Forest Gardening Course - September 2023
Dates:
2nd - 3rd September 2023
Course Facilitator:
Location:
Applewood Permaculture Centre, Herefordshire UK
Course Description
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 they have started to be established over the past 5 years.
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
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
Anyone wanting to establish forest gardens by themselves or with others, privately or as a community venture
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
Logistics
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 senior level tutor for apprentices working towards their diploma in applied permaculture design with the Permaculture Association Britain.
The Venue
Applewood Permaculture Centre is a 20 acre smallholding. Looby and Chris are lucky to have this as their family home with their 2 daughters as well as a training centre. We have had the place since July 2016 so we are in the early days of observation and design ideas for setting this up as a demonstration centre.
There are various teaching spaces, from heated yurt and barn space to outdoor marquee and open air. There are many diverse habitats here already; we have woodland, orchard, pasture, pool and 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.