ridgedale PERMACULTURE PDC Information Booklet May 2014 by Richard Perkins

Permaculture Design Course Information Booklet May 16th - 31st 2014 90 hrs+ of curriculum based learning Internationally accredited via P.R.I. (Aus) & P.C. Assoc (UK)

farming, innovating and educating for the benefit of all

Åsen 20 Västra Ämtervik Sunne Sweden 686 95 www.ridgedalepermaculture.com www.permaculture.se

Breaking ground with our Yeoman’s 6SB Keyline Plow at a PDC Sweden, 2013

“Permaculture consciously and intelligently integrates regenerative agricultural ecosystems with socially just environments to produce fulfilling, stable and ethically sound livelihoods through whole systems management. Reflecting natural patterns, flows and relationships, permaculture design functionally interconnects diverse elements in highly cooperative and mutually beneficial arrangements that display robust energy efficiency and abundance of yield. The ethic of reinvesting surplus into natural and social forms of capital promotes care of all beings and the planetary systems.” Richard Perkins

Overview... Managing our farm holistically At ridgedale we believe that financially sustainable and socially beneficial livelihoods are founded on regenerating the world’s biospheres. We believe these three aspects that make up our triple bottom line are totally inseparable and so our decision-making consistently reflects this. To ensure our success we use testing questions to ensure our decision making at the farm is consistently aligned with our Holistic Goal. Below are 12 of the key outcomes we are managing towards related to our triple bottom line; 1. Build topsoil via intelligently integrated planting/Keyline layout & animal disturbances 2. Maximize photosynthetic energy captured on site 3. Restore water, carbon and nutrient cycling on site by mimicking natures processes 4. Create habitats that fully support organisms physiological needs 5. Increase diversity of wildlife species and natural “feedback” loops 6. Demonstrate socially just and sustainable profit with an open farm gate policy 7. Support world-class education in all aspects of regenerative systems design and holistic decision making 8. Develop local food resilience & facilitate access to beyond organic food by connecting people to local farmers 9. Prevent wasting of fiscal, human and ecosystem capital 10. Utilize regenerative technologies to minimize oil dependence 11. Create & demonstrate robust decentralized energy production 12. Continually reassess our holistic objectives and management process with decision makers

Read more about the design here http://issuu.com/richardperkins/docs/designoverviewbook

ridgedale PERMACULTURE is a family owned pasture and perennial crop based beyond organic local food producer and educational hub in Värmland, Sweden. A flagship multi- income diverse small farm, ridgedale is Scandinavia’s first Keyline designed farm and a leading regional education provider in the field of Permaculture and Regenerative Agriculture.

Birds eye view of ridgedale PERMACULTURE

ridgedale PERMACULTURE’S primary

responsibility is regenerating landscapes, ecosystem processes and soils through replicable, scalable and profitable symbiotic farm enterprises. Our secondary responsibility is to educate, facilitate, inform and empower people into action through regenerative design, enterprise and holistic decision-making that fosters and stimulates local community, economy and resilience.

ridgedale PERMACULTURE farm layout Cadastral Line

0.96 ha

90 yr + Spruce

0.66 ha

Through Access (1 farm above lying abandoned) Laneway Fencing for effective movement between grazing

Grassy Savanna planting on Keyline layout

768/ 1.36 ha 338m/ 0.4 ha

RAM pump 20 yr Spruce & Larch

0.2 ha

741m/ 2 ha

Permanent fencing (Animals moving in portable electric netting)

666m/ 1.84 ha

Perennial Streams

Main House with additional GH

Polyculture Perennial Stacked Plantings on Keyline layout inc. Apple, Pear, Plum, Cherry, Hazel, Chestnut var, Walnut var, Seabuckthorn, Raspberry, black/ red/ white currant, Gooseberry, Herbs and support plants Riparian Buffers both planted & natural regeneration. Edible/ Medicinal mushrooms, Elderberry, Aronia, Rowan, etc Pasture strips for rotational grazing of cow, sheep, turkey, chicken & rabbit plus strip cultivation for annuals on long rotation

555m/ 1.58 ha Willow Coppice (Firewood)

