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No.66 Winter 2010 £3.95 UK / $7.99 US / $8.99 CAN
PERMACULTURE MAGAZINE
C a t e g o r y :
L i f e s t y l e
a n d / o r E n v i r o n m e n t
INFORMATIVE ARTICLES NEWS COURSES CLASSIFIEDS BOOK, DVD, TOOL & PRODUCT REVIEWS
permaculture2 COMPETITIONS & MANY READERS OFFERS
Build Your OwnNatural Swimming Pool
and a
Self-Watering
Greenhousewe show you how!
PLUS
FEEL-GOOD IDEAS TOHELP YOUTHROUGH
THE WINTERINCLUDING:
How To Boost Your Immune System
Growing Winter Vegetables
Choosing an Energy EfficientWoodburning Stove
Feeding Your DogAs Nature Intended
G r e e n S h o p p i n g C a t a l o g u e 2 0 11
F R E E
U K s u b s c r i b e r s & s e l e c t s t o r e s o n l y
Recipes for OutdoorCooking in Winter
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www.permaculture.co.uk No. 66 1Permaculture Magazine
Contents P
O W E R E D
B Y T
H E
S U
N
p m
P e r m a c u l tu re i s...
a n i n n o v a ti v e f ra m e wo rk f o
r c re a ti n g
su s ta i n a bl e wa ys o f l i v i n g; a p ra
c ti c a l m e th o d
f o r d e v e l o p i n g e c o l o
gi c a l l y h a r m o n i o u s,
e f f i c i e n t a n d p ro d u c
ti v e s ys te m s th a t c a n
be u se d b y a n yo n e , a n
ywh e re .
© D
a v i d
B u t l e r
© R
e b e c c a H o s k i n g & T i m G
r e e n
23
52
7
FEATURES
3 WINTER IMMUNE BOOSTERS FROM KITCHEN & GARDEN Julie Bruton-Seal and Matthew Seal explore
the useful remedies to be found close at hand.
7 DIY NATURAL SWIMMING POOL David Butler recounts the experience of
creating his own.
12 OUTDOOR COOKING IN WINTER!
Trish MacCurrach extols the virtues of cookingalfresco, even in the depths of winter.
20 EDUCATION FOR A HANDMADE FUTURE Maddy Harland explores the stunning new
Woodland Classroom built by Ben Law.
23 A WOLF IN DOG’S CLOTHING Rebecca Hosking and Tim Green, makers of
the highly respected ‘A Farm For The Future’film, turn their attention to the health of ourdomesticated dog population.
29 CHOOSING A WOODBURNING STOVE Maddy Harland explains the benefits of awoodburning stove and the process she wentthrough to choose the stove of her dreams.
34 SACRED FORESTRY Reforestation of the sacred mountain of
Arunachala, in South India, has been resoundinglysuccessful. John Barrie Button explains hispermacultural approach to the challenge.
43 GROWING VEG THE INCAN WAY Steve James adapts an ancient farming
method to create a self-watering greenhouse.
47 HOW TO GROW FOOD IN WINTER Janet Renouf-Miller explains how you can
create a harvest of fresh, nutritious foodthroughout the cold months.
52 THE SITTING ROOM SESSIONS Brian Boothby sings the benefits of taking live
music back home.
55 GROWING TOGETHER Louise Cartwright describes a way of growing
food on a large scale, as a community.
60 DESERT TO OASIS Karen Olsen tells the story of living
permaculture legend, Scott Pittman.
REGULARS
16 Solutions!
17 Product Reviews37 Permaculture News
63 GEN News
65 Letters
69 Reviews
72 Courses
77 Classified Exchange
80 Subscriptions & Renewals
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2 Permaculture Magazine No. 66 www.permaculture.co.uk
S t u d i o 4 6
Welcometo Permaculture Magazine
Winter is coming in the northern hemisphere and we have been preparing for theshort days and the cold. The summer and autumn glut of vegetables is over andany we could store are safely racked in a cool room. Cold frames have been movedfrom the melon crop and now shelter the salads until a hard snap wipes them out.The meadows are cut, fruit trees and bushes are mulched with the cut and new bulbshave been planted. The greenhouse has been resown with crops that will hopefullyfill the hungry gap next year. The raised beds are sown with next year’s garlic andbroad beans. The woodstore is full. It’s been hard work cutting, splitting and stackingthe seasoned wood but there is nothing more satisfying than sitting by a warm stoveand passing the dark evenings together, preferably sharing stories by candlelight.
