What is it?
ScotLAND is the national network of permaculture Learning, Activity, Network & Demonstration (LAND) Centres. The aim of ScotLAND is to demonstrate practical examples of permaculture design in various different micro-climates, scales and cultures throughout Scotland. These include urban and rural home gardens, community gardens, public spaces, allotments, smallholdings and farms.
It is easy to join the network - you're only one quick click away! Many projects are eligible to join as LAND Learners, the tier for those who are still developing their project, so give it a shot.
With our support, you can become a LAND Centre in no time. Centres meet the criteria, as set out by our membership, of integrating permaculture to a highly developed standard as well as being safe and enjoyable places to visit. They are also the best places we can think to visit if you are looking to learn more about permaculture, either on a course or as a volunteer.
If a project doesn't meet Learner criteria, they can join as a LAND Member to stay in the loop with the wider network. Each category - Centre, Learner and Member - receive different levels of support from the ScotLAND core team, each according to their needs.
Who can apply?
Anyone who lives in Scotland who is involved with a physical permaculture project, is dedicated to engaging the public about climate adaptation and is committed to improving the quality and quantity of permaculture design work on show in Scotland. If you are part of a project which you would like to be a ScotLAND Centre or Learner please read The Guide, and if you think you are ready to apply fill in the application form.
If you have any queries, do not hesitate to contact Steve Marquis via scotlandworker[at]permaculture.org.uk
Why ScotLAND?
It's an amazing opportunity for all people who are practising permaculture in Scotland to have recognition for their great work, to link them up with similar projects, to advertise them on our website, and to attract more visitors and volunteers. ScotLAND Centres are internationally recognisable sites of permaculture activity, and groups have been known to travel from abroad in order to see with their own eyes the brilliant work on the ground!
The network is also there to make permaculture more accessible for the wider population; permaculture is so much easier explained when you can see it in action. The Centres in our network are excellent points of contact for anyone in Scotland who wants to learn more about permaculture, whether you live here are are jut visiting. Visiting a ScotLAND Centres is an inspiring experience for people, projects, communities, and of course Scotland too.
How is it different to the LAND Network in England?
You may already know about the Permaculture Association's LAND network in England, on which ScotLAND is based. We have adapted this model to our people and our land.
There is very little difference, apart from the funding which is available to keep each project running. Applicants to the ScotLAND network are supported exclusively by Scotland-based Tutors; however, the LAND Advisory Group (the board which gives the final say on Centre accreditation) is made up of volunteers from England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland.
<<< Exciting News! - We are planning to re-energise and expand the LAND network by building a new broader reaching Projects and LAND Network. We would like to invite you to add your projects to the new map here (opens new window). We'll also be making announcements soon about the new shape of Projects and LAND things to come! >>>
Who can get involved?
**Announcement: If you are interested in joining and don't have a PDC, never fear! ScotLAND will soon accept applicants without PDCs, so apply now and we will be in touch shortly.**
The ScotLAND team is always looking for more volunteers to help with its activities. There is currently one paid worker funded for one day a week and a small group of volunteers helping to manage the whole network. We are always happy to receive more passionate souls who want to help us out: if you have skills in networking, creating online content or writing grant funding applications we particularly want to hear from you!
If you are interested in joining the network, please look through The Guide below, send in an Application Form and then send us a signed copy of the Agreement:
ScotLAND Project Guide
ScotLAND Project Application Form
ScotLAND Learner/Centre Agreement
Assessment of Prior Learning of Permaculture Design Course Curriculum (ScotLAND Pilot)