Established permaculture farm
Soil Microbiology and Ecology Workshop
Join soil ecologist Jake—trained in ethnobotany, ecological design, and Soil Food Web science—for a dynamic workshop blending science, practice, and inspiration. Witness soil life under the microscope, explore global case studies, and learn practical methods to restore biodiversity, regenerate soils, and design resilient landscapes rooted in living systems.
30th September 2025 @ Keela Permaculture Farm, Fundao, Portugal. 9am till 1pm
Explore the soil food web
In this interactive workshop, Jake reveals the hidden world beneath our feet. Through live microscope sessions, you’ll observe the microbes that drive nutrient cycling, protect plants, and build resilient ecosystems. Drawing on global experience from projects like Greening the Desert, Jake shares the principles of the Soil Food Web, biodiversity, and ecological succession.
You’ll explore practical methods to reintroduce biology into degraded soils, connect soil health with climate stability, and apply systems thinking for land regeneration. Combining cutting-edge science with Indigenous ecological wisdom, this workshop equips you with the tools, inspiration, and holistic understanding to create thriving, regenerative landscapes.
Soil Microbiology and Ecology Workshop
What is included in this Course?
Workshop Highlights
Live Microscope Session – See soil or compost samples analysed to identify key Soil Food Web organisms and their roles.
Theoretical Framework – Introduction to soil microbiology, the Soil Food Web, and their role in succession and resilience.
International Case Studies – Inspiring examples of microbiology and natural systems restoring soils worldwide.
Key Topics
Importance of Soil Microbiology – Understand microbes essential to healthy, living soils.
Biodiversity & Nutrient Cycling – How diverse soil life supports nutrient flow.
Pest & Disease Protection – How balanced soil ecosystems defend plants naturally.
Practical Soil Integration – Hands-on methods to reintroduce biology into soil.
Soils, Evolution & Climate – Linking soil development to planetary evolution and stability.
Soil Food Web & Ecology – Explore relationships between soil organisms and ecosystems.
Ecological Succession & Syntropy – How life builds complexity and cooperation over time.
Systems Thinking & Regeneration – Designing holistic, regenerative landscapes.
Biodiversity & Resilience – Why diversity strengthens ecosystems.
Live Microscope Projection – Watch soil life magnified in real-time.
Practical Steps & Q&A – Actionable takeaways and tailored answers.
About your teacher
Jake Corin
Join soil ecologist Jake for an immersive workshop on Soil Microbiology and Soil Ecology. Through a live microscope session, you’ll see the Soil Food Web in action—identifying microbes that drive nutrient cycling, protect plants, and build resilience. Discover how biodiversity, ecological succession, and syntropy shape thriving soils, supported by inspiring international case studies. Learn practical methods to reintroduce biology into degraded soils, connect soil health to climate stability, and apply systems thinking for regeneration. With real-time demonstrations, hands-on techniques, and an interactive Q&A, you’ll gain the knowledge and tools to foster healthy, living soils and resilient ecosystems. Click here for full bio
Jake Corin from Symbiosis Soil Lab’s Socials:
About your venue and hosts
Laurence Manchee / Keela Permaculture
Keela is an 18-hectare off-grid homestead, permaculture farm, retreat, and education centre in central Portugal, founded in 2016. It’s home to thriving market gardens, agroforests, food forests, lakes, natural buildings, a yoga room, a cold plunge pool, and diverse regenerative systems. Our work includes a large-scale reforestation program and a community hub for permaculture learning.
Onsite, founder Laurence Manchee—a certified educator with the Permaculture Association UK—teaches courses, speaks at international events, writes for Permaculture Magazine, and offers consultancy. Keela is not just a venue—it’s a living example of sustainable, regenerative living in harmony with nature.
Prices & travel information
Traveling to Keela Permaculture Farm
Keela is Based in the Village Mata Da Rainha near Fundao in Central Portugal
- Fly to either Lisbon or Porto Airport.
- Take a coach or Train to Fundao Station
- Arrive by group taxi from Fundao station to the farm
Pricing
- Workshop €30
- Lunch €10
- Overnight stay €30 in your own tent or caravan (includes dinner and breakfast)
Get this course for free in you join our PDC
- This course is included for our students of our September Permaculture Design. Click here for more info on this two week course
Booking form
