The ECO School

I've just completed my 2 month PDC at the Eco School and have had an absolutely sensational time. If you want to learn how to become a permaculture home-steader FOR REAL, skip the two weeks of PowerPoint presentations offered elsewhere, and come get fully immersed in the lifestyle. Dani and Nelson have got the art of sustainable living down pat, and both are an absolute gold-mine of knowledge to be tapped. I left knowing how to do everything from preparing and planting garden beds; to raising livestock; milking and cheese-making; harvesting and preserving; butchering, baking (no candle-stick making...); DIY and carpentry. Essentially, we covered in incredible depth the art and science of ecology and land regeneration, as well as all the principles of design and analysis vital to making permaculture work properly. It was like being back at uni, except this time I was learning something useful (and deeply fascinating). The farm does have a rustic vibe... There are a few cobwebs to regulate the local insect population and Nelson has an inveterate eye for collecting resources that may be useful in the undetermined future. I would encourage applicants who are easy going, adaptable and have the initiative to look after their own needs effectively. A luxury retreat this is not: Instagrammers and fuss-pots need not apply. That said, Dani and Nelson looked after me incredibly well! If you do the mahi, they will treat you like family. It was a pleasure and a privilege to be part of their on-going project to save the world one PDC at a time. Aside from their seemingly psychotic neighbours (read below...) it is evident how highly regarded they are in their community for all the good they do. Their land is night&day different from the degraded wasteland surrounding the school, and they are dedicated to sharing their knowledge and principles as widely as possible, often for free. Local legends and community heroes. Go and learn from the best. Thank me later.
Oct 28th, 2021

My daughter attended for the first time and she loved it! She went willingly with the instructors who were so kind and caring, she came home with many exciting stories too! She was so happy that she wants to go back again and was sad that she has to go back to regular school because it was so much fun. Thank you for making it such an amazing and memorable day!
Mar 21st, 2021

We are thankful to complete our 2 month PDC here. There are no google reviews about the PDC so i thought it best i wrote one in case you're wondering whether to do it here. Its definitely good to do a PDC over a longer amount of time. There are great aspects of this place and this PDC but there were definitely things we had higher expectations: -we had fleas throughout the 2 months, biting us (not directly the hosts' fault but still a big problem) -there was a cleanliness issue. While travelling we had stayed in many unclean places but this was by far our worst prolonged experience of hygiene. -the hosts are not very interested in food (which is a shame on an organic farm), we expected more tips and tricks on preserving, cooking and using the surplus food grown on the property. -the hosts, while very friendly and do look after you with great advice and instruction, seem to be quite closed to new ideas. Thank you for having us and for providing a cheap PDC for people. We had many great game nights and good discussions about global warming and sustainability for the future. We wish you all the best, 2G
Mar 12th, 2020