Permaculture design is about practical ecological strategies for land, water, buildings, people and communities. It is based on the philosophy of co-operating with nature and caring for the earth and its peoples.

The word Permaculture is derived from permanent agriculture and permanent culture, but offers a perspective on all aspects of building a sustainable future, and affecting people's lives for the better.

Permaculture encourages us to use our individual skills, knowledge and interests, whilst drawing on traditional wisdom, science and our innate ability to observe and learn from the world around us.

Says the Trust: "Whether your interest is gardening, farming, planning, building homes, community work, economic regeneration, business or green lifestyles, the application of Permaculture principles empowers you to make a positive contribution towards a sustainable future."

Details of courses are:

GROWING OWN ROOT FRUIT TREES - A two-day course How to propagate and grow fruit trees without grafting. Fruit trees grown on their own roots are healthier and produce fruit of better quality, flavour & storage life.

23-24 February 2008 - NOW TAKING BOOKINGS

GREEN ARCHITECTURE DAY

An annual day of stalls, exhibitions and illustrated talks by designers, practitioners and professionals.

Saturday 1 March 2008 - NOW TAKING BOOKINGS

INTRODUCTION TO PERMACULTURE - A two-day course

These courses introduce the basics of Permaculture and show how this approach can be applied. These courses are run regularly.

12-13 April 2008 - NOW TAKING BOOKINGS

FOREST GARDENING - A two-day course

How to grow fruit, nuts, salads and perennial vegetables as a low maintenance, highly productive garden ecosystem. Includes a site visit.

21-22 June 2008 - NOW TAKING BOOKINGS

PRACTICAL PERMACULTURE GARDENING - A two-day course This course explores how Permaculture Principles can be applied to create beautiful, productive and wildlife-friendly gardens.

5-6 July 2008 - NOW TAKING BOOKINGS

FRUIT TREE GRAFTING - A half-day course Learn how to propagate fruit trees by grafting on this half-day practical course.

9 August 2008 - NOW TAKING BOOKINGS

VOLUNTEERING WITH BRIGHTON PERMACULTURE TRUST

Fruit tree planting beside Earthship Brighton at Stanmer Park Please contact us for more details

Saturday 16 February

If you are interested in volunteering for Brighton Permaculture Trust please contact it via the web site: www.brightonpermaculture.co.uk!