Permaculture integrates land, resources, people and the environment through mutually beneficial synergies – imitating the no waste, closed-loop systems seen in diverse natural systems. Permaculture studies and applies holistic solutions that are applicable in rural and urban contexts at any scale. It is a multi-disciplinary toolbox including agriculture, water harvesting and hydrology, energy, natural building, forestry, waste management, animal systems, aquaculture, appropriate technology, economics and community development.
and special guest speakers.
by world renowned teachers
72 Hours of lectures delivered
and start teaching
Design Certificate
Gain your Permaculture
before the course starts
Permaculture Circle
Sign up to Geoff Lawton's
Permaculture Design Certificate Course 1st to 12th July 2024
To date, thousands of permaculture designers have been certified through this course. They now comprise a global network of educators, ecological activists, individuals and groups of committed people working together to change the way we view and design our landscapes. These Permaculture designers influence major corporations and create new business alternatives.
Permaculture is an ethical design science,
that mimics nature to supply all our
human needs whilst benefiting the environment
Course Description
The 72-hour Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC) Course allows you to be the change you want to see in the world. Based on Bill Mollison’s Permaculture Designers’ Manual, it provides skills and solid knowledge in Permaculture design as a science that can create abundant ecosystems sustainably in the backyard, a small farm or on a larger broad acre landscape.
The course teaches you how to design sustainable living systems for a wide variety of landscapes and climates. It includes the application of Permaculture principles to food production, home design, construction, energy conservation and generation, and explores alternative economic structures and legal strategies supporting permaculture solutions.
You will be taught by world-class teachers including Geoff Lawton. You will not find a better teacher than Geoff and he is supported by highly active and engaging staff, most of which live and teach alongside Geoff and Nadia at Zaytuna Farm.
Zaytuna Farm is Geoff and Nadia’s home. Permaculture is their life. They are farmers, teachers, and designers who actively pursue positive change in this world within their everyday lives and they are willing and able to share that with you for a more resilient future.
MEALS:
Meals are not included, however, You can purchase delicious farm-fresh meals from our on-site cafe as well as coffee and tea, and cakes.
Accommodation Booking:
Camping on-site in a self-provided tent/camper is available to book separately on Hip Camp
Course Schedule:
Course Outline
THE DESIGN SCIENCE
Theory & Principles of Permaculture
Concepts & Themes of Design
Systems Thinking & Methods of Design
WATER & EARTH
Water Harvesting & Management
Earth Working & Earth Resources
Aquatic Design & Aquaculture
Drought-Proofing
NATURAL BUILDING DESIGN
Ecological House Design & Placement
Energy Conservation Techniques
Recycling & Waste Management
Appropriate Technology
NATURE & CLIMATES
Pattern Understanding
Understanding Climate & Landscape
Designing for Different Climates
Windbreaks and Fire Control
SOIL & ECO-SYSTEMS
Soil & Health
Trees & Their Energy Transactions
Soil Rehabilitation & Erosion Control
Organic Food Production
Ecological Pest Control
Livestock
PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
Strategies of an Alternative Nation
Permaculture Careers
Practical Design Exercise
Included in the course
Face to face
lectures &
demonstrations
72 Hours of classroom lectures delivered by world renowned teachers
Special guest speakers
Extra-curricular activities
Farm Tour
Daily interaction with the Zaytuna Farm Team
A WEALTH
OF PERMACULTURE
KNOWLEDGE
Permaculture Design Certificate
On-going support through the Global Permaculture Network
Join Geoff Lawton’s Permaculture Circle with a 24/7 online community
Stay on site during your course
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 PDC is Geoff Lawton. Other teachers will also deliver various modules, these will be made up of guest speakers and the Zaytuna Farm Team. 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 PDC 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 organisations 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 PDC 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 a follow up course, sometimes we run Permaculture In Action and Teacher Training courses.
2. Become a Certified Permaculture Teacher
3. Create a profile and join the Permaculture Network
LOCATION:
This PDC 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