Samantha Woods: Permaculture Ethics & Principles Intro Workshop

This article describes an introductory permaculture workshop titled "Learning from Nature - Introduction to Ethics and Principles," offered by Samantha Woods, a certified teacher with the Permaculture Association UK. The workshop is designed to provide participants with foundational knowledge in permaculture, focusing on its core ethics and principles.

The course is structured into two distinct one-day sessions, though participants have the option to attend either one or both. The first day, scheduled for Sunday, February 8th, 2026, will concentrate on permaculture principles and the development of observation skills. The second day, on Saturday, February 14th, 2026, will delve into the permaculture design process and associated tools. While attending both days is not mandatory, the content of the second day builds upon the first, suggesting that prior attendance or understanding of the initial session's topics would be beneficial. A discounted rate is available for those who choose to book both sessions concurrently. Each day's session will run from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

The workshop aims to teach participants how to integrate permaculture ethics—Earth Care, People Care, and Fair Shares—with principles that emulate natural systems. The goal is to optimize the use of time, space, and energy to foster beauty and abundance. A practical component of the workshop involves using a neglected area at the Saffron Acres Project, designated for the new LEAF project, as a case study. Participants will learn how to apply permaculture design tools to create a space that addresses the needs of both people and wildlife, encompassing aspects like food production, shelter, nourishment, aesthetic appeal, and community.

This introductory course serves as a stepping stone for further learning in permaculture and offers opportunities for participants to contribute to the development of the new project area. Attending both days of the workshop will contribute 12 hours towards the 72-hour requirement for a full Permaculture Design Course.

The workshop will take place face-to-face at Saffron Heath, located at 60 Heathcott Road, Leicester, LE2 6AX, United Kingdom. Participants are advised to bring their own lunch, though refreshments will be provided. Given that a portion of the activities will occur outdoors, appropriate clothing and footwear are recommended.

Regarding costs, the workshop offers a tiered pricing structure to accommodate varying financial capacities. Local residents with an LE2 6 postcode can attend for free, a benefit supported by LEAF funding. For others, the standard daily rate is £35, with a "pay if forward" option at £45 per day, and a supported rate of £20 per day. Booking both days together offers a discounted price of £60. All proceeds from ticket sales and donations directly support the activities of the Saffron Acres Project. For instance, a £5 contribution can cover the cost of seeds, £15 can fund a new set of hand tools, and £25 can provide an hour of therapeutic support.

For booking inquiries, Karen Shepphard can be contacted, while Samantha Woods is the point of contact for course-related information. The contact email is permiesam@gmail.com, and the telephone number is 07890 587 611. Further details and booking can be accessed via the provided ticket link and Facebook page for Saffron Heath. There are no apprentice teacher positions available for this particular course.