Children in Permaculture and Youth in Permaculture

Permaculture is about designing systems that support life. At :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}, we explore how ecological design thinking can also support the learning and development of children and young people.

Children and young people are naturally curious and open to discovering the world around them. Supporting this curiosity through nature based learning can help nurture practical skills, confidence and ecological awareness.

The learning pathways connected to :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1} and :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2} focus on helping educators, parents and community members explore creative ways to engage young people with permaculture ideas.

Why Children and Youth Matter in Permaculture

Permaculture is often associated with food growing, ecological design and sustainable living for adults. However, ecological thinking can be introduced gently and creatively to younger learners.

When children have opportunities to interact with soil, plants, water, animals and community spaces, they can begin to develop a relationship with the living world. This relationship is not forced, but encouraged through meaningful experiences.

The aim is not to teach young people everything about permaculture, but to help create spaces where they can explore, ask questions and discover connections between people, nature and society.

Learning can include practical activities such as growing food, observing seasonal change, exploring habitats, storytelling and collaborative play. These experiences support holistic development while introducing ecological awareness.

Engaging Children and Youth in Permaculture

This one day training explores creative approaches for introducing permaculture ideas to children and young people. The course is designed for people who work with or care for young learners and want practical methods they can adapt to their own context.

We explore how permaculture design thinking can be shared with different age groups including early years, primary school children and teenagers. The emphasis is on flexibility rather than rigid teaching methods.

What You May Explore

• Introduction to permaculture design principles
• Ways of engaging different age groups in ecological learning
• Creative, playful and experiential teaching methods
• Simple tools and resources for practice
• Supporting curiosity, cooperation and nature connection

This course is suitable for nursery teachers, school educators, forest school practitioners, parents, grandparents, carers and community workers who support young people.

Designing Learnscapes

Children often learn best through play, movement and direct experience. The design of outdoor spaces can therefore play an important role in supporting learning.

The Designing Learnscapes training focuses on creating outdoor environments where children can explore, play and learn in ways that feel natural and inspiring.

Hosted in collaboration with :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}, this course reflects grassroots community practice rooted in nature connection and wellbeing.

Learning Outcomes

• Introduction to permaculture design thinking for learning spaces
• Understanding the importance of nature connection for children
• Exploring ideas for outdoor play and learning environments
• Practical design approaches you can apply in your own projects
• Insights from experienced educators and designers

Learnscapes can be created in schools, community gardens, nurseries, forest school settings or shared community spaces. The focus is on working with what is available and developing ideas gradually.

Who These Courses Are For

• Teachers and educators
• Forest school practitioners
• Parents and grandparents
• Community organisers
• Nature and garden educators
• Anyone interested in supporting children’s learning through nature

Learning With Roots n Permaculture

The courses are facilitated by Rakesh “Rootsman Rak”, a permaculture designer, teacher and community practitioner who has been teaching permaculture since 2009.

His teaching approach combines ecological design knowledge, practical experience and creative learning processes. Participants are encouraged to develop their own style of working with young learners.

“I have just completed the Children in Permaculture introductory course. The teaching style was to guide the group to share knowledge while adding experience from the facilitator. I felt inspired and encouraged to continue learning and making a difference.”
Amanda

“The course is very engaging and creative. You learn much more than the course content itself. The facilitator makes a strong effort to help everyone find value in the learning.”
Alex

Join a Course

If you are interested in learning how permaculture can support children and young people, you are warmly invited to explore these courses.

You can discover creative approaches to ecological education and learn how to design outdoor spaces that support play, curiosity and environmental awareness.

Visit the upcoming courses page to find current dates and availability.