Learn with us - Permaculturing in Portugal

Are you increasingly concerned about our present environmental crisis?
Does it feel as if something’s definitely not right about the way this is portrayed in the media and/or promoted by business interests?
Do you feel a strong desire to tread more lightly on the Earth and an urgency to help restore its damaged ecosystems?
Are you convinced one of the fundamental solutions is to learn to work with nature rather than against it?
Do you find all this talk about ‘sustainable’ living somehow dissatisfying because what the planet really needs is a regenerative approach?
Are you keen to learn what’s involved in transitioning to an off grid and regenerative lifestyle from the people who are already doing it?
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the number of things you need to learn about and have neither the time nor resources to take specialised courses in every single subject?
Are you looking for no-nonsense, practical instruction that’s aimed at preparing you for the day-to-day realities of an off-grid life and which can help you avoid expensive mistakes?
Are you interested in natural building, permaculture and robust low tech solutions to basic comforts and needs?
Do you enjoy brainstorming solutions to environmental problems with innovative and creative people who are walking their talk?

One of our residential courses could be just what you’re looking for. Or learn in a different way by volunteering here, or even just visiting.

Courses in transitioning to regenerative living

Original plans for courses at the quinta were substantially altered by the 2017 wildfires. Starting in 2019, we have been running annual Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC) courses which have become the core of the quinta’s education programme, along with courses in natural building, off grid infrastructure and foraging & fermentation.

If volunteering isn’t for you for whatever reason, if you have the resources but not the time, if you’re keen to gain a more rooted and authentic understanding the planet’s anthropogenic problems, learn what’s involved in regenerating Earth’s ecosystems and how to live a more low impact life, our courses can provide you with a basic grounding in a comprehensive range of subjects and a solid foundation to build on.

2022 was our busiest year yet, with 8 weeks of courses between June and August. But in 2023 and 2024 we’re taking a break to complete a number of projects which we can’t progress at the same time as running courses, to complete the quinta’s recovery from the 2017 fires, and to make more space for family and other visitors.

Volunteering

If you have the time but not the resources and are keen to trade hard work for knowledge, then you can stay here as a volunteer. You’ll be involved in all aspects of the running of the quinta and have the opportunity to learn by doing, observing and even helping out with the courses we run here.

Please note though that the quinta is not open for volunteering in 2023 and 2024.

Visiting

Whether you’re at the beginning of the road or already well on the way to an off grid life, visiting projects is a great way of picking up tips and hints and trading experiences.