In todays changing climate and landscape, we need effective solutions for land and water management. Solutions that benefit both the landholder and the environment, and result in both profit and improved soil fertility. Intelligent hydrology design within the landscape is key to providing some of these solutions for a productive, sustainable farm or property.

This course is a combination of classic Permaculture Earthworks techniques, which have been recognised across the planet as exceptionally effective in hard-to-hydrate landscapes, and  Keyline Farming concepts - which were conceived and founded in the Australian landscape to build soil, hold water and improve the fertility and durability of the land. Look after the land, and the land will look after you.

The Course

This 3-day intensive earthworks course will teach you how tor harvest, direct and retain water on any piece of land, no matter what the rainfall. The course is hands-on with dams and water harvesting elements being constructed on-site during the course. This will be the first time that these two earthworks experts, who have both designed elements into the particular property that will be the course venue, have 'joined forces' to teach this far-reaching course.

The course covers; Site assessment Water resource identification Dam types, their strengths and weaknesses Water harvesting systems, swales, check-dams and gabeons Earthmoving equipment - bulldozers, scrapers, excavators etc Keyline™ Design Carbon sequestration Cost effective soil creation Water harvesting & reticulation Designing water into a property Dam placement Pasture improvement Holistic Management™                                and much more......

The Teachers 

Geoff Lawton is world renowned for designing effective water solutions in the ecological “badlands”. His practical experience is immense, designing and managing hundreds of complex community projects in such diverse places as Jordan, Mexico, Tanzania, Iraq, Morocco, Vietnam and Kiribati as well as large scale private works in the USA and Australia. His ground-breaking work in the Middle East has seen deserts become living food stores though effective hydrological design.  

Geoff Lawton's relaxed and informal teaching style ensures you won't be overwhelmed by the theory but his 20 years of experience teaching sustainable farming practices in 21 countries ensures you will get the full picture. 

Darren Doherty has recently returned from a World tour, teaching a series of sold-out Keyline Design™ and Permaculture courses throughout South America, the USA, Asia and Europe. Darren has had extensive experience across the planet in Permaculture project design, development & management, with a focus on retrofitting broadacre agricultural systems, and has been acclaimed as a pioneer in this important & often overlooked field.

He is a registered teacher of The Permaculture Institute, a qualified Whole Farm Planner (University of Melbourne), an Approved Keyline Designer, & Accredited Permaculture Training (APT) Trainer. A full portfolio of Darren's Keyline and Permaculture system designs for properties across the globe can be found here .

Course Location

The course will be held  at a well-appointed property on Garroorigang Rd, Goulburn NSW. The venue is just off the Hume highway, on Goulburn's southern edge.

Course Dates and times 

Friday 25th - Sunday 27th April, 2008 (ANZAC day long weekend) - 9am - 5pm each day 

Bookings

Click here to book your place

Book your place now via our booking form or for more information contact Kirsten on 02 6373 7763.

Getting there 

• By car, Goulburn is 2.5 hours south-west of Sydney, or 8 hours north-east of Melbourne. MAP
• By train, Goulburn is on the Melbourne-Sydney Countrylink line, and can also be accessed by Cityrail from Sydney
• By air, the closest airport is Canberra, a one-hour drive from Goulburn.
• Here's a MAP of the course location, with an in-built trip finder.

Accommodation

• Goulburn South Caravan Park - close to the venue, cabins and camping available: ph (02) 4821 3233  - map
• Governor's Hill Holiday Park - cabins and camping available: ph (02) 4821 7373 - website - map
• Willows Hotel - well reviewed, breakfast available: ph (02) 4821 4322 - website - map
• Goulburn's tourist and accommodation website

Things you should bring

Please be aware that this course will be taking place on a working farm and heavy machinery will be operating throughout the course. Your assistance in remaining within the designated student areas will be greatly appreciated. 

Please bring the following items with you;

• Appropriate footwear such as sturdy boots (absolutley no open footwear such as sandals or thongs)
• Appropriate sun protection including long sleeve tops, a wide brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
• A water bottle
• Pens/pencils and a notepad for taking notes

About Milkwood Permaculture: We are a Permaculture Demonstration Site near Mudgee in Central Western NSW. We provide world-class courses and workshops in a wide range of sustainable farming practices - all within a relaxed, professional and positive hands-on environment. Have a look at some photos from our previous courses here. Any questions, just give us a call on 02 6373 7763.