Permaculture

Permaculture

Is an ecological design approach to living within nature’s limits.

Derived from “permanent agriculture” it has widened to also reflect “permanent culture” and the importance of the social aspects in successful design.

In its simplest form, permaculture is…

– Seeing and understanding the big family of nature; that all of nature is connected and we all need each other;
– Using nature as our teacher;
– Designing things so that people and nature are in harmony with each other.

 

Permaculture designs are now applied to many areas of social and ecological transformation.

Permaculture Ethics

Earth Care

The Earth is a living, breathing entity. Without ongoing care and nurturing there will be consequences too big to ignore.

People Care

If people’s needs are met in compassionate and simple ways, the environment surrounding them will prosper.

Fair Share

We are provided with times of abundance which enables us to share with others.

Permaculture Principles

Principle 1: Observe and interact

By taking the time to engage with nature we can design solutions that suit our particular situation.

Principle 2: Catch and store energy

By developing systems that collect resources when they are abundant, we can use them in times of need.

Principle 3: Obtain a yield

Ensure that you are getting truly useful rewards as part of the work that you are doing.

Principle 4: Apply self-regulation & accept feedback

We need to discourage inappropriate activity to ensure that systems can continue to function well.

Principle 5: Use & value renewable resources & services

Make the best use of nature’s abundance to reduce our consumptive behaviour and dependence on non-renewable resources.

Principle 6: Produce no waste

By valuing and making use of all the resources that are available to us, nothing goes to waste.

Principle 7: Design from patterns to details

By stepping back, we can observe patterns in nature and society. These can form the backbone of our designs, with the details filled in as we go.

Principle 8: Integrate rather than segregate

By putting the right things in the right place, relationships develop between them and they support each other.

 

Principle 9: Use small and slow solutions

Small and slow systems are easier to maintain than big ones, making better use of local resources and produce more sustainable outcomes.

Principle 10: Use and value diversity

Diversity reduces vulnerability to a variety of threats and takes advantage of the unique nature of the environment in which it resides.

Principle 11: Use edges & value the marginal

The interface between things is where the most interesting events take place. These are often the most valuable, diverse and productive elements in the system.

Principle 12: Creatively use and respond to change

We can have a positive impact on inevitable change by carefully observing, and then intervening at the right time.