| Down On The Permaculture Farm... | |
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The farm layout depicted illustrates zonal placement, wherein those areas that require regular attention, such as the polytunnels and home garden where produce is picked on a continuous basis are placed closest to the house (Zone 1), through to orchards and forest garden areas (Zone 2) and maincropping areas for grain, fruit and vegetable production for trading (Zone 3), out to coppiced woodland areas that require seasonal attention only (Zone 4-5)... The �keyhole� design creates a south facing sheltered sun trap effect, whilst surrounding the site with trees acts as a windbreak. This is further enhanced by planting mixed hedgerows as boundaries between growing areas, which also provides wildlife habitats, increases biodiversity and additional yields such as wild fruit and nuts, mulch material and includes nitrogen fixing species to further increase fertility... Where this farm design also differs from many contemporary agricultural models is it�s diversity of yields. Outputs include fruit and vegetables, cereal and grain crops and timber and coppice. Whilst the cash value of each of these crops is unlikely to be as great were any of these grown as a monocrop, the diversity of yields actually greatly increases the land�s overall output. Other �value added� products might include shitake mushrooms grown on logs, �country� wines, rustic furniture, hurdles, charcoal, poles, honey, propogated unusual edible plants for sale or bottled comfrey and nettle liquid feed. Most produce is traded from the site or through local outlets including via box schemes and farmers markets. An education/visitors centre provides a venue for courses and school visits, etc, thus further value is added in terms of being a community resource... The site is also designed to be as self reliant as possible, thus minimising the need to import energy or fertility from outside. Wind energy is harvested, whilst solar energy is captured directly via photo-voltaic panels on the roof of structures, or indirectly via the bio-mass of the trees and woodland which can then be used as fuel. Water too is harvested and cycled as efficiently as possible, with collection and storage ponds doubling as wildlife havens (and pest control) and aquacultures. Grey water from the dwellings is used to irrigate fruit and bush crops, whilst compost toilets return otherwise wasted fertility to the soil.