Irrigation Course | Water Management, Design & Practical Skills

Discover how to design, install and maintain effective irrigation systems on this three-day practical irrigation course at Emerson College in East Sussex.

Led by experienced organic grower Peter Dollimore, the course explores sustainable water management, soil moisture, irrigation system design and the practical techniques involved in making the best use of water for healthy, productive growing environments.

Through a combination of classroom learning, practical activities, site assessment and real-world case studies, participants will explore how water moves through soil and growing systems, how to assess irrigation requirements and how to select suitable equipment and approaches.

The course covers everything from rainwater harvesting and water storage to irrigation installation, maintenance and water quality. Participants will also have opportunities to consider their own gardens, smallholdings or growing projects and discuss potential solutions.

Whether you are planning a new irrigation system or looking to improve an existing one, this course offers valuable knowledge and practical insight to support more effective water management.

This course is designed for people interested in improving how water is managed within gardens and growing environments.

It may be particularly relevant to:

• Gardeners and allotment holders looking to develop their understanding of irrigation.
• Smallholders and people growing their own food.
• Horticulturalists, market gardeners and professional growers.
• Land managers responsible for productive growing spaces.
• Those working with organic or biodynamic growing systems.
• Anyone interested in water conservation, irrigation design and sustainable growing practices.

Over three days, you will develop an understanding of the principles and practical applications of irrigation.

Water movement, soil and plant needs

Explore how water behaves within soil and growing systems, including the physics, chemistry and biology of water, soil moisture characteristics and plant water requirements.

Weather, rainfall and effective water use

Understand how weather patterns, rainfall and changing conditions influence irrigation requirements, and how water can be applied effectively to support plant growth.

Irrigation system design and site assessment

Learn how to assess a growing site and consider suitable irrigation designs based on soil type, available water resources, storage capacity and growing requirements.

Water supply, harvesting and storage

Explore different approaches to water supply and storage, including rainwater harvesting, reservoirs, tanks, boreholes, surface water abstraction, mains water and off-grid systems.

Irrigation equipment, installation and maintenance

Become familiar with irrigation equipment and practical techniques for assembly, installation, maintenance and repair.

Consider the costs, time and effort involved in different systems and how to balance these against their long-term benefits.

Water quality and sustainable approaches

Explore water quality, filtration, hygiene and risk assessment, alongside approaches that support organic and biodynamic growing principles.

The course will also introduce flowforms and vortex aeration as approaches to water movement and vitality.

The course takes place over three days, with each day following a similar rhythm of theoretical learning, practical exploration and case studies, divided by breaks.

Part 1 – Understanding irrigation principles

Classroom-based teaching covering water physics, chemistry and biology, soil moisture, weather tracking and the principles of effective water application.

Part 2 – Practical activities and site assessment

Practical exploration of site assessment, irrigation design, soil type and moisture measurements, and examples of irrigation equipment and techniques.

Part 3 – Irrigation systems in practice

An exploration of water supply, storage, transfer and application through case studies, equipment examples and practical considerations.

Participants will have opportunities to discuss their own growing spaces and consider possible irrigation solutions with the tutor and fellow participants.

By the end of the course, you will have developed:

• A greater understanding of water movement, soil moisture and irrigation principles.
• Knowledge of how to assess a site and consider appropriate irrigation solutions.
• An understanding of water harvesting, storage and application options.
• Practical knowledge of irrigation equipment, installation and maintenance techniques.
• Greater confidence in evaluating the costs, resources and requirements of different irrigation systems.

If you have your own garden, smallholding or growing project, you will also have an opportunity to explore how the principles covered might be applied to your particular circumstances.

Peter Dollimore

Peter has worked full-time on organically certified holdings since 1998, bringing extensive experience of organic growing systems and practical land management.

His approach to irrigation combines technical understanding with practical considerations developed through working on the land.

While the course is not specifically focused on organic or biodynamic irrigation techniques, it encourages approaches compatible with these growing principles.

Please bring:

• A notebook and pens or pencils for taking notes and drawing.
• Waterproof clothing and suitable outdoor footwear.
• Any irrigation equipment or catalogues you would like to discuss.
• A map of your garden or growing site, if relevant, ideally showing contours, roof areas, existing water features and underground services.
• An optional soil sample from your land for texture and field capacity testing.

The course is intended for people interested in understanding and applying irrigation principles to gardens and growing systems.

Previous experience requirements are to be confirmed.