Permaculture Design Certificate Training

The Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC) is a broad 72-hour introduction to the history, philosophy and practice of permaculture design, and its diverse ecological and social applications. Based on the course originally developed by permaculture founder Bill Mollison in the 1980s, its content and format have been updated to address contemporary local-global issues and accommodate diverse learning styles and needs.

Recognised and taught worldwide, the PDC is a vital foundation for anyone interested in understanding permaculture and applying it in their own life and work. It is also a prerequisite for advanced training via the Diploma and Certificate in Applied Permaculture Design. PDC holders become part of a vibrant and growing community of active permaculture practitioners working constructively and creatively towards a fairer, kinder, more sustainable world.

The Fools’ Valley PDC is a two-week residential training, based in a young and dynamic intentional community in a rural valley, close to Lisbon and Europe’s Atlantic shore. It combines the standard PDC curriculum with the Fools’ Valley community’s ongoing action research into developmental practices, particularly based in movement, introspection and dialogue. Certified by the Permaculture Association (Britain), an internationally recognised mark of quality assurance, it is also recognised by the Iberian Permaculture Academy and European Permaculture Network.

Over the course of twelve full teaching days, we’ll explore the conceptual foundations of permaculture as a form of living systems design based on close observation and deep understanding of nature, and their expression in the permaculture ethics and principles. We’ll examine and experiment with applications of permaculture in a range of ecological and social contexts, including homes, gardens, edible landscapes, soil restoration, water management, energy production, nutrient cycling, personal growth, life projects, livelihoods, community life, and many more. We’ll apply this learning in group design projects addressing specific practical issues affecting the Fools’ Valley Community. You’ll leave inspired, enthusiastic and confident to begin integrating permaculture into all aspects of your life.

The teaching team is led by Tom Henfrey, a certified PDC teacher with both the Permaculture Association (Britain) (PAB) and the European Permaculture Network. He received his PDC in 2010 and Diploma in Applied Permaculture Design in 2020, both from PAB, been an active permaculture teacher since 2011, and completed specialised permaculture teacher training in 2014. He is also a tutor in the Diploma in Applied Permaculture Design with both PAB and the Iberian Permaculture Academy (Spain/Portugal). In addition, he is a practitioner and teacher of core shamanism. In 2022 he co-founded Quinta Sol na Eira, a permaculture learning centre near Tomar in Central Portugal rooted in ecofeminism, nature-based spirituality and restorative eco-social design. Also a noted academic researcher in Human Ecology, Tom has published numerous scientific papers, articles and books on permaculture, indigenous ecological knowledge, ecovillages, solidarity economy and related topics.

Timing and Bookings

The course runs from March 15th-27th 2026 inclusive, arriving during the afternoon of March 15th and departing from late afternoon on March 27th. The course fee covers tuition, certification, use of site facilities, all meals and refreshments, and a camping accommodation option (own tent and bedding, or own camper van).

To secure your place, you’ll need to register here and pay a deposit of €300. Deposits are non-refundable except in case of cancellation by the organisers, in which case deposits will be returned in full.

Prices

• Registration €975
  • Early bird discount (deposits paid before Jan 3rd 2026): €900.
• Accommodation extras
  • Dorm bed or a tipi tent with a mattress and bedding: €96
  • Private rooms: €220-440 (detailed options in the application form)
• Extended stays, before or after the course
  • €30 per day (plus any accommodation extras; full or part-time volunteer exchange also available. 

Limited discounted spots for local residents availiable.

If you have any questions about the course, please get in touch theonlyfool@foolsvalley.com.