Bogata Šuma: 5-Day Permaculture & Sustainable Living Course
By Barbara
TL;DR: Learn hands-on permaculture skills and sustainable living practices at a 5-day immersive course in Croatia.
- Gain practical permaculture skills for ecological gardens.
- Learn composting, natural fertilizers, and building techniques.
- Utilize herbs for health and make eco-friendly cleaners.
- Experience a self-sufficient permaculture farm.
- Apply sustainable practices directly to daily life.
Why it matters: Acquiring permaculture skills directly contributes to creating a more resilient and self-sufficient lifestyle, reducing environmental impact.
Do this next: Research local permaculture courses or workshops in your area and consider attending one to gain practical experience.
Recommended for: Anyone seeking a comprehensive, practical introduction to permaculture and sustainable living practices delivered in an immersive farm setting.
An introductory course on permaculture and sustainable living is scheduled to take place at Bogata Šuma, a permaculture farm in Croatia, from April 20th to April 24th, 2026. This five-day, in-person program is designed to provide participants with practical knowledge and hands-on experience in permaculture principles, aiming to foster a more sustainable and fulfilling lifestyle.
The course curriculum encompasses a variety of topics relevant to ecological living. Attendees will learn how to establish and maintain an ecological garden or balcony, observe a mature food forest in operation, and gain skills in creating compost and natural fertilizers. The program also includes an introduction to natural building techniques, guidance on utilizing herbs for health, and instruction on formulating eco-friendly cleaning products. The organizers emphasize that the learning experience will be highly practical, sensory, and enjoyable, with all acquired knowledge directly applicable to daily life. The setting at Bogata Šuma, described as a living example of low-maintenance self-sufficiency, is intended to provide an immersive and illustrative learning environment.
The daily schedule for the course is structured to include three instructional sessions, interspersed with breaks. Mornings will feature two sessions, from 10:00 to 11:30 and 12:00 to 13:00, with a tea break in between. A shared lunch is planned for 13:00, followed by an afternoon break at 14:00. The third session of the day will run from 15:00. Evenings are dedicated to shared dinner preparation starting at 17:00, with dinner served at 19:00, and the rest of the evening free for participants.
The cost of the course varies based on several factors. The standard price is €475. A bursary-supported rate is available for €550. Reduced rates are offered for specific groups: €400 for those who are low-waged, under 18, over 70, or from former Yugoslavia. A significantly discounted rate of €100 is offered to individuals who commit to volunteering at Bogata Šuma for three weeks or more after the course. The course fee covers all tuition, daily breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, as well as accommodation in either a camping spot or a shared two-person room. An incentive is also provided for participants who bring a friend, offering a 20% discount on the course fee, though this offer does not apply to the volunteering spots.
The course is categorized as an "Introduction to Permaculture" and will be conducted face-to-face at the Bogata Šuma location, specifically at Živković Kosa 11, 47220 Vojnić, Croatia. Barbara Scheltus is listed as the contact person for the course, with inquiries directed to courses@bogatasuma.com or via telephone at +385955555677. There are no apprentice teacher positions available for this particular course. Interested individuals can register through a provided Google Forms link or visit the Country Life Academy website for more information.