Tilia Pollards

Natural swimming pool

Biological Sewer Root Cellar

Pig Pasture & Leaf tree planting

Annual Gardens

50m

Permaculture Design Course Overview PDC runs 16 - 31st May 2014

Curious about the solutions that will allow us to restore the planets ecosystems whilst maintaining a stimulating and meaningful life living in resilient and mutually beneficial supportive ways? Are you looking to develop a career in professional Permaculture design? Wanting to establish your own project or farm? ridgedale Permaculture offers high calibre PDC trainings led by one of Europes most active professionals. This course has a pre-set curriculum based on the content of Bill Mollison’s Permaculture: A Designers Manual. During the course, we will touch on every major topic in the book, combining dynamic lecturestorytelling and hands on practical/ demonstration exercises. We bring design into the course regularly, this is a design course and our experience shows that students who participate in a single final design at the end of a course, as is “traditional” often fail to fully grasp the design process coherently and comprehensively.

The world famous 2 week intensive Permaculture Design Course empowers participants with the effective design solutions, skills and a methodical scientific approach to create resilient, synergistic systems that are ecologically sound, economically profitable and meet human needs, regardless of the site and circumstance.

“One of the most dynamic Permaculture teachers in Europe....” Maria Svennbeck, Director Permakulture Association, Sweden

Seeing integration as key to all we do we draw heavily on the work of Holistic Management® and Keyline Design® as well as other pioneering systems of Ecological and Social Design. Below is a summary of key topics & themes and you can read in more detail later in the document; •Theory and principles of Permaculture •Methods of design •Digital Design, CAD and GIS systems •Understanding patterns in nature •Water harvesting and management •Keyline Design® •Designing water into landscape •Drought-proofing •Water harvesting and drought-proofing •Trees & their energy transactions •Trees, water and energy cycling •Forest Gardens and Agroforestry Systems •Eco-friendly house placement and design •Energy efficient architecture •Bio Construction •Bio Intensive Annual production •Kitchen garden design •Composting •BioFertiliser & Compost Teas

Farming, innovating and educating for the benefit of all...

•Energy conservation techniques •Earthworks & their use in earth repair •Soils •Soil Microscopy •Soil rehabilitation and erosion control •Organic food production •Regenerative Livestock Management •Holistic Management® •Aquaculture •Ecological pest control •Climatic factors •Strategies for urban and rural settings •Recycling and waste management •Right livelihood •Catastrophe preparedness and prevention •Appropriate technologies for future communities •Jean Pain composting •Biochar •Reading landscapes

•Money and finance •Ethical investment •Bio regional organization •Effective working groups •Community Building •Decision Making •Leadership Development •Designing for urban and rural situations •Creating a balanced soil food web •Pattern Understanding •Intensive annual and perennial food and animal systems •Orchard and food forest design •System planning + integration •Design for different biospheres: tropics / drylands / cool climates •Strategies for building healthy, resilient communities •Regenerative Enterprise

Permaculture Design Course Overview Fast track your Permaculture pathway...

“Richard displays a wonderful didactic blend of charisma, engagement, team-building, empowerment and humility” IP_PDC student, Portugal, May 2013

Practical aspects of our courses This can vary due to the weather and according to our holistically managed priorities. As an Internationally Certified training we uphold the original format and perspectives for the training which has an intensive schedule. We do get out for practical work daily. Examples of practical’s from previous courses include; •Compost making •Compost Tea making •Soil microscopy •Bio Fertliser preparations •Mulch Systems •Tool use & care •Surveying & mapping •Establishing gardens •Growing under cover •Grafting fruit trees •Taking/ preparing cuttings •Keyline® Plowing •Pasture Examination

•Earth Resources Inspections •Tree preparation •Tree planting •Coppicing •Forest Garden planting •Growing Fungi •Bio Construction •Clay oven making •Pond construction •Preserving food •Bread baking •Beer making •Site visits

The day to day running of the farm will be also be your responsibility during your stay. These daily tasks will involve maintaining farm animal systems, kitchen garden systems, water systems, waste systems, nursery systems and the people systems of the farm. Teaching staff will mentor the interns through this process so that they feel comfortable in running systems in a diverse Permaculture project site.

