Forest Gardening Course - September 2026
Learn how to create & nurture a forest garden
This 2-day introduction to the concept and techniques of forest gardening involves theory and practice from visioning to harvesting, at a beautiful venue where we have started to establish gardens since 2016. You will be able to go home and start your own journey into forest gardening, or be better informed to manage a forest garden that you have already started.
If you can't make it this time, the next course will be April 25-26th 2026.
Dates
5th & 6th September 2026
Cost
£95 - £155
Facilitators
Chris Evans
Course Description
The 2-day course will cover:
- Benefits of forest gardening
- Ecological principles
- Site selection and design
- Integration of permaculture principles and design process
- Species selection
- Plant propagation
- Site preparation, establishment and maintenance; harvesting
- Integration with other farm and garden systems
What you will learn
The course will include hands-on practicals in topics such as plant propagation (grafting, budding, layering, etc.), mulching, site surveying and design layout, and planting a forest garden.
The course will assist participants to visualize, plan, establish and continue to maintain, harvest and learn from a forest garden, be it at home or on someone else's land such as a community garden, school garden, etc.
You will be able to go home and start your journey into forest gardening, or be better informed to manage a forest garden that you have already started. And you’ll know how to continue your journey through research into existing literature and being part of an ever-growing network of forest gardeners in the UK
Appreciation from Past participants
Thanks for a lovely weekend! You have given me lots of food for thought and confidence to crack on with projects. Maria
It feels so good to be back at Applewood. This space continues to be a seedbed of learning - sorting seeds all over the place. And I will do everything I can to carry and plant as many seeds as I can. Sam
Truly inspirational. Really well paced with mix of indoor/outdoor, theory/practical. Feel equipped to make the next steps. Thank you so much!
I found great Ideas, Information and Inspiration
Practical Information
Dates
5th & 6th September 2026
The course will run over the weekend beginning in the morning on the Saturday at 9.30am (please arrive by 9am to get settled in), and will finish on the Sunday at 5.30pm.
Booking
For enquiries and booking please email Emma at applewoodcourses@yahoo.com
* Special offer * 10% Discount if bring a friend (find out more here)
Fees
- Concession £95
- Low waged £135
- Waged £155
Making Payments
There are 3 payment scales
- Concession: means-tested benefits, students limited to 4 places per course
- Low waged: under £15K per year
- Waged: over £15K per year
We offer this sliding scale on an honesty basis to try and make courses more available for low-income groups. We trust that you will pay what is right for you. Payment by installments are also accepted - please let us know your needs. Secure your place with a £30 deposit.
Food & Accomodation
Participants coming from far afield are welcome to arrive on Friday evening and/or stay over on Saturday night - please let us know your needs. Camping is free. There is indoor accommodation, please enquire if you need to stay indoors.
We will provide hot drinks throughout the weekend, please bring your own packed lunches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not found what you need to know?
Visit our FAQ page for more information or email Emma at applewoodcourses@yahoo.com
Facilitators & Venue
Chris lives at Applewood with his partner Looby and children Shanti and Teya. He has taught permaculture in the UK, Europe, Nepal, India, U.S.A. and Mexico. He is also a UK assessment level tutor for apprentices working towards their diploma in applied permaculture design with the Permaculture Association Britain.
Applewood Permaculture Centre is a 20 acre smallholding, in Herefordshire, UK. Looby and Chris are lucky to have had this as their family home with their 2 daughters as well as a training centre since July 2016. There are various teaching spaces, from heated yurt and barn space to outdoor marquee and open air. There are many diverse habitats here, woodland, orchard, forest gardens, pasture, pool and kitchen gardens. Applewood is a tranquil sanctuary for wildlife and people alike. We are blessed with night times filled with owl hoots and immense starry skies that you’ll get to enjoy round an outside fire.
For regular updates and photos
see our facebook page
