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residential
weekend course
low-impact living |
This
is a general course, providing an introduction to natural building,
renewable energy and food production using permaculture techniques.
There
will be theory and practical sessions, and plenty of opportunity
to debate the best ways to reduce our impact on our environment.
natural building
-
design
assessment: a design process to ensure that your goals are practical
and achievable
-
building
techniques: a look at the pros and cons of various methods -
e.g. straw, wood, cob, stone etc.
-
know
your materials: getting your hands dirty, and getting a feel
for how to work with a range of natural materials
-
tools
of the trade: what to use, how to use them and where to get
them; using a selection of hand-tools such as axes, draw-knives
and augers
- further info: books,
suppliers of materials, natural builders
renewable energy
-
first
things first: energy efficiency and conservation
-
energy
use, CO2 emissions and the problems caused
-
an
introduction to and overview of renewable energy technbologies
-
pv
- solar electricity
- wind turbines
- solar water heating
- heat pumps
- practical sessions
and exercises
permaculture
food production
Permaculture
can be defined as 'the conscious application of the principles of
ecology to the design of sustainable human habitats'. As such it
covers much more than food production but this a need common to
all, so land based design does take high priority! In this session
overall strategies in sustainable food production are examined and
illustrated. Topics include:
- site selection
- soil, water &
fertility management
- species selection
- pest management
- access
These
are integrated into overall land design that meets our needs and
that of the environment, while reducing work and waste. This process
is further illustrated in a practical exercise that demonstrates
how different plants can be established and managed together in
mutual benefit, and a slide show that illustrates permaculture in
practice at home and around the globe.
more
on low-impact living
how
to book: |
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if you can't open
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arrive: |
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Friday
evening at 6.30 for dinner at 7.30 |
depart: |
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Sunday
after lunch (served at 1.00) |
directions: |
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click here for
directions by bicycle, public transport and car |
what
to bring: |
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pen
and notebook; towel; warm outdoor clothes; boots / wellies
(meals and bedding are provided)
NO DOGS PLEASE |
let
us know: |
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if
you are vegan or have any food allergies, or any special needs |
accommodation: |
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3-4
people sharing single-sex rooms |
prices: |
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£190
high-waged; £160 waged;
£130 student / unwaged
Refundable up to two weeks prior to course (minus £30
admin fee)
No refunds for cancellations within two weeks of course
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discounts:
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car
sharing: |
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natural building:
teamwork needed here to get the poles in place for a round wood timber frame building
renewable
energy: testing the output of various types of solar pv panels
food production:
learning how to make a mulch bed that reduces work by keeping weeds
down and saving moisture
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