Daily Schedule during the course The daily schedule is fast paced and intensive but sense engaging and suited to multiple learning styles. This PDC will have a day off on the middle Sunday, otherwise the daily timetable is as below;

Preparing for your design assignment Hone your design skills... Our extensive teaching experience has shown us that it is protracted observation and design thinking that allow you to synthesize and utilize the broad information we will cover in our time together. We have regular quick design exercises in our PDC courses to help synthesize and solidify the learning. There is an extended period over the final few days for a more extensive group design. (All our design work will be in small groups) If you have a site you would like to develop design plans for then begin taking photographs and looking for topographic maps and aerial photographs. Search Google, Bing or local service for these if you do not have a detailed survey of your property. Public online topographic maps vary greatly from country to country so hunt online and see what you can find. You should also be able to find wind data, rainfall and temperature data easily enough. Take some soil tests, perhaps dig a soil profile pit and take some jar tests to find the composition of the soil. Take photos. If you can you might take some basic chemical analysis. Record species of plants exisiting on your site- can you find out what they might indicate?

We are in a creative and supportive learning environment during our time together and encourage participants to come with an open mind for learning from a diversity of people from varying backgrounds and cultural viewpoints. We keep a space before breakfast for exercise and also fit in daily tasks that support the smooth running of the farm and it’s systems. 10 Week Internship participants will also be able to help orientate you to the farm. “I would 100% recommend this course to anybody who wants to learn more about Permaculture! It’s delivered in such an inspiring and knowledgeable way, that when you finish the training you can’t wait to put it all into practice!” IP_PDC student, Sweden 2013

Basically, you are starting to gather data. Good design responds to both your objectives and the potential of the landscape. If you do not have a place to work on then you are welcome to work on designing systems or portions of the farm here. Have a look at the recommended reading at the end of this booklet and delve deeper into design beforehand if you can.

Why take a training at ridgedale PERMACULTURE?

Our courses are accredited by the Permaculture Research Institute (PRI), Australia (PRI Registered Teacher No. 24) and the Permaculture Association UK. This ensures you are you being trained by a personally vetted field trained professional, actively engaged in design and with recognized teaching skill. We make a living designing professionally and we live and work in our designs and are continually deepening our knowledge and understanding to empower what we have to share. We are engaged in regenerative design daily; professionally, on the farm and at home and have been for many years. We are 100% committed to radical system redesign by managing financial, social and ecological elements holistically. DESIGN is the foundation of all our trainings Our experience shows that students engaging in regular design exercises synthesize course content much more effectively, and produce more competent and actionable designs. We teach principle-based design, so you will understand how to apply design to any site regardless of the climate or circumstance. Our no nonsense approach to design is key to our trainings, and our practical experience in every major climate zone integrating the best of several disciplines of regenerative design means we can impart very broad and practical knowledge and experience. We offer a clear, pragmatic and scientific approach to design. Permaculture is a design science; metaphysics is not included in our curriculums, and for good reason. Students of all backgrounds, cultures and religions are fully welcome and respected. We are integrationalists and believe in integrating anything effective and workable from any discipline to widen our scope, we have been using Keyline速 design and Holistic Management速 in our work for years. Permaculture Design and Regenerative Ag. are our full time passion and work We are committed to regenerating soils, farms and communities through our work- globally. We run an extensive education and consultancy service and have designed in over a dozen countries on 4 continents in every major climate zone. Aside from our busy teaching schedule we have consulted for a variety of projects and clients. We invest our surplus into furthering our work regenerating landscapes and educating others to do the same. We only work with world-class practioners and teachers, whilst we have often run solo trainings we also co- teach with some of the best in the field. See our website for past co- teachers http://www.ridgedalepermaculture.com/past-co-teachers.html We can support you after the training with both personal and professional experience in further education we can offer advice, design support and recommend further learning opportunities for those wishing to take design further. We have acted as mentors in longer term education programs, such as the 2 yr Permaculture Diploma, as well as run a wide variety of workshops and trainings to students from over 45 countries through all climate zones.

