Chris Evans’ journey in permaculture spans decades, continents, and countless communities. From the remote villages of Nepal to the lush orchards of Applewood Permaculture Centre in the UK, his story reflects the evolving practice of permaculture and its ability to adapt to diverse cultures, ecosystems, and educational needs.
Early Roots in Permaculture
Chris’s introduction to permaculture began in the late 1980s when he attended a Permaculture Design Course (PDC) with some of the discipline's founding figures, including Bill Mollison and Lee Harrison. The course, held during the third International Permaculture Convergence in New Zealand, brought together 62 participants for two weeks of transformative learning.
In 1991, Chris deepened his understanding by completing an advanced permaculture design and teacher-training course in the UK. He was in good company – teachers like Andrew Langford, Graham Bell, Nancy Woodhead, Mike Feingold, Patsy Garrard, Patrick Whitefield and Georg Sobol attended this 2 week-long intensive course as well.
Chris is an EuPN assured teacher. He is a diploma tutor with the Permaculture Association UK.
Permaculture in Nepal: A 35-Year Commitment
Chris’s passion for permaculture led him to Nepal, where he has spent over three decades applying and teaching its principles. Working with Nepalese communities, Chris focused on resource-based design, ensuring that projects aligned with the materials, skills, and needs available locally.
He prioritized engaging local people and teachers in his work, creating opportunities for empowerment and collaboration. His long-term dedication has contributed to widespread awareness and adoption of permaculture practices in Nepal, bridging cultural gaps and fostering sustainable development in a challenging environment.
Applewood Permaculture Centre
After years of teaching permaculture at various venues across the UK, Chris eventually settled at Applewood Permaculture Centre in Herefordshire. Initially facing planning challenges at another site in Herefordshire, he and his family found a new home at Waterloo Farm.
Applewood is more than just a teaching venue; it is a living example of permaculture principles in action. Over half of the site is forested, serving as a wildlife refuge, among other functions. Chris’s work at Applewood embodies a philosophy of designing courses and projects based on the resources at hand, emphasizing adaptability and ecological harmony.
Transforming Permaculture Education
Chris has taught around 65 PDCs over the years, favoring the depth and connection of residential courses. However, the COVID-19 pandemic presented a new challenge, forcing him to explore online and blended learning formats. Together with Tomas Remiarz, Chris developed an innovative system for delivering permaculture education online, combining tools like Google Drive and Zoom to create an interactive and engaging experience.
The online courses included:
- A course map with a timetable, linked documents, videos, and presentations.
- Recorded sessions for accessibility.
- Peer group interactions to foster a sense of community.
- Opportunities for guest tutors, who were compensated fairly.
While initially skeptical about online learning, Chris discovered its potential to make permaculture more accessible. The courses grew in popularity, attracting 33 participants by 2021. Chris and Thomas designed the curriculum themselves, ensuring it maintained the integrity and rigor of face-to-face learning while adapting to an online format. An online PDC is planned from February to June 2025, and is open for bookings. You can also inquire about the online PDC via email: cevans@gn.apc.org
A Legacy of Service and Innovation
Chris’s contributions to permaculture have been recognized not only within the movement but also by broader communities. In 1991, he was awarded a community service award for his efforts, a testament to his impact on grassroots sustainability initiatives.
His work continues to inspire through Applewood, where he integrates teaching, conservation, and community building. Whether designing a PDC, mentoring local teachers in Nepal, or preserving wildlife habitats in Herefordshire, Chris exemplifies the adaptability and creativity at the heart of permaculture.
Looking Ahead
Chris Evans’ story reminds us that permaculture is more than a set of techniques—it is a way of thinking and living that responds to the needs of people and the planet. As Applewood grows and evolves, it stands as a beacon for others looking to combine practical education with ecological stewardship.
From the mountains of Nepal to the forests of the UK, Chris’s journey continues to shape the future of permaculture, one design, one course, and one community at a time.