The Site
Assoreiro sits on the edge between the green belt of coastal alentejo and the drylands slightly inland. It’s about 25min drive from the dramatic Atlantic coastline. Its 82 hectares of mountainous lanscape sits between 90-180m above sea level. the land boasts dozens of hectares of forest succeeding to oak. The major biome type is warm temperate with climate classified as US Zone 9 and Köppen-Geiger borderline Csa/Csb (warm to hot summer Mediterranean). Annual rainfall averages just under 500mm.
Our off-grid sites boasts many examples of low-impact, sustainable living. From the basics of compost toilets, to complex water management systems, to rammed earth buildings or working with animals. Reforestation, regeneration, and putting earth first – that is what we are all about. Mitigating climate change is absolutely key to many of the decisions every single day. Education is a mainstay of our site.
LOCALITY
The Alentejo is a stunningly beautiful part of the world. Like everywhere it is facing unique challenges in the age of climate change. Our course seeks to educate and empower people to make the key decisions they need to make in this new climate reality
Assoreiro is 30min drive from stunning coastal vistas and a short distance from the fast-changing small town of Sao Teotonio.
The farm is within walking distance of a waterway fed by one of the largest dams in Europe, and offers unlimited hiking trails and a private forest.
“The permaculture vision of permanent (sustainable) agriculture has evolved into one of permanent (sustainable) culture.”
-David Holmgren
Course Program
See a sample course outline here
The 72 hour Permaculture Design Certificate course at Sunseed follows the curriculum as laid out in Bill Mollison’s Permaculture – A Designer’s Manual. It covers subjects ranging from ethics and principles of permaculture, natural systems, aquaculture, sustainable design methods, patterns in nature, land restoration, water harvesting, grey water recycling, natural building, food forests and guilds, energy conservation, appropriate technology, renewable energy, urban permaculture and invisible structures.
The course teaches how to develop sustainable human settlements, and how to extend and preserve natural systems. The content will be covered between theoretical lectures and practical applications. The courses aim to utilize the collective intelligence of the group with engaging participatory classes.
Please note their will be variations on the sample course outline.
Price and Accommodation
Course fee of €800 – Includes all tuition, food and tent accommodation (bring your own tent/ caravan, sleeping bag, etc.)
4-person tent rental 2 weeks €50, can be shared of course. 2 person tent rental €25.
Shared 24sqm mess tent (max 4 people) – 900 per person (shared). Or take the whole thing for €1,200 as an individual or €950 p.p. as a couple (please bring your own bedding, sleeping bag etc)
Caravan rental – couple rental, €950 p.p.
The site offers Dry compost toilets, shower and access to electricity. Limited wifi access
Testimonials
