Permaculture is about designing systems that support life. At Roots n Permaculture, we also explore how ecological design thinking can support the learning and development of children and young people.
Children are naturally curious about the living world. When this curiosity is supported through nature based learning, it can nurture confidence, creativity and a deeper relationship with the natural environment.
The learning pathways connected to Children in Permaculture (CiP) and Youth in Permaculture (YiP) explore practical ways educators, parents and community members can introduce ecological thinking to young learners.
Why Children and Youth Matter in Permaculture
Permaculture is often associated with food growing, ecological design and sustainable living for adults. However, the core ideas of observation, care and cooperation can also be introduced to younger learners in creative and meaningful ways.
When children interact with soil, plants, water, animals and shared spaces, they begin to develop their own relationship with the living world. These experiences are not about formal instruction but about exploration, curiosity and discovery.
The aim is not to teach children every aspect of permaculture. Instead, the focus is on creating environments where they can explore connections between people, nature and community.
Activities may include growing food, observing seasonal changes, storytelling, habitat exploration and collaborative play. These experiences support holistic development while gently introducing ecological awareness.
Children in Permaculture (CiP)
The Children in Permaculture course explores creative ways of engaging children with permaculture ideas through play, storytelling, observation and hands on learning.
This one day training is designed for educators and carers who want practical approaches they can adapt to their own learning environments.
What You May Explore
- Introduction to permaculture design principles
- Creative and playful nature based learning approaches
- Adapting activities for different age groups
- Simple tools and resources for educators
- Supporting curiosity, cooperation and ecological awareness
This course is suitable for teachers, forest school practitioners, parents, grandparents and community educators who work with younger learners.
Youth in Permaculture (YiP)
The Youth in Permaculture course explores ways of engaging teenagers and young adults in deeper ecological learning and practical design thinking.
Young people are often interested in meaningful action and social change. Permaculture can provide practical tools for exploring sustainability, community resilience and regenerative living.
The training introduces participatory learning methods that support discussion, creative thinking and collaborative projects.
Learning Outcomes
- Understanding permaculture principles for youth education
- Facilitating participatory learning and group activities
- Supporting youth led projects and ideas
- Encouraging ecological awareness and responsibility
- Building confidence and teamwork through practical learning
Designing Learnscapes
Children often learn best through play, movement and direct experience. The design of outdoor spaces therefore plays an important role in supporting learning.
The Designing Learnscapes training explores how permaculture design thinking can help create outdoor environments where children and young people can explore, play and learn.
Learnscapes can be developed in schools, nurseries, forest school settings, community gardens and shared public spaces. The focus is on working creatively with the resources that are already available.
What You Will Learn
- Introduction to permaculture design thinking for learning spaces
- The importance of nature connection for child development
- Ideas for outdoor play and exploration
- Practical design approaches for gardens and learning environments
- Examples from community projects and educational spaces
Who These Courses Are For
- Teachers and educators
- Forest school practitioners
- Parents and grandparents
- Community organisers
- Nature and garden educators
- Anyone interested in supporting children’s learning through nature
Learning With Roots n Permaculture
The courses are facilitated by Rakesh “Rootsman Rak”, a permaculture designer, teacher and community practitioner who has been teaching permaculture since 2009.
His approach combines ecological design knowledge, practical experience and participatory learning methods. Participants are encouraged to develop their own style of working with young learners.
Participant Feedback
"I have just completed the Children in Permaculture two-day introductory course with Rakesh. Rakesh's teaching style was to guide the group to share knowledge and add to it with his own. He has such a depth of experience and enthusiasm, I felt so inspired, and have been left wanting to learn and do more. There is no judgement of whether you are already doing enough or making mistakes, only encouragement to make a difference in any way you can. I would highly recommend Rakesh's course."
"Rakesh is really engaging and very creative in how he gets you to learn. You end up learning so much more than just the specified content. He also makes a big effort to ensure that everyone gets what they want from the course. He's very inspiring when he talks about projects he's been involved with and he can break stuff down into something that's easy to digest."
"Rakesh has quite a unique way of teaching that I think allows participants to connect with him and the content he teaches. He is also very approachable but yet direct and knowledgeable. Roots and Permaculture courses are a pleasure to partake in, I highly recommend learning with Rakesh."
Join a Course
If you are interested in exploring how permaculture can support children and young people, you are warmly invited to join one of these courses.
You will discover creative approaches to ecological education and learn how to design spaces and learning experiences that support curiosity, play and environmental awareness.
Upcoming Courses & Workshops
Explore upcoming sessions and find something that fits your interests. If you don’t see a course that works for you, feel free to get in touch to express interest or organise a session in your area.
Upcoming Children in Permaculture and Youth in Permaculture Courses
| No events |
Other Upcoming Courses
| 14 Jul 2026; 09:00AM - 06:00PM 12 to 17 day Urban - Vegan - Permaculture Design Course with an emphasis on Designing for Kids |