INTRODUCTION TO SELF-SUFFICIENCY

 5 Day Introduction to Self-Sufficiency Course

The Course runs for 5 days from Monday to Friday, you will be picked up at 9.15am daily from the village and driven to our home, Cortijo de los Suenos, returning about 5pm.  Lunch with drinks will be provided daily, along with refreshment breaks.
To get the most out of living self-sufficiently and to prevent stiff muscles, and those aches and pains that can affect all of us, each morning will start with a few gentle warm up exercises. We believe it is vitally important to keep fit and supple.
There are four core subjects that make up each morning session, however, these are not classroom sessions. You will be getting your hands dirty making things, designing solar systems and waste water systems etc.

Course Outline

Core Subject 1 : Organic Gardening

Soil health & Organic Compost, Crop Rotation, Companion Planting, Natural Insecticides & Fertilizers, Pests & Diseases, Permaculture & Biodynamics, Pruning, harvesting & storing, Gardening Equipment

Core Subject 2: Alternative Renewable Energy Solutions

Wind & Water Power, Solar – passive, water & Photovoltaic(PV), Geothermal, Ground –source, Energy Efficient Houses

Core Subject 3: Water & Waste Management

Collection, Filtration & Using, Recycling water & wastes, Waste Management – reed beds, grease-traps

Core Subject 4: Animal Husbandry

Considerations & requirements

Chickens, Animals & Bees

On the Wednesday we will walk from the village to our house, along local tracks, to identify local herbs and wild-flowers. You will learn how to use them, including those you can eat. The afternoon will be spent making herbal products , herbal medicines and eco-friendly cleaning products

CRAFTS & SKILLS

In the afternoons we offer a number of additional introductory courses that complement the mornings’ activities. In order that we can offer you the best options we would appreciate your indication on the booking form of what your preferences would be from these topics:

Soap-making
Bread Making
Ropes & Knots
Building – dry stone walls, composting toilets
Adobe bricks
Pottery

In addition to the core subjects and the crafts and skills, we also discuss how to make a living from a self-sufficient lifestyle, from bartering to selling organic produce; just what are the things you need to consider BEFORE you take the leap! As well as some of the more mundane issues ,such as insurance and self-employment.