The publishing cycle turns as well and we pause and review the year. This onehas been busier than any before. Not only have we published four issues of PM,we have also produced two new films. One presented by Ben Law and filmed byUndercurrents, Roundwood Timber Framing , introducing and explaining this new,low impact architectural vernacular ( see p.22 and 70). It is abundantly practicaland inspirational, taking building back into the local community and we hope itwill encourage people to make their own beautiful structures from local materials.The other film is by David Butler and is a step by step guide to making your ownnatural swimming pools ( see p.7). It shows every detail of construction for largerscale pond making and gives the know-how to create healthy aquacultures, so cleanyou can swim in them yourself.
This year, we have also produced Ben’s latest book by the same title as the DVD, Roundwood Timber Framing , plus Simon Fairlie’s controversial and scholarly text, Meat. This urges everyone to eat far less of the stuff and, if you do, farm or buy it inas low an impact and responsible way as possible. I have to admit it has been goodto see this – essentially a permaculture book – being talked about in all the UKbroadsheets, plus the New York Times and Time Magazine. I have no doubt that thedebate will run on and on. Three more books will also be in print by the end of theyear, Gaian Economics, David Holmgren’s Permaculture – Principles and Pathways and Sepp Holzer’s Permaculture, an extraordinary exploration of his way of farming.
This autumn, we were joined by Mark Anslow, former editor of The Ecologist,who is working with us to relaunch PM online this winter. This will allow us to publishweekly permaculture news, reviews, articles and designs – all at www.permaculture.co.uk. We will also gather our blogs and our film media under one roof and offeryou new blogs from prominent permaculturists. Our aim is to create the best possiblepermaculture information service, both for newcomers and for seasoned practi-tioners. Behind the scenes, we have completely relaunched Green Shopping online(www.green-shopping.co.uk) to provide you with a secure, efficient and usefulservice for books, tools and products that we personally recommend and use.
2010 has been a year of intense activity for all the PM team. We have watchedthe world slide more deeply into recession and many people and organisationsexperience financial difficulties. We have noted extreme weather events, thesubsequent suffering of millions and the lack of global political will to deal withclimate change. All these and other events have fuelled our passion for what wedo and made our resolve more steely. We have scrutinised our work and stretchedourselves further in our attempts to raise our standards, learn new skills andabsorb new ideas. We feel passionate about our work and privileged to be ableto produce positive, life affirming and practical media. We hope you enjoy thismagazine and the cutting edge thinking in its pages. We wish you well for 2011and ask you to stick with us for the journey.
Maddy Harland and the Permaculture Magazine Team
PUBLISHERPERMANENT PUBLICATIONS
Hyden House LimitedThe Sustainability Centre, East Meon
Hampshire GU32 1HR, England
Tel: +44 (0)1730 823 311Email: [email protected]: www.permaculture.co.uk
EDITORMaddy Harland
FOUNDING EDITORTim Harland
GRAPHIC DESIGNERJohn Adams
ADVERTISING, MARKETING & MEDIATony Rollinson
ONLINE EDITORMark Anslow
SUBSCRIPTIONSHayley Harland
ACCOUNTSCarolyn Pennington
ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANTSam Blanchette
CONSULTANT EDITORSPatrick Whitefield, Chris Marsh, Michael Guerra,
Andy Goldring, Hildur & Ross Jackson,Max Lindegger, Dieter Duhm, Vandana Shiva,
Helena Norberg-Hodge, Jonathan Dawson
SPECIAL THANKSPete & Emma Cooper, Pete Ellington,
Rebecca Hosking, Tim Green, Martin Crawford,Georgina Norfolk, Patrick Harland
UK & WORLDWIDE DISTRIBUTORCOMAG
Tavistock Road, West Drayton, Middlesex UB7 7QETel: 01895 433 600
US & CANADIAN DISTRIBUTORDisticor Magazine Distribution
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COVER PHOTO© David Butler
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COPYRIGHT© All writings are the copyright of Permanent Publicationsand/or individual contributors. All rights reserved.No part, written or visual, of this magazine may bereproduced, except for short credited and sourcedpassages for criticism or review, without written
permission of the publisher.
DISCLAIMERThe opinions expressed in PM are not necessarily thoseof the publisher. Whilst the publisher takes every carein checking the validity of information given in articlesand other contributions, it cannot accept responsibilityfor its accuracy or liability for any form of damages
incurred by the use of any such information.
