Prior to taking this course I created a few berms and swales on my land.
I used a tractor to bring materials over for the berm (it was very long) and I dug the swales by hand. I observed the results for 3 years - things have gone quite well - I diverted a lot of water away from my studio with the berm as well as planting many native plants and shrubs in that berm. The soil was heavy clay and rock, so the berm was great!
The swales have eased erosion on the bank where I dug them, as well as diverted erosion of the driveway below them. Many white birch trees and native plants are now growing in that area that was previously barren.
Going through this course and researching lots of permaculture projects on line I have seen many big bulldozers used to create berms and swales...and it just feels like so much destruction in the name of making a new landscape. I appreciated Heather's comment and wondering about this issue within the course. I continue to ponder it - wonder what others are thinking about the issue?