We aim to offer 1 to 2 hour workshops on our land or theoretical workshops in a classroom setting combined with practical projects, on a regular basis. The themes include:
Not quite so frequent, but definitely more elaborate, are our 1 to 2 week courses. Consider a course at Val de Foy like an educative holiday, with room to absorb knowledge, putting it into practice and plenty of time for fun and relaxation. What you will learn are the basics of permaculture, often we will have a specific project to work on, there will be special guests from the field of food forestry or permaculture, or an excursion to a more developed food forest, somebody representing ancient knowledge about respecting nature, wellbeing specialists (such as meditation, yoga) or artisans teaching us specific skills such as braiding grass. During the week(s) there will be time for theory, being outside, and also to enjoy the sights in the surroundings. I will be able to set you up with accomodation and transport if necessary.
Do you want to see how Val de Foy is in the making of becoming a food forest, and how we work with the principles of permaculture? Plan a rendez-vous at our location to learn more and be inspired by how we do things. This is a one-on-one opportunity, or opportunity for small groups to be inspired by our story and ambition, and how we tackle obstacles as learnings.
Are you inspired to make the switch in the way you farm, garden, or you just want tips to incorporate nature on your land, whilst maintaining a healthy crop yield? Are there issues on your land that you don’t know how to solve or work with?
Let me drop by for some one on one time on your land. Although it is impossible to read the land in just one session, I will be able to give you some pointers to look at your land from a different perspective. If you are excited about the opportunities this creates, we can always talk further about a learning program, or design for your landscape.
Please do not compare me with a landscape architect: I will teach you how to carve out a direction for the land, but I will mostly teach you how to work with nature instead of against it. I don’t bring in bags of soil, heavy machinery that compacts the ground beneath, bring imported monoculture plants (in most cases treated with pesticides) and tile paths and put up fencing. This has nothing with ecological gardening, organic agriculture or permaculture. Expect a different perspective in the way I look at your land. It may bite with some of the ideas you have, but even if you manage to let go of 10% of your inclination to structure and manipulate the land from a traditional view, it will be a bonus for the wild (biodiversity and indigenous life).
I not only believe this is worth your while, but also a nudge in the right direction for the major task that awaits us in rewilding the earth
Val de Foy is a perfect setting to engage with nature and bringing together the community. For friends of our initiative we want to regularly organise little get-togethers. Also we can occasionally (not on a regular basis) look after your furry animal. We have plenty of space, and if I am on my land or at home I can look after 1 or 2 extra dogs. I only do this for friends whose dogs have met mine, and of which we know they are compatible. I have one senior male dog who isn’t so tolerant towards confident males. He is adorable towards female dogs and some gentle males. Get in touch if you want to discuss the possibilities.
From the 12th to the 15th of Oktober
We are not running a store, because we are not a farm, but occasionally we have surplus produce from our land -on a small scale- that we simply cannot use ourselves. After we’ve handed out products to our friends and family, we’d love to share any extras with anyone else in the community. We have a little cabinet on the side of the road, where we put things. We believe that what you share comes back in a good way.
