Another world is possible! Run by Spiralseed and hosted at OrganicLea, this permaculture design course is all about helping you design a better life, community, and world.
It runs over six weekends, from spring through to autumn 2026, at the 12-acre Hawkwood Nursery, on the edge of Epping Forest.
Some course details
You’ll learn practical ways to tackle real-world problems, gain new skills, and connect with others. The course follows the Permaculture Association (Britain)’s core curriculum and focuses on people, making learning fun, hands-on, and inclusive.
You’ll explore permaculture ethics, principles, and design skills, from forest gardening to systems thinking, community action, sharing skills, and building sustainable livelihoods.
The format is lively and interactive, using a mix of visuals, sounds, and hands-on activities. There will be group work, games, discussions, practical projects, and more.
It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn about permaculture with Graham Burnett, who is an artist, writer, and permaculture teacher from Southeast Essex. He’s been active in social and environmental justice since the late 1970s and has spent more than 25 years running workshops and courses with groups like Comic Relief, Bioregional, Capital Growth, Naturewise, OrganicLea, and many more. He’s written and illustrated ‘Permaculture – a Beginners Guide’ and ‘The Vegan Book of Permaculture’.
The course is vegan-friendly, and everyone who completes at least 70% of the course and the group design project at the end will receive the internationally recognised Permaculture Association (Britain) Certificate in Permaculture Design.
When and where?
Most sessions will be held in a purpose-built outdoor wooden classroom, a magical space designed and built by Adrian Leaman of Wholewoods, who are experts in roundwood timber framing.
The course will be taught by Graham Burnett along with fantastic guest teachers.
Dates
You’ll join us for six weekends, from May to October 2026.
• Saturday 16th – Sunday 17th May
• Saturday 20th – Sunday 21st June
• Saturday 18th – Sunday 19th July
• Saturday 15th – Sunday 16th August
• Saturday 26th – Sunday 27th September
• Saturday 17th – Sunday 18th October
Time
10:00am – 16:30pm
Cost
The full price for all 12 days is £590. There are a limited number of bursary places for people on lower incomes, and a higher rate option to help support those who need subsidised spots. If you’re applying for a concession, please only do so if it’s really needed.
Read the Spiralseed article Can’t Afford A Course? for other creative ideas for raising your fees such as crowdfunding, available grants, etc before applying for a subsidised place.
How to book a place
Please visit the Permaculture Design course page on the Spiralseed website for more details and to request a booking form.
