permaculture course

Permaculture Earthworks Course at Shanti Farm 28th of August to 1st of September 2023

Join Sam Parker-Davies and Shanti Permaculture Farm for a packed-solid 5-day course at Nambucca Valley.

Learn to design and build permaculture earthworks for ecosystem regeneration on your property.

The regeneration of any ecosystem is completely dependent on a balanced water cycle. To start this process on any property ALWAYS requires earthworks, whether it be roads and access paths, pads and footings for structures, or water harvesting earthworks for the infiltration and storage of water into our system.

WHAT WILL I LEARN? Topics Covered

For this course, students will learn how to survey, plan and design earthworks for a regenerative effect on their own projects. This will include;

  • using a laser level and an assortment of other surveying equipment to accurately plan earthworks
  • site assessment
  • selecting and directing machinery
  • basic mathematical formulas to calculate for good design
  • designing for a wide range of earthworks including roads, swales, dams & natural pools
  • techniques for implementation
  • estimating project costs 

This is a theoretical and practical course. Students will receive education in a classroom setting, but will also be brought onsite to observe large machinery constructing dams, and other water harvesting features. Students will need to be prepared for practical work outside  – surveying areas for earthworks, and doing delicate hand and shovel work that a machine can’t do.

This course should have a life-changing effect on how each student interacts with land and reads it, influencing each individual to see every degraded bit of land as an opportunity to create a paradise.

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BREAKS:

Coffee and tea breaks are provided during the course.

MEALS:

Lunch and morning Tea are included and made from organic produce grown on site. There are also basic self-catering facilities available on site. other alternatives available for dinner off site at the local pub.

Accommodation Booking:

Camping on-site in a self-provided tent/camper is available.

ABOUT THE TEACHERS

Sam Parker Davies

Sam Parker-Davies has directed earthmoving machinery for the Permaculture Research Institute of Australia on dams, house pads, roads, swales, rice padis, reed beds, gardens, food forests, orchards, canals, and many other features. He is a professional designer and consultant who has worked on large scale water cleaning system installations in Iraq, many various systems throughout Europe, Bahrain, Jordan and on his own property development projects around the Australia. Sam currently teaches whole systems Permaculture design for Geoff Lawton in the Greening the Desert Project in Jordan, and Zaytuna Farm in Australia.

EARTHWORKS COURSE FAQ

Questions & Answers

 

WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?

The principles we’ll be learning can be applied to designs and implementation at any scale, from the smallest veggie gardens to the largest farms. Whether you’re completely new to this all, you’re a seasoned farmer looking to let nature work harder for your bottom line, or you’re already a permaculture designer looking for more hands-on experience with earthworks to give you confidence in consultations, this course will be invaluable for laying a solid foundation for partnering with nature towards sustainable, regenerative and bountiful land stewardship.

 

WILL I BE SITTING IN A CLASSROOM THE WHOLE TIME?

There is a lot of material for us to get through in the classroom & it will be a solid week of learning, however you’ll also get plenty of time to stretch your legs and get your hands dirty. During the course of the week, you’ll be working alongside a veteran earthmover as he builds two different types of dams, a canal and a swale system which will be planted with a new food forest.

 

WHERE WILL I STAY DURING THE COURSE?

If you love waking up to birdsong and wallabies, we have plenty of space for you to pitch a tent, to pull up a van or park your camper so that you can roll out of bed & into class. We have composting toilets (thank you for your contribution to the fruit trees) and hot outdoor showers. If you’d prefer something more ‘civilized’, the Bowraville pub has rooms available.

 

ARE MEALS INCLUDED?

Shared morning tea and lunch will be provided each day (included in the cost of the course) using delicious produce from our farm, we’ll be happy to cater to your dietary requirements if you let us know. A fridge and basic communal cooking facilities will be available for you to use for breakfasts & dinners, or Bowraville offers some great cafe and pub meals just a couple minutes down the road.

 

HOW MUCH DOES THIS ALL COST?

The cost of the workshop is $2350, however you can get an earlybird price of $2000 if you book and pay before the 31 of may.  Please get in touch for payment plan options and group discounts if you’d like to bring some friends along for the ride

 

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SHANTI FARM

ABOUT THE LOCATION

This course will be taught at Shanti Farm, a small integrated regenerative farm on Gumbayngirr land. Exploring and demonstrating different models for stewarding biodiversity & Abundance.

Shanti Farm

LOCATION:

This course will be taught at Shanti Farm, located in Nambucca Valley

Nearest Airport

Regional:
Coffs Harbour airport is 40mins door to door, 15 mins to Nambucca. Detailed driving directions, parking/camping and farm maps will be included in the confirmation emails we send out to students

Train Station

Closest train station is Macksville,  Pick up from the station can be arranged if organised  shanti farm beforehand via hello@shantipermaculture.com