The Practice & Theory of Holzer ́s Permaculture/ Agroecolgy:
A 5 day Seminar with Sepp Holzer in Alta Garrotxa, Catalunya, Spain from 23-27 September, 2017

We are happy to share with you that we will be hosting Sepp Holzer for a 5 day Seminar in our project Can Lliure in the wonderful area of natural interest Alta Garrotxa,Catalunya.

̈My university is nature. ̈ by Sepp Holzer

About Sepp Holzer:
Sepp Holzer (born July 24, 1942 in Ramingstein, Province of Salzburg, Austria) is a farmer, author, and an international consultant for natural agriculture. He took over his parents' mountain farm business in 1962 and pioneered the use of ecological farming, or permaculture, techniques at high altitudes (1100 to 1500 meters above sea level) after being unsuccessful with regular farming methods.

The Krameterhof one of the World ́s finest Permaculture examples established by Sepp Holzer & Family Holzer was called the "rebel farmer" because he persisted, despite being fined and even threatened with prison, with practices such as not pruning his fruit trees (unpruned fruit trees survive snow loads that will break pruned trees). He has created some of the world's best examples of using ponds as reflectors to increase solar gain for Passive solar heating of structures, and of using the microclimate created by rock outcrops to effectively change the hardiness zone for nearby plants. He has also done original work in the use of Hugelkultur and natural branch development instead of pruning to allow fruit trees to survive high altitudes and harsh winters.

His expanded farm - the Krameterhof - now spans over 45 hectares of forest gardens, including 70 ponds,and is said to be the most consistent example of permaculture worldwide. In 2009 Sepp Holzer left the Krameterhof in the hands of his son Josef Andreas Holzer. Since 2013 Sepp Holzer lives on his new farm -the Holzerhof farm - in the Burgenland, Austria. He is currently conducting permaculture ("Holzer Permaculture") seminars both at his Holzerhof farm and worldwide.
He is author of several books, works nationally as permaculture-activist in the established agricultural industry, and works internationally as adviser for ecological agriculture.

„Ask Nature, ask your land, your water, your animals, whether they feel good under your guidance.“ Sepp Holzer

This basic attitude guides Sepp Holzer,the Rebel Farmer from Austria in his work and during his outstanding seminars. It is about sustainable and regenerative methods of Holzer ́s Agroecology that align with the given local conditions and resources.

Sepp Holzer is known for his long term experience in the field and is a true pioneer of applying Permaculture and Agorecology in a diversity of landscapes all around the world. His vivid, clear and straight forward manner of sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience has build him a reputation in the alternative farming community. Since many years he has been known to be one of the foremost practitioners in the field not many others can build on such long history of experience. His farm the Krameterhof is know worldwide as one of the best examples for natural and sustainable farming practices.

Living in harmony with nature and its cycles is very important to Sepp Holzer and his Agroecological
principles reflect that very strongly. Rich abundant harvest and healthy ecosystems can just be created and maintained when we work with nature ́s cycles and a sensitivity to the local conditions. One of Sepp ̈s priorities is to create sustainable agro-ecosystems that have an economic return for the farmer. We are very proud to have Sepp Holzer with us for his first seminar in Catalunya and hope to energize our project and the local area with his presence.

Important topics during the Seminar will be:
Introduction to the Principles & Practices of Holzer ́s Agroecology
Recognition of the local conditions & resources -> Design possibilities
Construction and planting of a Holzer ‘Hügel’ (hill) bed
Practical knowledge about vegetable gardening
Practical advice regarding the gardening of medical plants
Mushroom production
Construction of ponds and water retention spaces
Micro-climates and their effects on plant growth
Seeds, seed extraction and variety of seeds
Cycles in nature
Sustainable,integrated and ethical Animal Systems
Further development, configuration and tips for the overall concept of the Can Lliure Project

We will construct a Holzer’s Huegelkultur bed which also will be planted out during the course. Through the designing of different levels of elevation and aspects different habitats result for a multitude of animals and plants.

The seminar is from Saturday at 10am to Wednesday at 4pm with Sepp Holzer from Austria.

A translator for English-speaking seminar participants is on site!

The course is limited to 30 participants to give the best experience and attention to all the students.
There will be a open consultation together with Sepp Holzer 1 day after the course and we have 15 places available for course students to join this consultation and experience first hand Sepp ̈s consultation work!
This is a very special and rare opportunity not to be missed. The extra cost would be 50 euro for the day which includes Lunch.

The host site Can Lliure:
Can Lliure as a place for mindful Human-Nature Relationships. With our aim of creating a Living ,Learning & Research Centre to develop once capacities and to realize inherent potentialities with natures guidance and support.
We see Can Lliure as a important,vital place and seeding ground for ourselves and the wider globalcommunity to adapt to their surrounding environments once again and enjoy their bounties in a sustainable manner.
The Dome on site integrated into the wild landscape Can Lliure is based in the wonderful and magical Alta Garrotxa area close to the Spanish Pyrenees. The land we are in Stewardship of is 100ha and is mainly covered in wild Oak forest with lots of wild goats,wild boars and limestone cliffs. There are 3,5 ha of cleared terraces with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
We recently started to regenerate these terraces which in the future will become a diverse Agroforestry systems and organic vegetable gardens. We also started our first steps on Mushroom Production and we host a ecological Bee Sanctuary on site. We are very blessed and very grateful to have a clean,natural freshwater spring on our land from which we drink. We also have a few simple structures like outdoor showers,compost toilets, geodesic dome and bell tent to accommodate and host people to enjoy this wild and natural place.
The Oak forest surroundings as far as the eye can see! A wonderful place to re-connect with nature!

The seminar fee is :
700 Euro – early bird if you sign up until 23.April.2017 , which includes camping on site
and 3 meals – limited to max.15 places
600 Euro - early bird if you sign up until 23.April.2017, self arranged private
accommodation in one of the many Rural Tourist accommodation options in this beautiful
area, this price includes just Lunch

After 23.April 2017:
750 Euro ( which includes camping on site and 3 meals) – limited to max. 15 places
650 Euro – self arranged private accommodation in one of the many Rural Tourist
accommodation options in this beautiful areas, this price includes just Lunch.

For more information please visit our website :
www.soilsunsoul.net
contact to register : Roman & Kate – permaculturainfo@gmail.com

More information about Sepp Holzer you can find here:
ww.seppholzer.at and www.krameterhof.at

"There are very little examples of people that operate on such a high level. ̈ David Holmgren about Sepp Holzer,see video here: David Holmgren about Sepp Holzer

A link to a folder of Sepp Holzer ́s work around the world see here:
http://www.seppholzer.at/cms/fileadmin/user_upload/projekte/SeppHolzerProjekte2014.pdf