Permaculture Design Certificate Course Bulgaria 2026

Create thriving relationships between people, communities and nature

20 September – 4 October 2026
Location: Sharena Fabrika, near Sopot Dam, Golyama Zhelyazna village, Bulgaria

Join internationally experienced permaculture teachers Rakesh Rootsman Rak and Daniel Dimov for a 14-day immersive Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC) course in the beautiful Bulgarian countryside.

This certified course, recognised by the Permaculture Association (UK) and Roots 'n Permaculture, offers a deep exploration of how we can redesign our lives, communities and landscapes to create abundance while regenerating nature.

Permaculture is not just about gardening. It is a practical design system for creating thriving human systems: growing food, building ecological homes, restoring ecosystems, creating ethical livelihoods, developing resilient communities and living in greater harmony with the natural world.

A Permaculture Course with Community at its Heart

From the first day, we will create a temporary learning community where everyone’s voice matters.

Using social permaculture tools, especially sociocracy, we will explore how groups can make decisions together, resolve tensions, listen deeply and create supportive environments where everyone can participate.

Rather than simply learning about community design, we will practise it every day throughout the course.

Together we will create our shared vision, establish ways of working together and continually adapt to ensure the course meets the needs of the whole group.

What you will learn

The course combines theory, practical activities, design work and real-world examples, including:

• Permaculture ethics and principles
• Understanding patterns and processes in nature
• Ecological design methodologies
• Reading landscapes and understanding natural systems
• Soil regeneration and food growing systems
• Food forests, plant guilds and self-sufficiency gardens
• Water harvesting and management
• Greywater recycling systems
• Natural building design strategies
• Energy-saving technologies
• Wildlife management and ecological pest control
• Urban permaculture and Transition initiatives
• Community-supported agriculture
• Alternative economies and ethical livelihoods
• Eco-villages and intentional communities
• Sociocracy and effective group governance

Learning through design and practice

After exploring the foundations of permaculture, participants will apply their knowledge through hands-on activities and a collaborative group design project.

The practical sessions are designed to reinforce the theory, helping you understand the patterns and principles behind permaculture so you can apply them anywhere: in gardens, farms, communities, businesses, homes and everyday life.

Where possible, we will also visit nearby projects and intentional communities that demonstrate permaculture in action.

A unique learning environment

The course takes place at Sharena Fabrika, an educational campus for culinary arts and crafts located near Sopot Dam.

The campus follows a “Roots to Table” philosophy, with 12 decares of gardens providing seasonal produce for the culinary school and restaurant, while also providing an inspiring setting for permaculture learning.

Who is this course for?

This course welcomes anyone aged 18 and over.

No previous experience is needed. Whether you are a complete beginner, gardener, designer, community organiser, activist, farmer, educator or simply someone wanting to create positive change, this course will provide practical tools and inspiration.

Course fees

Early Bird Course Fee: €640
Available until 31 July 2026

Standard Course Fee: €760

Accommodation and food supplies package (14 days): €350

The accommodation and food package is designed to make participation accessible and allow everyone to fully immerse themselves in the learning experience.

Certificate

Participants completing the course will receive:

Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC)
Certified by the Permaculture Association (UK)

Certified teachers

Rakesh Rootsman Rak
Permaculture teacher, designer and founder of Roots 'n Permaculture. Teaching permaculture internationally since 2009, with a focus on ecological design, forest gardening, social permaculture and creating regenerative communities.

Daniel Dimov
Permaculture educator and facilitator supporting ecological design and community-based learning.

Come and join us for two weeks of learning, connection, creativity and practical inspiration as we explore how permaculture can help us create a more regenerative future.