Kids' Permaculture Course: Sept 12-13, 2026 - £180

This article outlines a two-day specialized course titled "Engaging Children in Permaculture," scheduled for Saturday, September 12th, and Sunday, September 13th, 2026. The daily sessions will run from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with participants requested to arrive by 9:45 AM. The course fee is £180.

The workshop, led by Lusi Alderslowe and Lexington Love, aims to teach participants how to involve children in permaculture concepts through an approach that integrates well-being, creativity, science, and mathematics. Permaculture, as presented in the course, emphasizes working harmoniously with nature, drawing on principles derived from observing natural systems. These principles are then applied to various educational contexts, such as designing school playgrounds, structuring outdoor learning activities, creating forest school sites, developing child-friendly gardens, organizing large events, producing puppet shows, or planning home education days.

The target audience for this course includes a broad range of educators and professionals who work with children. This encompasses school and nursery teachers, forest school leaders, nature kindergarten teachers, parents, and caregivers. Additionally, children's occupational therapists, child mental health therapists, and play therapists are encouraged to attend, particularly those interested in fostering children's engagement with permaculture and adopting a child-led, nature-based learning methodology.

The certificated course curriculum is based on the "Introduction to Engaging Children in Permaculture" framework established by the Children in Permaculture project. Key learning objectives and activities include exploring the application of permaculture ethics and principles within educational settings, both in teaching methodologies and in the design of learning spaces and activities. Participants will also delve into the contemporary experiences of children and the advantages of involving them in permaculture practices.

Practical skills will be developed through incorporating songs, music, puppetry, and movement into educational practices. A significant component of the course focuses on designing outdoor learning environments, applicable to schools, community gardens, home gardens, or other suitable locations. Attendees will gain familiarity with the Children in Permaculture project's resources, which include case studies, a database of approximately 800 activity ideas, and a catalog of educational materials. The course will also demonstrate how the permaculture approach can generate a wide array of activities that align with existing educational curricula.

Participants will experience a session specifically designed for children, emphasizing holistic engagement through observation using all senses, referred to as engaging the Heart, Hand, Head, and Eyes. The course will highlight how permaculture contributes to well-being, community resilience, and overall health. Furthermore, it aims to facilitate the creation of resilient networks by connecting like-minded practitioners, teachers, and parents. Each participant will receive a copy of the book, "Earth Care, People Care and Fair Share in Education: The Children in Permaculture Manual."

The course is categorized as a specialist, face-to-face engagement style event. It will be held at the Circle of Life Rediscovery woodland site, located off Park Lane, near Laughton, East Sussex, with the postal code BN8 6BP in the United Kingdom. For inquiries, individuals can contact Daisy via email at bookings@circleofliferediscovery.com or by phone at 01273 814226. No apprentice teacher positions are available for this particular course.