All Island Permaculture Gathering August 2012

roscommon | environment | event notice Thursday July 05, 2012 13:38 by Permaculture Gathering 2012 - Permaculture Ireland permaculturegathering at gmail dot com

This year’s island-wide Permaculture Gathering will take place on an evolving Permaculture farm in the heart of Ireland this August 3rd – 6th. Building on the momentum from last years gathering in Wicklow, our goal again this year is to organize a weekend camp in a private location to support the growing number of permaculturalists in Ireland by providing an opportunity to network, celebrate & learn from one another.

Opportunities for learning how to work in non-hierarchal ways and share the surplus of knowledge will be key. This will not be a passive event laid on by some others, but rather an active participatory gathering where we create it together. Every participant has a role in making the event happen. Anybody can get involved and help out.

Who can attend?

Anyone with an interest in permaculture. Tickets will be available online soon.

€40 for the weekend.
€20 concession.
Day tickets can be bought for either day at a cost of €20.

What are the arrival / departure times?

Arrival: Friday 3rd (from 6:00pm until 10:00pm – (If you cannot make it between these times on Friday we recommend you leave it until Saturday to join the Gathering).
Departure: Monday 6th: The main closing circle will be on Sunday evening, with the option of staying onsite till Monday (bank holiday) morning. Site team closing circle & take down Monday 6th a.m.
Where is the site located?

The site is located 2km from Strokestown, just off the R363 from Strokestown to Four Mile House. After leaving Strokestown, you will come to a small cross roads, turn left here onto the L1424 signposted ‘Carnaska’. The entrance to the Gathering is the first field entrance to your right.

On arrival you can park at a turn around point just past the entry, temporarily, to unload your gear.

Weekend Parking is available in Strokestown. There are plenty of parking spaces along the main street. From here there will be a shuttle bus/local taxi company available to bring you to the site. Alternatively it’s an easy walk.

Please consider using Public transport/Carpooling to minimise traffic.

View location map here: http://g.co/maps/ufehk

What are the camp guidelines / regulations?

The Permaculture Gathering is a strict no drugs, no alcohol space.
No dogs or other pets are allowed on site.
You are responsible for any children under your care.
Access on Friday will be for advanced ticket holders only. Day tickets can be bought for Saturday and Sunday at the main gate for €20.
We ask that loud noise stop at 11pm each night. The camp must be quiet by midnight.
How is cooking, camping and waste to be organised?

A self-catering hostel-style kitchen is on site for preparing meals; please bring bowls, plates & cutlery and food. The kitchen is strictly vegetarian for health & safety reasons. You are encouraged to group together to prepare meals with others. Fresh spring drinking water is available at the kitchen.
There will be a communal meal on Saturday evening. Food from the on-site kitchen garden can be used for this meal.
There will be no campfires on site except in the designated area.
There is a designated camping area onsite
Compost toilets will be constructed during workshops in the run up to the gathering & there will be compost collection of all food waste.
What should I bring?

Good small, waterproof tent with plenty of bedding
Rain gear, wellies, wets, etc.
Food
Cooking pots, Utensils, Mugs, Bowls etc
Midget repellent, sunscreen (cause you never know
How will the camp be organized?

The camp itself will be self-organizing with a core team and working groups working in the run up to the camp to create space and possibility. Inspirations have been Unicorn, Earth Song, Rainbow, Innisowen summer gathering, Transition Gatherings and Climate Camp models. It will be self-financing, no drugs or alcohol will be allowed on site. The use of non renewables e.g. mains electricity will be kept to an absolute minimum, so for example any electricity used will be provided by proven Green Energy technologies.

What sort of things will happen at the gathering?

Workshops, Networking Events, Entertainment and Talks will use Open Space Technology (OST). OST “is an approach for hosting meetings, community events, focused on a specific and important purpose or task—but beginning without any formal agenda, beyond the overall purpose or theme.” (Wikipedia).

What types of learning opportunities will there be?

Learning opportunities and conversations will be generally categorized as follows, Talks, Discussion Sessions, Practical Workshops and Lifestyle Workshops. These will be offered by those attending in the spirit of shared learning and there will be no facilitator fees as it is a great learning opportunity for all.

How do I join a working group?

Our event facilitator will welcome new volunteers to the process and put you in touch with group leaders in your area of interest. Email us at permaculturegathering@gmail.com

How will permaculture be used?

Permaculture design principals and methodology will be used throughout the organising of the gathering and the site design. Working groups will meet online and in person where necessary to create useable designs which will be up-loaded to the Gathering website. They can then submit a budget proposal for materials to the core team.