Course for Manx residents If you have ever questioned whether the way you live is sustainable but are baffled about how to take the first steps to make a change for yourself and your family; then a local educational charity can help you to find some answers. The Permaculture Association (Isle of Man) is holding a weekend introduction course to Permaculture open to Manx residents at the site of the Native Oak Group, near Jurby. Starting on the evening of Friday 8th July running until the evening of Sunday 10th July the course will cost ?95 (including food). Permaculture is a design system that helps individuals, families and communities make the best of available local and global resources. This 'taster' will provide an opportunity to actively learn about the principles and see examples of designs being implemented by groups and projects on the Island. Run by members of the local group who have been practising Permaculture collectively over many years, this is a down to earth introduction that will look at the real challenges, pitfalls and delights of living more simply. These will include examples of renewable energy schemes, organic growing, compost loos, a reed bed system and much more. Inspiration from the wider global Permaculture movement will also be provided. Costs are kept low at the camping based venue. The facilities include a large and beautiful yurt classroom, a field kitchen, a compost toilet and a shower. Participants are encouraged to camp on site rather than leave for home each evening as getting to know each other and having fun together is part of the experience. Castletown resident, Ron Bevitt, a member of the local Permaculture association summed up the principles of Permaculture. “Whenever we do anything of a self-reliant nature; growing food, fixing a broken appliance, maintaining our health, we are making a very powerful and effective use of Permaculture principles. Whenever we purchase from small, local businesses or contribute to local community and environmental issues, we are also applying these principles. “In modern society, we take for granted an enormous degree of dependence on large-scale, often remote, systems for provision of our needs, while expecting a huge degree of freedom in what we do without external control. In a sense, our whole society is like a teenager who wants to have it all, have it now, without consequences…Permaculture is a way to design for the future in a fair, impartial way.” Spaces are limited with 12 per course. Application forms are now available online at www.permacultureiom.org or via e-mail to permaculture@manx.net ENDS