Other information you need to know for your stay at ridgedale PERMACULTURE Dedicated to the benefit of all... Site Policy

Accommodation & Facilities

Catering

Included in the cost

ridgedale PERMACULTURE is We have a shared dorm-style sleeping Our courses are fully catered from The cost of your course includes a

a family home as well as a professional learning center. We cater to people from many cultures and nationalities so to help maintain a comfortable stay for all students are asked to follow a code of conduct during their visit.

For the benefit and wellbeing of all staying at the farm there is a strict no drugs policy. Anyone transgressing this policy will be asked to leave immediately. Consumption of alcohol is also only permitted on Friday/ Saturday evenings. We do not tolerate any form of anti social behavior/ conduct and our commitment to deep ethics and the benefit of all form the basis of our working and social relationships.

loft for 20 people. You also have an op- our practical farmhouse kitchen with tion to camp on our land if you prefer. our full-time farm chef. We provide as much basic fresh food from the Washing facilities are a large communal farm as possible, vegetables, fruit, sauna/ washroom with a couple of pri- dairy, eggs, meat, etc. At some times vate stalls for bucket showers, if you need of year we may also have wild meats, them. We ask people to bring purely berries and mushrooms available ecological soaps as they drain into our too. All bulk products we buy in plant systems. Please also bring a swim- are organic and the meals we serve ming costume for the sauna/ washroom. are of a wholesome farm menu type, Whilst this is not exactly traditional which include preserved, fermented by Swedish standards we must point and dried surplus products from the out that we have people from all over farm. We offer an option of our meals the world attending our trainings from without meat products for vegetarvery different cultural backgrounds. ians, any variations to basic meat or vegetarian diet we are not able to Internet will be accessible for lim- cater for, so students with specialited hours of the day and for email ized diets need to supplement their and basic web viewing only please. meals with their own food purchases.

“A deep dynamic well of hands on experience delivered with the joy and love that the earth needs now...” IP_PDC student, Thailand, 2009

full internationally recognized PDC course (P.R.I. Aus and P.C. Assoc. UK) and also includes organic or beyond-organic farm food caterering, access to our physical & digital libraries, learning materials and accomodation. We also offer pick up and set down at Västra Ämtervik. We are sorry but we do not offer reductions; our intention is to bring you the highest quality up- to- date trainings at affordable rates. We believe we are very competitively priced, particularly considering the cost of living and taxation in Sweden is amongst the highest in the world. We understand some people have difficulty raising the funds to participate in trainings, so we act as a course provider for Wethetrees, a dedicated Permaculture crowd sourcing site; http://www.wethetrees.com/pages/ fund-your-permaculture-designcourse

Getting to ridgedale PERMACULTURE

What to bring for your stay?

Driving We are located quite centrally to all the major regional transport

Bring what you need to be comfortable. We provide a delicious and wholesome rounded diet with farm kitchen style menu but perhaps bring any special treats that we may not be able to cater for. • Work clothes, which you are happy to get get dirty • Strong work boots & comfortable shoes • Non-work clothes, be prepared for cold, multiple layers is best • Swimming costume for sauna (we have people from many cultures) • Water bottle for comfort when working in the field • Flashlight / Head lamp, important • Books- Bring a few to show to others • Towel and non toxic toiletries • Sunscreen/ hat/ sunglasses/ working gloves, etc if you need them • Notebook and good pens for taking notes • Maybe your own supply of coffee, we only offer it at breakfast! • Laptop if you like (internet access will be limited data & time wise) • A musical instrument if you like to play one • An open mind for learning from everyone present • High quality chocolate (optional but appreciated!)

Latitude: 59°50’15” N, Longitude: 13°08’34” E

hubs. We are 3 hrs from Oslo, 4 hrs from Stockholm & 3.5 hrs from Gothenburg. For Google maps use this address; ÅSEN 20, 686 95 Västra Ämtervik, Värmlands län, Sweden

Train & Bus We recommend using the website http://www.sj.se/ which gives you all the options and comparative prices when travelling in Sweden, in both Swedish and English. We can pick you up in Västra Ämtervik which is a neat 6km from the farm. Flying Travel is simple from the three major transport hubs above. Use the train/ bus link to determine what feels best for you.

Come sun, rain or snow...

