Join Us for Our Swale Building Workshop!
At Vast Harvest Permaculture, we believe in working with nature to create resilient landscapes. Our Swale Building Workshop is designed to equip you with the skills to harness water effectively while improving soil health and biodiversity.
Why Attend?
whether you're a farmer, gardener, or just someone passionate about sustainable living, this workshop will give you the tools to transform your land into a more sustainable, productive, and resilient space. By learning how to build swales, you’ll not only improve the health of your soil and plants, but you'll also be contributing to a greener, more regenerative future for our planet.
Support a Thriving Ecosystem
Beyond water management, swales contribute to a healthier environment by filtering pollutants, reducing drought stress, and creating habitat for beneficial organisms. Our hands-on workshop will give you practical experience in designing and implementing swales that align with nature’s rhythms.
Join us and gain the knowledge to transform your land into a more sustainable, productive, and resilient ecosystem!
Improve Land & Water Management
Swales are a powerful tool for capturing rainwater, slowing runoff, and preventing erosion. By learning to build them, you’ll create a self-sustaining water system that nourishes plants, recharges groundwater, and enhances soil fertility—key principles in regenerative agriculture.
What You'll Learn:
The principles behind swale design and their role in water management
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How to identify the best locations for swales on your property
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Techniques for building effective swales that enhance soil fertility and prevent erosion
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How swales support biodiversity and create habitat for wildlife
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Practical tips for integrating swales into your permaculture design
Date: 22nd March
Price: $150
Location: Vast Harvest Permaculture
Max: Only 15 Spots, Get in quick!
Experience
Sustainable Farming Firsthand
Step into the world of sustainable farming with our immersive Farm Tours at Vast Harvest Permaculture in Girvan, NSW. Whether you're a seasoned gardener, eco-enthusiast, or just curious about sustainable living, our tours offer a hands-on, inspiring way to connect with nature and learn practical skills.
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What You’ll Discover on Our Farm Tours:
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🌿 Permaculture in Action – See how we apply proven permaculture principles to grow food sustainably and efficiently.
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🌱 Regenerative Farming Practices – Learn techniques that restore soil health, boost biodiversity, and create self-sustaining ecosystems.
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🌳 Food Forest Exploration – Walk through our lush, thriving food forest and understand the power of perennial planting for long-term abundance.
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💧 Sustainable Water Management – Discover how we conserve and manage water naturally, using swales, rainwater harvesting, and irrigation systems.
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👐 Hands-On Learning – Get involved in seasonal farm activities, from planting and harvesting to composting and soil building.
A Perfect Experience for All
Our farm tours are ideal for families, students, and anyone passionate about sustainability. Whether you're looking to gain knowledge, get inspired, or simply enjoy a day surrounded by nature, you'll leave with fresh ideas to bring into your own home or community.
Come explore, learn, and be part of the movement towards a more sustainable future! 🌎✨
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1 hr 30 min
80 Australian dollars
Learn MoreDiscover the complete permaculture journey—swales, animals, and orchards on a 4-hour immersive tour.
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4 hr
From 20 Australian dollars
Learn MoreGet hands on building swales on contour, using laser levels and applying permaculture principles
Starts Mar 22
150 Australian dollarsLoading availability...
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From 70 Australian dollars
Join us for a fascinating 1.5-hour guided tour through the diverse and thriving landscape of Vast Harvest Permaculture. This tour offers an in-depth educational journey through swales 1 to 9, where you'll witness firsthand how water retention, soil regeneration, and holistic ecosystem design come together to create a self-sustaining farm.
You'll gain a comprehensive introduction to the core principles of permaculture design, learning how these techniques can be adapted to various landscapes, from small urban gardens to expansive regenerative farms. We’ll discuss companion planting for improved crop resilience, soil health management to boost fertility naturally, and integrated pest control strategies that eliminate the need for harmful chemicals.
Beyond soil and planting, this tour emphasizes the importance of biodiversity in establishing a thriving, regenerative food system. You'll explore the interconnected relationships between plants, pollinators, and soil microbiology, gaining insight into how each element contributes to a resilient ecosystem.
In addition to observing our working permaculture farm, you’ll also receive practical knowledge and actionable stepsto start applying these methods in your own garden or homestead. Whether you’re a complete beginner eager to understand permaculture basics or someone looking to refine their existing skills, this immersive tour offers valuable hands-on learning in sustainable agriculture, ecological harmony, and regenerative farming practices.
Come experience how nature and farming can work in harmony to build a more sustainable future—both on a farm scale and in your own backyard.
Immerse yourself in a comprehensive 4-hour guided exploration of our 25-acre permaculture farm, where you'll gain deep insights into sustainable farming and backyard gardening principles. This in-depth tour covers our extensive swale systems, diverse animal husbandry operations, and thriving orchards, showcasing how permaculture techniques create a self-sustaining, regenerative ecosystem.
Beyond large-scale systems, you’ll also learn practical backyard gardening techniques that you can apply at home. Discover how to design an efficient, low-maintenance food system using permaculture methods like companion planting, soil regeneration, composting, and natural pest control. See firsthand how swales manage water efficiently—techniques that can be adapted to a small-scale garden to improve soil health and reduce waste.
