[Balkan Ecology Project]

Hi All

This 7 day course  explores concepts of ecological design applied specifically to the productive landscape. We explain our process for designing ecosystems that include a bounty of nourishing foods, beautiful spaces and enriched bio-diversity.
 
The course balances theory with hands on practical activity, design exercises and hikes into the beautiful surrounding countryside of the Central Balkan mountain range.

Throughout the course you'll be learning how to create and design, and we encourage our guests to bring their own plans or future projects into the course and to incorporate what we cover into a plan that can be implemented in the future. 
.   
This course is perfect for anyone wishing to begin a new project or wanting to get started in ecological design.  What we cover during the course can be easily applied to existing projects. You will learn to approach design from a thoughtful, intellectual perspective, thereby  minimizing maintenance and reducing redundancy, allowing yourself to focus on the most enjoyable parts of growing your landscapes.

http://www.balkep.org/edible-ecosystem-design-course---september-3rd-10th-2015.html


Where will you be?
The course is hosted in the Town of Shipka at the foothills of the Central Balkan Mountains in the Rose Valley. An area of high biodiversity, beautiful countryside and historical sites of global cultural and scientific significance. Sessions will be split between a lecture hall, in the field and at our site, a 9 yr old residential property with an established, highly productive forest garden composed of over 400 species of plants. The site is a good example of small scale intensive ecological design and includes examples of rainwater harvesting, grey water reed beds, wildlife ponds, multiple composting facilities and small scale plant nursery. We practice various methods of biological vegetable production including guild planting and crop rotation, and rear pigs, chickens and rabbits from this property.

If traveling from abroad perhaps you would like to extend your stay in the region. There is plenty to do including hiking, biking, paragliding, various wildlife tours and archaeological excursions, or you could just soak up the timeless vibes of rural Bulgaria. If you would like to get some hands on experience after the course there are also some great projects nearby that may be open for volunteers, get in touch for more details.

Why Take this Course ?
Our course is tailored to equip you with the theoretical base, practical skills, and inspiration to start building your own project, whether that be a town garden, rural retreat, community project or market garden.
You will be learning from people that have extensive experience in what they are teaching, at a site that provides living, working examples of what we cover during the course.

Our unique location is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and recharge in the tranquility of rural Bulgaria. Its a slow paced relaxed environment, and although the course is very active the atmosphere cannot help but be absorbed.
Post-course online support:- We aim to stay in touch with our students after the course is finished in order to help develop your plans and we encourage students to stay in touch with each other providing forums to enable this to happen.

All profits from this course will be used for the purchasing of land with high ecological value currently under threat from intensive agricultural development. The land, once under our stewardship, is managed with respect for its inherent value and vital ecosystem services. Your payment, as well as being a sound investment for your development, will be contributing to the protection and management of these important habitats.

This course is geared towards those seeking a hands on, less academic experience where the actual reality of developing and maintaining a productive ecological ecosystem is realized.

http://www.balkep.org/edible-ecosystem-design-course---september-3rd-10th-2015.html

www.balkep.org