Wild Forest Garden invites you to a 3-day immersion into Food Forest design course inspired by syntropic agriculture, covering the philosophy and practical approaches to creating thriving edible landscapes.

We are living through a turning point. The industrial food system, the one we’ve leaned on for generations is showing its cracks. Supply chains, soil depletion, climate volatility. Food security is no longer an abstract concern. And yet, nature already holds the solutions.

Location: Southwest Alentejo, Portugal

Limited to a maximum of 20 people.
The course will be conducted in English.

This is a small-group, hands-on immersion with direct access to an established syntropic system. Participants will explore five distinct plots planted at different times, including a 4 year old system, one that is 3 years old, a two year, one and newly planted plot this winter, each with different crop focuses and irrigation strategies, from drip irrigation to non irrigation. You will learn how to create forest gardens with a polyculture no-dig approach, growing a combination of annuals, perennials, aromatics and flowers. Learn how to create beauty and abundance, creating art through nature. This is not just a gardening course. It's a conversation with nature about the world we want to build. 

The course will explore these essential topics, including:

• Syntropic & food forest design: how abundance grows when we follow nature's logic, including ecological succession, stratification and the benefits of diversity.

• Food security & sovereignty: understanding why this matters more now than ever. Learn the no-dig approach to growing thriving vegetable and herb gardens, integrating them into the forest, for immediate food resilience.

• Seed saving- the quiet act of defiance that keeps diversity alive. Learn how to create your own tree nursery with minimal investment with practical seed preparation and seed saving techniques.

• Discover how we can interact meaningfully with nature- learn how to improve soil health and biodiversity through practices like pruning and disturbance and learn the basictechniques of pruning company species and different fruit trees, including how to school fruit trees for abundant crop production, this will include hands on maintenance in the food forest.

• Learn effective water management with minimal earth work, working with the power of plants to retain and cycle water.

• Hands-on experience in designing a syntropic inspired forest system integrating vegetable and herb gardens.

• Discover the living soil food web from microbes to fungi and how to nurture a thriving underground ecosystem. Understand the key players in soil life and how to support a healthy, resilient soil.

This course welcomes all, requiring no prior experience, and is aimed at those with a genuine curiosity and a desire to be part of a shared landcare experience.

Course includes:

• Morning tea and coffee

• 3 lunches (vegan)

• Basic cooking facilities for breakfast and dinner, shared pantry staples provided (oils, spices, plant milk)

• On site accommodation (3 bedrooms available in shared farmhouse: €20 pp/night (shared room), €40 night per couple (private room)

• Van rental (limited availability): €20 pp/night

• Tent rental (limited availability): €10 pp/night

• Camping on the land (bring your own tent or van €5 per night pp) 

• Off site accommodation (bookable on request)

• Two showers

• Compost toilets

To secure your spot you will need to:

- Fill out the registration form; https://forms.gle/nRLWt2k139yUuk8z7

- Transfer the full price of the course (early bird €350) before May 29th (€420 after), or option to pay in two instalments (€230 upon registering and €120 by May 29th).

Once your registration is confirmed you'll receive a confirmation email with more practical information.

What to bring:

To help make your stay comfortable and in harmony with nature, we recommend bringing:

• Comfortable clothing for outdoor work and varying weather

• A hat, sunscreen, and reusable water bottle

• A notebook and pen if you'd like to take notes

• Head torch or torch for the evening

• Towel and any personal items you need

• Natural mosquito repellent (eg. citronella or lemon eucalyptus essential oil with coconut oil)

• Biodegradable, chemical-free toiletries (such as soap, shampoo, and toothpaste) – we aim to protect our soil and water systems, so natural products are much appreciated

Thank you for helping us care for the land while you're here!

Internet:

We do not have wifi on the land but can be accessed for important matters.

Pets:

Please leave your furry friends at home during your stay :)

Cancellation policy:
Cancellations notified before May 26th can be reimbursed, minus €50 administration fee.

For more information, get in touch with Denise at wildforestgardenteam@gmail.com