Permaculture Design Certificate Training
A transformative 2-week training near Lisbon
Join us in Portugal from
March 15th-27th 2026
Step into a new way of living, designing and relating to the world.
The Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC) is a globally recognised 72-hour training that introduces you to the history, philosophy and real-world practice of permaculture – empowering you to design regenerative systems in your life, community and work.
- Comprehensive curriculum based on the original design by Bill Mollison
- A globally recognised qualification taught and respected worldwide
- A foundation for deeper studies: prerequisite for
the Diploma in Applied Permaculture Design - Become part of a vibrant global community of practitioners working towards a fair, just and sustainable world
Running at Fools' Valley
A growing community project in Portugal –
- 16 hectares of quiet land in nature
- 30 min drive north of Lisbon
- Sauna, Pond, community facilities, Movement Hall, Library & more
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
Over twelve full teaching days, you’ll dive into the foundations of permaculture as a living systems design approach rooted in deep observation, nature-inspired thinking and regenerative solutions.
Core Foundations
- Learn the ethics (Earth Care, People Care, Fair Share) and core design principles
- Reading landscapes and understanding natural patterns
- Designing with living systems in mind
Ecological Skills
- Home and lifestyle design for resilience
- Edible landscapes & soil regeneration
- Water management & energy systems
- Nutrient cycling & practical hands-on exercises
Real Design Work
- Work on real-world design projects
- Practice the full PC design cycle from observation to final proposal
- Receive mentoring & feedback from experienced facilitators
- Tackle practical challenges currently present in the Fools’ Valley Community
LEAD Facilitator
The teaching team is led by Tom Henfrey, a certified PDC teacher accredited by both the Permaculture Association Britain (PAB) and the European Permaculture Network. He completed his PDC in 2010 and his Diploma in Applied Permaculture Design in 2020, both with PAB. Since 2011, he has been an active permaculture educator and, in 2014, completed specialised permaculture teacher training.
Tom is also a Diploma tutor with both PAB and the Iberian Permaculture Academy (Spain/Portugal). Alongside his permaculture work, 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 grounded in ecofeminism, nature-based spirituality and restorative eco-social design.
In addition to his practical and teaching experience, Tom is a respected academic researcher in Human Ecology, with numerous published papers, articles and books on permaculture, indigenous ecological knowledge, ecovillages, the solidarity economy and related fields.
PRICING & Add Ons
Full tuition: €975
Early bird: €900 – For deposits paid before 3 January 26
Accommodation Options & Extended Stays
- Dorm bed or tipi tent (with mattress & bedding): €96
- Private rooms: €220–440
(Full details in the application form) - Extended Stays – €30 per extra day
(plus accommodation option)
Possibility of part-time or full-time volunteer exchange &
a limited number of discounted places available for local residents.
Timing and Bookings
The course takes place from March 15th to 27th, 2026-
Participants arrive on the afternoon of March 15th and depart in the late afternoon of March 27th.
The course fee includes:
- Full tuition and certification
- Use of all site facilities
- All meals and refreshments
- Camping accommodation (bring your own tent and bedding, or your own camper van)
To secure your place, simply register below and pay a €300 deposit.
Deposits are non-refundable, except in the event of cancellation by the organisers. If the organisers cancel, all deposits will be fully refunded.
JOIN US IN MARCH 2026 & Step Into a Regenerative Way of Living
We are looking forward to welcome you at Fool's Valley in Portugal