Booking onto the Permaculture Design Course We manage our bookings online, you can reserve a spot or pay in full via the secure service on the website. You can also contact us here http://www.ridgedalepermaculture.com/contact.html

Example Detailed Schedule for the PDC Day 1 Planting the Permaculture seed •Orientation + Tour of Site •Class Introductions, Schedule Overview •Intro “buddy” session •Definitions of Permaculture •Brief History of Permaculture •Where are we at today? •Permaculture in landscape/ society/ community context •The evidence of why we need to act, key global challenges •Understanding Exponential Function •Evidence for PC •History of Agriculture in last 10,000yrs> Social consequences •Philosophy and concepts •Ethics Interactive> “Anthrographs” •Principles of Permaculture Example Evening/ Additional/Practicum/ Design information; Neural Ecology (Edward De Bono) Understanding patterned individual thinking and tools for collaborating Fermented food/ beverages Practicum Food Preservation & Nutrition Presentation Day 2 Design Process and Methodology •Design Process Intro •Design Process Intro •Underlying principles and natural laws •Tradition, culture anthropology perspective of learning/ governance •Design/ strategy & Techniques •Keyline Scale of Permanence •Methods of Design •Articulate Goals •Analysis and Assessment •Design Phase: Methods of Design •Implement •Evaluate •ACRONYM’s •Slope, Key Points, orientation, aspect, data overlay •Zones and their placement •How it relates with Sector Planning •Designing in zones 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 •Random assembly •Effective collaboration •Incremental design •Functional Interconnections and Leverage in design •Succession on the land and of projects •Mapping, GIS systems, Advanced Design

Practicum, making 18 day compost Trust Building activity & reflection Day 3 Pattern Understanding

•Observation walk •Slideshow global patterns •Extrapolate key forms and identify function •The Scale of Permanence as an effective organizing pattern for Permaculture Design •Core model pattern •Modern patterns & images in culture •Universal patterns micro to macro, emptiness and form •Powers of Ten, the pattern of the universe •Extending and optimizing edges •Boundary conditions •Compatibility/ Tessellation/ Communication •Traditional use of patterns globally •Pattern Understanding •Pattern Languages •Whole System integrated design Quick Group Design, Redesigning the space with a Pattern Language Evening Activity Social space Day 4 Water •Group Check In •Introduction •Properties/ chemistry of water •pH •The water cycle. Regional + global concerns •Rain water harvesting •Anti Evaporation Strategies •Biological water cleaning systems •WET systems •Water harvesting & water reduction in sewage systems •Drinking water solutions •Tree bogs •Water reduction in sewage systems •Understanding water in landscapes> sandpit •Water Storage Placement •Climatic Variances •Mulch Systems Contour Practicum Water layer group design Evening Activity Integral Theory and Spiral Dynamics Presentation

Day 5 Earthworks and Aquaculture •Geography & Geometry of Keyline •Topography & Cartography •Catchment/Watershed Analysis •Priority of Water in Master Planning •GIS/CAD Design •Low-Med-High Tech Survey •Land Capability/Component Analysis •Erosion Restoration •Irrigation and gravity designs •Earthworks> •Constructing dams, swales, banks, terraces, roads and drains •Appropriate Machine Selection •Understanding aquatic systems •Aquaculture •Climatic Variances •Chinampas Water layer group design Evening Activity Skillshare Day 6 Soils, Garden to Farm •Soil Web Roleplay •How to act in garden context •Various Mulch systems •Bare soil = public enemy no. 1 •Climatic Variances •Traditional methods observation walk> •Plant indicators •Seed Saving •Bioregional Strategies •Structure & Composition •Soils direct link to health •Decay/Fertility •Soil pores and crumb structure importance. •N Fixers/ Dynamic Accumulators •pH •Carbon •18 day Compost and Vermicompost •Actively Aerated Compost Tea •BioFertiliser •Terra Pretta •Jean Pain •Keyline •Non- Inversion ripping •Biological Monitoring •Holistic Management Grazing Planning •Biomimicry •Pasture Cropping

