Diploma in Permaculture Education, Design, Implementation, System Establishment, Administration, and Community Development given by the founder of Permaculture, Bill Mollison.
Geoff has undertaken thousands of jobs teaching, consulting, designing, administrating, and implementing, in 6 continents and close to 50 countries around the world. Clients have included private individuals, groups, communities, governments, aid organizations, non-government organizations, and multinational companies.
He has currently educated over 15,000 students in Permaculture worldwide. These include graduates of the Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC) Course and courses focused on the practical design of sustainable soil, water, plant, and legal and economic systems.
ZAYTUNA FARM
ABOUT THE LOCATION
This course will be taught at Zaytuna Farm, As one of the leading Permaculture demonstration sites in the world, Zaytuna Farm has a range of functioning systems including water harvesting, food production, and a very productive animal husbandry. All of which will add to the learning experience and make this course a very rich experience and one not to be missed.
What OUR STUDENTS SAY
I NOW HAVE A NEW PERCEPTION OF THE WORLD!
The PDC and PIA course at Zaytuna Farm have opened my mind for a new perception of the world around me, in particular, the connection with people, community, and Earth. These three weeks have cracked open my heart, it is almost like a spiritual journey. Because finally, I know there is a practical and realistic path everyone and I can walk on to make a positive impact on the world.
-YING GLORIA CHUNG
ZAYTUNA FARM IS A VERY UNIQUE PLACE
Geoff and his team have built Zaytuna Farm into a very unique place. One which turns nervousness into comfort, strangers into family, and teaching Permaculture into an amazing mix of art, science, and community. I simply cannot recommend the PDC at Zaytuna Farm enough – and would love to go back one day soon!
– SCOTT WILSON
YOU GET THE TOOLS TO BECOME PART OF THE SOLUTION
Doing my PDC at Zaytuna Farm was a dream come true. Being immersed in Permaculture — especially followed by Permaculture in Action — is a life-changing experience. Coming to understand Permaculture means you can never look at things the same way again and opens up the natural world to you. You have the tools to become part of the solution. In addition to the PDC curriculum, the chance to meet interesting, positive people from around the world was a huge plus!
-JEANMARIE TODD
WHAT NEXT ?
The Next Steps
1. Check our Courses & Events page and enrol in an additional course to broaden your Permaculture knowledge.
2. Become a Certified Permaculture Teacher
3. Create a profile and join the Permaculture Network
$2,000.00 – $3,000.00
LOCATION:
This course will be taught at Zaytuna Farm, which is located 1 kilometre from the village of the Channon, 20km outside of Lismore in New South Wales, Australia.
Nearest Airport
Regional: Lismore, Coolangatta, Ballina
International: Brisbane
Train Station
Casino (with bus service on to Lismore)
Bus Stop
The Channon
NB: A limited service that runs Mon-Fri