Terra Alta Permaculture

Terra Alta Permaculture is an off-grid education and research centre nestled in a protected valley near Sintra, just 45 minutes from Lisbon. Founded in 2008 by Pedro Valdjiu and Rita Seixas, the project grew from a shared vision of regenerative culture and alternative education, rooted in the same community spirit that gave birth to Escola da Terra, a local Waldorf school. At its core, Terra Alta offers immersive 10-day Permaculture Design Courses (PDCs) that provide a comprehensive introduction to permaculture principles, regenerative agriculture, natural building, water management, and ecological design. Each course is guided by the 12 principles of permaculture and is designed to be a unique, lived experience of community dynamics and sustainable co-living. The land itself serves as a living classroom — an abundant, healing space spanning two hectares where theory meets practice. The site features a small-scale intensive food forest with a blend of young and old trees, innovative plant guilds, and productive growing areas. Students learn not only technical skills but also how to cultivate healthy social relationships, creative expression, and personal resilience. Terra Alta's vision is to be an inclusive learning centre for people from all walks of life, inviting them to become active agents of cultural and environmental regeneration — spreading an international movement of transformation. The team includes certified permaculture teachers, educators, market gardeners, and health coaches. Pedro Valdjiu, a certified permaculture teacher of the UK Permaculture Association and student of Sepp Holzer and David Holmgren, leads the PDCs. Rita Seixas, co-founder, brings expertise in Anthroposophy, Waldorf education, and the arts. Jenny Ready, a certified permaculture teacher, co-facilitates courses and coordinates the project. Henrik Ellerbrock contributes his experience in biointensive market gardening, and Inês Barros supports nutrition and health coaching. With over 40 certified courses completed and hundreds of students welcomed each year, Terra Alta stands as one of the most active and respected permaculture projects in Portugal and Europe, featured in Permaculture Magazine issue #124.