Practicum, eg, Making Bio Fertilisers Mulch systems/ types, Biochar Evening Activity Slideshow/ Film Short group design exercise or Teacher demonstration of design approach with participant’s site/ data projected Day 7 Trees and their functions/ uses •Trees and their Energy Transactions •Soil biology/ complexity pasture/horti/food forest/ forest •Understanding trees> •Forest & Functions •Climatic Variances •Trees in a wider landscape/ cycle context •Root, mineral and rain interactions. •Implications for design, Windbreaks •Various types of forest. •Establishing trees •Ground Prep •Establishing a nursery seed collection and in ground plant stock •Fruit trees from seed •Nursery Considerations •Sustainable Forestry & Coppice •Forest Gardening •Guilds and stacking •Mycology & Mushroom production •Innoculants •Agroforestry Decision Making exercise & reflection Evening Activity Film night/ World café •Propagation and Grafting Practicum •Pollination and Seed Saving

Day 8 Climate, Microclimate and Building Design •Global weather patterns •Precipitation, radiation and wind •Microclimate features and leveraging in design •Group Observation/ Species assembly Design Exercise onsite or on maps of own properties •Humid Vs Brittle landscapes, how it effects design •Implications for Climate Change, •Micro/Local/ Regional Climate Implications •Latitude and altitude •Major landscape features/design components/ cropping strategies/ Energy considerations/ •Natural building slideshow •Materials/ Techniques •Animal considerations/building requirements with regard to> oTemperate strategies oCold Temperate strategies oArid Strategies oSub-tropics/ Tropics strategies Creating value in our community, gift economy circle

Day 10 Tropics/ Sub Tropics •Climate types, tropical soils and •Earthshaping for soil/ water conservation •House design and zone 1 planning •Integrated land management •Elements of a village complex in the tropics. •Evolving a polyculture, themes on a palm dominant polyculture. •Pioneering, animal tractor systems and grassland and rangeland management. •Humid tropical coast stabilization and shelterbelts. •Case Studies & References. Temperate Strategies •Characteristics of a humid cool climate, soils, landform and water conservation. •Settlement and house design, the home garden, berry fruits, glasshouse growing. •Orchards, farm forestry, free range forage systems, the lawn. •Grasslands, rangelands, cold climates, wildfire. •Designers check list. •Case Studies & References. Major group design exercise time

Short group design, eg, small enterprise/ social enterprise/ urban garden design

Evening Activity Film night/ World Cafe

Day 9 Urban Permaculture and Money

Day 11 Animals in Permaculture

•Urban slideshow •Food in the city •Bio- intensive food production •Biological pest control> •Recap soil health, Mulch, Preparations, Interventions, Last resorts •CSA’s •Allotments/ Community gardens •Schools for the future •Understanding money, energy flows •Finances •Getting over “green” money blocks •Right Livelihood •Different forms of capital •Social Enterprises, case study •Intercepting waste streams, case study •Crowd Sourcing, case studies •LETS •Transition Towns

•Recap on 10,000yrs of farming •Right animals for the job •Regenerative Agriculture •Allowing animals to express their “animalness” •Input/ Output analysis •Bees •Poultry •Pigs •Cattle •Case studies, regenerative agriculture eg, Polyface and Krematahoff •Polymarketing •Legalities •Integrative systems, pulling it all together connecting all the dots

Major group design exercise begins> Flow chart to recap process, standard expected

Evening Activity Social evening, eg, Pizza Party

Leadership exercise & reflection on leadership models Major group design exercise time

Day 12 Invisible Structures •Bioregionalism •Eco villages •Community •Governance & Decision-making •Legal considerations •Land Access •Project Costing & Scheduling •Due Diligence •Holistic Management Decision/ Economic planning Day 13 Harvesting what we’ve sown… •Major group design wrap up •Energiser activities •Presentations and feedback •Tidy up, photographs with all design work, discuss development over course Major group design final wrap up session Evening Activity The great, the only, (NO) TALENT SHOW! Sustainable participatory fun and celebration of all that has been achieved and all that we will do from here… Day 14 Moving on… •What’s next? •Diploma/ GU •The wider networks •Careers in Permaculture •Resources •Feedback •Group Photos •Email lists/ Contact groups Certificate ceremony •Lunch •Departures

Regenerating the world’s ecosystems, communities & economies depends on YOU!