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www.permaculture.co.uk No. 66 3Permaculture Magazine
W INTER IMMUNE BOOSTERS
from
KITCHEN & GARDEN
Julie Bruton-Seal and Matthew Seal explore the useful remedies
to be found close at hand
I
© Julie Bruton-Seal
SOUPS
GINGER & ONION SOUPChop up three onions. Sauté in alittle oil until transparent, thenadd three cups of water or vegetablestock. Add three teaspoonfuls ofgrated fresh ginger. Then, add twocloves of garlic, pressed or choppedfinely, one fresh chilli, choppedfinely (or one teaspoonful of driedchilli powder) and one small stickof cinnamon (or one teaspoonful ofcinnamon powder).
Bring to the boil and simmer
gently for a few minutes, thenserve.
IMMUNE–BOOSTING SOUP
Research in Japan and China hasestablished over the last half centurythat shiitake and reishi mushroomsare strongly immune-supporting anddisplay anti-cancer activity.
What is fascinatingis that new researchsuggests ordinaryedible mushroomsshare, to a greaterextent than hithertorealised, the immune-supporting and cancer
treating qualities of theexplicitly medicinal
mushrooms. Forexample, a 2009study of 2,000
n the cold dark days of winter we
are much more prone to sniffles,colds, ’flu and other infections. We tend to spend more time indoorsthan out in the fresh air, and we arenot getting the benefit of vitamin Dfrom strong sunshine. Luckily, thereare plenty of remedies available fromthe garden and pantry that can keepus healthy and fight infections.
Kitchen immune boosters includeonion, garlic, chillies, ginger, pepper,thyme, marjoram, cinnamon, clovesand horseradish. The hot spices
among them are especially helpfulto keep the lungs and mucousmembranes clear. There is nothinglike a bowl of hot soup to comfortin cold weather, and there are allsorts of recipes that will help yourimmune system. Here are a few ofour favourite recipes:
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Chinese women found that thosewho ate fresh mushrooms dailywere 64% less likely to developbreast cancer; those who combined
daily mushrooms with green teareduced their risk by 90%.
A 2008 paper reported in
vitro trials of whitebutton mushroomsenhanced matur-ation of bonemarrow antigen
cells.
© J u
l i e B r u t o n
- S e a l
BARLEY SOUP
Put in a saucepan: three cups waterand ½ cup barley. Simmer for half anhour. Sauté one onion (finely diced),1 teaspoon minced garlic, and ½ cupof sliced mushrooms until cooked,then add to the barley soup. Add
miso, tamari or sea salt to taste. Add ½ cup chopped parsley and ahandful of chopped chives or springonions, cook for about a minute
longer and then serve.If someone is very weak
and ill, strain the soup andjust give them the broth.
VINEGARSCider vinegarhas its ownantiviralproperties,
and is a goodpreservative for
herbs to fightinfections. Here
are some easy recipes forthyme vinegar and for the
famous ‘four thieves’ vinegar.
THYME VINEGAR
Thymol, the main essential oil in
thyme, is twenty times strongerthan phenol (carbolic), the standardmedical antiseptic. Thymol wasfirst isolated in Germany in 1725and has been in pharmaceutical useever since. It was used to medicatebandages and made a local anaes-thetic for dentists. Chewing fresh ordried thyme leaves at home bringsemergency pain relief for toothacheor inflamed gums.
Thyme’s rich chemistry includes
tannins and phenols that make itbitter medicinally, but it also containsan uplifting sweetness that can betasted and smelled. In ancient Romethyme was a mainstream remedyfor melancholy. Numerous varietiesof thyme are grown in gardens,and any of them can be used butfew are as medicinal as common andwild thyme.
Pick enough fresh thyme sprigsto fill a jar (use at least 464g or 1lbsize); crush the herb in a mortar.
Put into the jar and cover with awine, cider or fruit vinegar. Keep theclosed jar in a sunny spot for at leasta month, then strain off the vinegar.
The vinegar is good for head-aches (rubbed onto temples andswallowed in small amounts), as ageneral antiseptic and for cleaningkitchen surfaces.
FOUR THIEVES VINEGAR
There are as many recipes for FourThieves vinegar as there areversions of the myth. Basically, inearly eighteenth century Francefour thieves were arrested forstealing from the homes of deadplague victims. They were giventheir lives and freedom in exchangefor the recipe they used to keep freeof the disease. The recipe enteredthe official pharmacopoeia, and itis still sold in France today as Levinaigre des quatre voleurs.
