Grab a golden opportunity to learn solid Permaculture through theory and practice. You will even have the opportunity to get your hands dirty by doing work in the soil of LooseNatural farm. The work will be done under the guidance of a permaculture practitioner.
A special benefit is that you can be a part of the community, learning new things like designing, experimenting, practising permaculture techniques, and ecosystems, and learning how to incorporate the surrounding in a farm setup.
Experience living in the natural environment and permaculture habitat of Andalusia, Spain.
A plus point of LooseNatural’s Permaculture Course is that you get theoretical knowledge of permaculture as well as you will get to do practical experience on the farm as in hands-on experience with professionals guiding you.
We believe life is the most valuable commodity we were gifted and we should celebrate it. We celebrate it by working in the soil and living our life to the fullest.
Our Project Overview:
DATES: September 2023
FOOD PRODUCTION SYSTEM:
We have water sources and water systems on our permaculture farm at LooseNatural in Andalusia. We use our surroundings skill fully in the permaculture system we have designed. We grow organic, healthy products at LooseNatural farm by ensuring that we have multiple species growing during all the seasons at LooseNatural farm.
NEW PROJECTS:
Our projects depend on the seasons, availability of capital, of people working at LooseNatural farm the availability of water at a specific time of the year.
DESIGNS AND LANDSCAPE AT LOSENATURAL FARM:
The landscaping and designs at LooseNatural farm are implemented in a way that makes people feel that they flow with the natural habitat. One can feel nature as it embraces anyone that spends time with it. We are here to hand you opportunities to make full use of nature so that you can express who you are within a natural habitat. You can experience a bond with nature by working in nature. You can also participate in organized outdoor activities and tours to connect with yourself and your community.
HOTHOUSE FRAME CONSTRUCTION:
Part of the food culture plan is to extend the time to increase our food production process. Cold frames are of big help. In the course, we will begin with seedlings of vegetables that will grow in winter. You will learn from our skilled staff how to reuse the material for construction/installation, planting, and creative alternatives. You will learn about hothouse techniques, especially temperature control.
OLIVE REHABILITATION:
LooseNatural farm has some noble and wild olive trees that should be pruned and surrounded by a vegetable garden. We have been gradually expanding and we are constantly installing large water structures for their benefit. We can also start pruning these olives to help with fruit production and plant health. In addition, it will be possible to create a tree guild based on these olives.
FIREBREAK CREATION:
As part of LooseNatural’s resilient design, a multi-layered firebreak is designed. At the beginning of the course, you will learn how to use tools and use skills to practice the best creation of a production plant without creating a fire hazard.
This project teaches the importance of fire in a healthy environment, as well as preparing for a possible fire. During this project, we will also discuss forest health and sustainable management practices.
BEE SANCTUARY:
As a corrective action, the first plants we do plant, we make sure that they produce flowers and nectar. The process requires care and attention. In addition, adding water ponds, including an irrigation system, a central garden below the water storage area, horticulture, and careful land development help us to attract bees.
FENCE WORK:
Protection is an important part of farm life, as we have to protect land, structures, equipment, and plants.
During the course, we will learn the basics of fencing and repair some fences. If time allows, there are many fences to be built and to be fixed, especially when it comes to securing animals.
INDEPENDENT PROJECT WORK:
As a requirement for this program, we encourage students to complete independent work. Independent work can be done individually or in collaboration with team members. Depending on the project and budget, some projects may be small and others more elaborate. As with most of the projects we are working to ensure that they become part of an ongoing program where we will continue to work on these projects to benefit them in producing something and for others to learn.
POSSIBLE PROJECTS INCLUDE:
The number of participants and the interest of the group will affect the tasks performed. There is scope for many collaborative projects, allowing for a smooth and extended learning opportunity. Most projects will have to do with water systems, installation of small gutters overflows, and other small water collection possibilities. The installation of gray water systems from outdoor showers is very important.
Planting trees are an absolute must when it comes to food production and berm stability.
We are also working to create a forest/park.
Design and implementation of annual and perennial gardens.
Design and build a barn.
Design and installation of irrigation systems.
EMBEDDED SHORT COURSES:
These courses are not only classroom-based, as most of the time, but the students and interns also have outside learning experience opportunities.
WATER AND EARTHWORKS COURSE:
We teach participants about using natural resources for farming. In this course, we will explore the water sources and landscapes present in the area and how to implement that in the designing of our desired landscape. We will also learn practical earth structures for water collection and management.
Swales, canals, ponds, and irrigation are important aspects.
This will be a classroom lesson at the beginning of our course that prepares the students for project work, both organized and personal.
TOPICS INCLUDE:
Water: A strange element in itself, like life, water is precious and political.
The idea of water ownership always shows up during droughts.
Modeling water and land use are issues that take a lot of consideration.
Key points and key lines: the conceptual understanding and practical application of it.
How to build water systems by hand and machine.
Ponds: use of ponds for planting, the construction of a pond, and creating a water environment.
Design and implementation of forest plantations to control water spreading.
Advanced design methods and techniques used in water management.
INTRODUCTION TO REGENERATIVE AGROFORESTRY COURSE:
FIELD TRIPS:
We love to travel, but who doesn’t? We like to meet new people, share our views with people, get to know people’s views, we like to find interesting things happening in the world. For this, we have planned field trips to make the community bond strong.
ADVENTURE TRIP:
LooseNatural farm is surrounded by 1000 years old oak trees. We will plan a day to take a long stroll in the forest. Let’s get lost in the beauty of nature and adventure.
COMMUNITY WORK:
Sharing the work amongst ourselves is important. We won’t be having any staff to do cleaning up for us. We will work by ourselves and for each other.