72+ hours · internationally recognised

permaculture design certificate

a transformative 2-week training near lisbon

March 15–27, 2026

step into a new way of living, designing and relating to the world.

A permaculture design certificate (PDC) is the foundational training in permaculture, an approach for designing regenerative systems that work with nature.

Over 72+ hours of teaching, you'll learn to observe patterns, understand ecosystems, and design solutions for food, water, energy, shelter, and community. It's internationally recognised and offers both practical tools and a design framework that shifts how you see the world.

Whether you're transforming a balcony, designing a food forest, rethinking your lifestyle, or leading community projects, the PDC gives you the foundation to start.

who this is for

This course is for people who want to understand how to live and design in closer alignment with natural systems, whether or not you have a garden or land.

it's especially for:

people without a garden who want practical skills and systems thinking for everyday life, work, and community
those considering stewarding land, joining or starting a community, or leading regenerative projects
people already living on land or in community who want stronger design foundations
activists, facilitators, organizers, educators seeking holistic approaches to social and ecological change
researchers, designers, knowledge workers bridging theory with practice
anyone feeling the tension between digital life and a longing for deeper connection, responsibility, and ecological belonging

No prior permaculture experience is required. What matters is a willingness to observe, engage, and co-create, both individually and collectively.

001 / curriculum

Over 12 full teaching days, you'll dive into permaculture as a living systems design approach, covering ecology, land stewardship, regenerative design, and community-scale applications.

◯

core foundations

ethics: earth care, people care, fair share
core design principles
reading landscapes
understanding natural patterns
designing with living systems

❋

ecological skills

home & lifestyle design for resilience
edible landscapes & soil regeneration
water management & energy systems
nutrient cycling
practical hands-on exercises

◈

real design work

real-world design projects
full design cycle: observation → proposal → implementation plan
mentoring & feedback from experienced facilitators
practical challenges at Fools' Valley

002 / lead facilitator

Tom Henfrey

Tom is a certified permaculture diploma tutor, an experienced educator with 20 years of experience in permaculture and ecology. He bridges permaculture, research, and core shamanism, weaving these into his teaching to strengthen both the social and ecological impact of projects.

Tom's background includes:

— doctoral research on indigenous environmental knowledge
— co-founder of the ECOLISE network for community-led sustainability initiatives in Europe
— fellow & management board member at the Schumacher Institute, Bristol, UK
— international consultancy and teaching on community-scale ecological and social regeneration

In 2022, he co-founded Quinta Sol na Eira, a permaculture learning centre near Tomar in Central Portugal. Tom is also a practitioner and teacher of core shamanism.

Under Tom's guidance, you'll receive a globally recognised PDC certificate and a foundation to progress toward the Diploma in Applied Permaculture Design.

reserve your spot → limited places available

003 / the place

fools' valley

16 hectares of quiet land, 30 minutes north of Lisbon.

sauna & swimming pond movement hall & library community facilities space to explore and connect with nature delicious communal meals

004 / pricing & accommodation

€895

super early bird

€945

early bird

€975

full price

super early bird: deposit before Feb 1, 2026

early bird: deposit before Feb 20, 2026

deposit: €300 (non-refundable except if organisers cancel)

includes: tuition, certification, meals, refreshments, and facility access

accommodation add-ons

dorm / tipi

€96 for 12 nights
mattress & bedding included

private room

€220 – €440
depending on room

extended stay

€30 per extra day
+ accommodation choice

volunteer exchange & limited discounted places for local residents available — inquire.

005 / schedule

two weeks,
fully immersive

arrival: afternoon of March 15
teaching: March 16–26 (12 full days)
departure: late afternoon of March 27

Daily rhythm includes morning theory, afternoon practical work, and evening discussions. You'll live permaculture principles as you learn them.

006 / register

why this course

If you've been meaning to truly connect with nature and learn to collaborate with the land, even if you don't have a garden — this knowledge can transform how you live, work, and make decisions. And you'll learn it in a supportive community.

questions? slowreply@foolsvalley.com
we look forward to welcoming you at fools' valley