Through hands-on experiences and expert guidance, this tour equips you with the knowledge to transform your backyard into a thriving, self-sufficient food oasis, whether you have a small urban garden or a larger plot of land. Ideal for anyone passionate about sustainable living, organic gardening, and regenerative agriculture.
Join us for a creative and relaxing Gourd Art Birdhouse Workshop, where you’ll transform natural gourds into beautifully handcrafted birdhouses. This hands-on experience is a fantastic way to explore your artistic side while also learning about sustainable, eco-friendly crafts. Working with locally grown gourds, you'll get the opportunity to design and decorate a unique home for native birds using a variety of artistic techniques, including painting, carving, and staining. Not only will your creation serve as a charming garden feature, but it will also provide a safe nesting space for wildlife.
A Fun & Engaging Activity for All
When available, this workshop makes for a great family or friend bonding activity, offering a fun and engaging experience for all ages. Kids can enjoy painting and decorating their own birdhouses with bright colors and playful designs, while adults can explore more intricate patterns and textures, creating truly one-of-a-kind pieces. Whether you're an experienced artist or someone looking for a relaxing, creative outlet, this class provides a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere where everyone can unwind and craft something special to take home.
Why Join This Workshop?
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🌿 Learn an Eco-Friendly Craft – Work with natural, biodegradable materials and discover the benefits of upcycling gourds for artistic and functional use.
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🎨 Express Your Creativity – Experiment with paints, stains, and carving techniques to create a beautiful, customized birdhouse.
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🐦 Support Local Wildlife – Provide a safe and cozy nesting space for birds while adding a natural, rustic touch to your garden.
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👨👩👧 Perfect for Families & Friends – Enjoy a fun-filled, interactive experience that brings people together through art and nature.
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👐 No Experience Needed – Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned crafter, this workshop is designed to be easy, enjoyable, and with everything you need provided, FUN!
Ready to explore the world of sustainable farming? Book your farm tour or workshop today and join us on the journey toward a greener, more resilient future.
Discover the fascinating world of fungi with our Mushroom Cultivation Workshop at Vast Harvest Permaculture. This interactive, hands-on experience is designed to equip both beginners and seasoned gardeners with the knowledge and skills needed to successfully grow their own mushrooms at home.
Workshop Overview
Our workshop delves into the art and science of mushroom cultivation, providing participants with a comprehensive understanding of the entire process. From selecting the appropriate mushroom species to harvesting the final product, you'll gain practical insights into each step involved in mushroom growing.
What You'll Learn
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Mushroom Biology: Gain a foundational understanding of fungi, including their life cycle, ecological roles, and the benefits they offer to both ecosystems and human health.
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Species Selection: Learn about various edible mushroom species suitable for cultivation, such as oyster, shiitake, and lion's mane, and how to choose the right one based on your environment and goals.
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Substrate Preparation: Discover the different types of substrates (growing mediums) that support mushroom growth, including straw, wood chips, and compost, and learn how to prepare them effectively.
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Inoculation Techniques: Get hands-on experience inoculating substrates with mushroom spawn, understanding the importance of sterilization and proper handling to ensure successful colonization.
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Environmental Controls: Understand the optimal conditions for mushroom cultivation, including temperature, humidity, light, and ventilation, and how to create and maintain these conditions in various settings.
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Maintenance and Harvesting: Learn how to care for your growing mushrooms, identify signs of contamination or issues, and determine the right time and method for harvesting.
Join us for an immersive Swale Building and Permaculture Workshop at Vast Harvest Permaculture, where you'll gain hands-on experience in designing and constructing swales—essential features in sustainable land management. This workshop is tailored for individuals passionate about ecological design, water conservation, and regenerative agriculture.
Workshop Highlights:
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Understanding Swales: Learn the fundamentals of swales, which are shallow trenches dug along the land's contour with a berm on the downhill side. These structures are designed to capture and infiltrate rainwater, reducing erosion and enhancing soil moisture.
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Design Principles: Explore the principles of permaculture design that inform swale placement and construction, ensuring they work harmoniously with the natural landscape to support sustainable water management.
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Hands-On Construction: Participate in the step-by-step process of building a swale, from site assessment and contour mapping to digging the trench and forming the berm. This practical experience will equip you with the skills to implement swales in your own projects.
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Integrating Permaculture Practices: Discover how swales fit into broader permaculture systems, including their role in supporting plant health, increasing biodiversity, and creating resilient ecosystems.
Why Attend?
Swales are a cornerstone of permaculture design, offering a low-tech solution for water management that enhances the health and productivity of the land. By attending this workshop, you'll gain practical knowledge and skills to apply these techniques in various settings, from home gardens to larger agricultural landscapes.
Who Should Attend?
This workshop is ideal for:
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Home gardeners and landscapers interested in sustainable water management
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Permaculture enthusiasts seeking practical implementation skills
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Environmental educators and students
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Anyone interested in regenerative agriculture practices
A PLACE TO LEARN & GROW
To all who share a passion for gardening, sustainability, and a deeper connection with nature—we invite you to experience something truly special. At Vast Harvest Permaculture, our farm is more than just a place to grow food; it’s a thriving ecosystem, a peaceful retreat, and a space for hands-on learning. Whether you're looking to expand your knowledge, get inspired, or simply enjoy the tranquility of the land, there’s something here for everyone.
