Permaculture at Farm Scale

Permaculture is the conscious application of ecological principles to the design of sustainable, regenerative human settlements. It can be applied to the individual and to families and groups; to gardens, farms, businesses, education and health systems, and even governance, in all climatic zones. Using examples and case studies from pioneering farms designed and managed using permaculture design in the UK, Chris describes how permaculture ethics, principles and design processes and tools can be applied at farm-scale using existing technology and methods. This will help to create a socially just and economically viable food system that meets the needs of producers and consumers, while enriching the building blocks of ecosystem health: soil, water and biodiversity. It’s a win-win for all: individuals, communities, governments, and nature.

With a personal example, Chris will describe a small and innovative experiment at his own smallholding Applewood Permaculture Centre in Herefordshire, involving coppicing of apple trees to produce firewood and multiple other benefits. Visit www.applewoodcourses.com for more information about Applewood and the courses run by Chris and his partner Looby Macnamara, both for land-based and people-based permaculture.