Join us at Vale Ondula this autumn for an immersive Permaculture Forest Course led by internationally respected permaculture educator Helder Valente. Over five transformative days, we’ll delve into the principles and practices of forest gardening, exploring how to design and cultivate resilient, productive, and ecologically harmonious food forests.

This hands-on course is designed for those passionate about forests and interested in creating systems that are abundant, diverse, and regenerative. Whether you're new to permaculture or looking to deepen your existing knowledge, this course offers practical skills and insights to help you design forest-based systems inspired by nature.

What You’ll Learn

The course combines theory with practical exercises, covering essential topics in forest gardening:

• Day 1: Introduction to Forest Gardening – principles, ethics, and design basics

• Day 2: Soil and Plant Guilds – building fertile soil, companion planting, and biodiversity

• Day 3: Water Management – rainwater harvesting, swales, ponds, and irrigation strategies

• Day 4: Trees, Shrubs & Perennials – planting strategies, species selection, and succession planning

• Day 5: Practical Design & Implementation – applying design concepts, hands-on planting, and course wrap-up

By the end of the course, participants will have contributed to a real food forest design and planting project, integrating both ecological theory and practical skills.

About the Facilitator

Helder Valente is a globally recognized permaculture designer and educator. He studied directly with pioneers such as Bill Mollison, Geoff Lawton, and Rosemary Morrow, and has taught courses and designed projects across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. As founder of the New School Permaculture, Helder is known for his engaging, practical, and inspiring approach that blends deep ecological knowledge with real-world solutions. His courses are designed to empower participants to create meaningful change in their lives and communities.

About Vale Ondula

Vale Ondula is a permaculture living lab and eco-community located in the lush forests of Northern Portugal. As stewards of 3.6 hectares of land, the community is reimagining food systems, water management, and energy resilience while cultivating a culture of sustainable living and mutual care. With its mix of families, volunteers, and visiting learners, Vale Ondula is an inspiring hub for permaculture education and experimentation.

What’s Included

• All course material

• Daily theory sessions combined with hands-on practical classes (09:00-13:00h & 15:00-19:00h)

• 3 healthy vegetarian meals per day

• A space to pitch your tent at Vale Ondula during the course

What to Bring

• Tent, sleeping bag, and camping gear (or rent our fully equipped motorhome for your stay)

• Notebook and pens for design work

• Comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes for outdoor activities

• Personal water bottle

• Snacks / fruit

• An open mind and willingness to learn together

Contribution

• Supportive: €500

• Fair: €450

• Minimum: €400

Continue Your Permaculture Journey at Vale Ondula

This Forest Course is part of a wider learning pathway at Vale Ondula. Alongside this training, you can also join:

• Permaculture Design Course (10-day, 26 Sept. - 5 Oct. ): A comprehensive introduction to permaculture covering everything from soil to social systems. [Learn more →]

• Permaculture Water Course (2-day, 18–19 Oct.): A deep dive into water harvesting, conservation, and regeneration. [Learn more →]

By completing all three courses — Design, Forest, and Water — you’ll receive an Internship Certificate to celebrate your extended practice and learning.

RSVP Required

Spaces are limited. Secure your spot at the Permaculture Forest Course by registering here.

Come explore the magic of forest gardening, learn hands-on permaculture techniques, and immerse yourself in a 5-day journey of ecological design and community at Vale Ondula. We can’t wait to welcome you!