Sustainable Horticulture/Permaculture (Horticulture) Level 6

A very practical, skills-based module looking at all aspects of tree management: species diversity and selection, seed collection and propagation, tree and shrub planting methods, pruning and tree care, hedgerow planting, coppicing techniques and product use, commercial forestry, amenity trees, tree protection and resource management.

Investigating various aspects of sustainability, including permaculture design, green manures, syntropic agroforestry, seed saving, and biological diversity. We also cover water management, fruit & nut production in Ireland, soil biology & Korean Natural Farming. Fieldtrips to regenerative farms, forest gardens and time to explore student interests and their Leadership project ideas. Other topics include mushroom foraging and growing & herbal medicine. Digital Permaculture Design using adobe is taught. We have many links with community organisations to spread sustainable ideas to others.

Further perfecting the growing of crops in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner and investigating various techniques for crop production. Integrated Pest Management is explored and year-round production and how to grow safe healthy nutrient dense organic food. Lots of fieldtrips to expert growers and up to date techniques are investigated. Also covered are, fertility, introduction to organic flower production, in depth planning and the latest trends in growing food to sell.

Covers topics and skills related to starting your own business (in horticulture or other areas). This includes legal and accounting information, funding, marketing as well as broad inspiration from case studies in Ireland and abroad. The emphasis is on getting used to entrepreneurial thinking in connection with permaculture values, combining economic sustainability with sustainable living in all areas of life. The main assignment is a business project including a business plan that could be used to secure future funding.

An introduction to the setting up and running of a nursery business with some aspects overlapping with the Tree and Shrub Management module. Looks at various production systems, plant propagation techniques, materials and equipment as well as weeds, pest and disease control strategies. Also examines the nursery stock industry in Ireland and the potential for future developments regarding sustainable and environmentally conscious business opportunities.

Covers techniques and skills for facilitating group meetings, group decision making, effective feedback, and conflict resolution. Other topics include how to motivate oneself and others and how to overcome defensiveness and victim mentality. All the skills are practiced in an experiential way, by having real meetings and carrying out a leadership project. Some examples include work party, organising tree planting, a community garden project or a beach clean-up.