The essential ingredients arevinegar and garlic, and then you canadd other aromatic herbs and spicesas available: rosemary, sage, oregano,mint, lavender, cinnamon, cloves etc.Some people like to add an onion,and horseradish or hot chillies.
It is worth making quite a bigbatch. Use roughly equal parts ofcrushed garlic and each of a selectionof four or five other aromatic herbs.Put in a jar large enough to hold
them and cover with red winevinegar (or cider vinegar). Seal andput in a warm place for two orthree weeks, then strain and bottlefor use.
Your thieves’ vinegar can be usedseveral ways:
◗ Take a teaspoonful several timesa day.
◗
Add to salad dressings.
◗ Use a tablespoon in the bath.
◗ Use topically as an antiseptic onthe skin.
◗ Use as a topical spray for dis-infecting kitchen surfaces.
HONEY GARLIC HONEY
Peel a whole head of garlic. Mincefinely by chopping or squeezingthrough a garlic press. Put in amortar and pound until the garlic
Other research is ongoing intothe antibacterial, liver protective,hypoglycaemic and immuno-modulating potential of mushrooms.
Take a dozen or so shiitakemushrooms or button mushrooms:use fresh if available (you mayhave grown your own), or soakdried ones in water until soft.Slice and set aside. Chop onesmall onion, slice one carrot andslice one potato. Heat olive oil ina pan, sauté the mushrooms, thenadd the onion. As onions brown,add in carrot and potato, plusone clove of chopped garlic anda teaspoon or so of grated ginger. Add more oil as needed to brownall the vegetables, then add stockor water (quantity depending onwhether a more solid or liquidresult is desired). Bring to the boil,add soy sauce or miso to taste, and/or salt and pepper. Simmer for 10minutes and serve hot.
If you are congested and catarrhal,add some hot chillies or blackpepper to the soup to help clear themucous membranes.
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www.permaculture.co.uk No. 66 5Permaculture Magazine
© Jen Bartlett
begins to go transparent. Spoon intoa jar with 225g (½lb) of honey. Stirwell, seal and label. It can be usedstraightaway or will keep for months.
Dose: Half a teaspoonful daily as atonic or preventative. For acute
infections, take half a teaspoonfulup to six times daily. This can betaken directly, or taken with gingerand lemon tea or cider vinegar. Forinfants and young children, rub ontothe soles of the feet.
Garlic honey can also be useddirectly on the skin for bites, and asa wound dressing for cuts and grazes.
TINCTURESECHINACEA
Echinacea is one of the best-knownimmune-stimulating herbs, and it iseasily grown in the garden. Threemain species are used medicinally,with Echinacea purpurea being themost common and easiest to grow. With this species, the flowering topsare used in addition to the root, so youdon’t necessarily have to dig up yourentire patch to make your Echinaceatincture. A good quality Echinacea
should make your mouth
tingle when youtaste it.
ST JOHN’S W ORT
St John’s wort has powerful anti-viral properties, and has the addedbenefit of lighting you up frominside with some summer sunshine –just what’s needed on a dark chillyday in winter. To make sure you
have the right species of St John’swort, Hypericum perforatum, holda leaf up to the light. The medicinalspecies has tiny oil glands, whichlook like tiny perforations in theleaf. Both Echinacea and St John’swort can be prepared as tinctures,which will keep for a year or more.
HOW TO MAKE A TINCTURE
For making your own tinctures,vodka is one of the best alcoholsto use. It has no flavour of its own,and allows the taste of the herbs tocome through. Whisky, brandy or rumcan also be used. Most commercialtinctures contain at least 25% alcohol.
The process is straightforward:you simply fill a jar with the chosenherb or herbs and top up with alcohol,
or you can put the wholelot in the blender
first. The mix-ture is thenkept out of
the light toinfuse
before being strained, bottled andlabelled. Echinacea tops and root willneed to infuse for about two weeks,as will St John’s wort flowering tops. You can use the colour as a guide –when most of the colour has goneout of the herb and into the liquid,
it is ready to strain. St John’s worttincture should be a lovely brightred colour.
GLYCERITESSome herbs are better preserved asglycerites, as the glycerine preservesthe fresh taste of the herbs better thanalcohol. Elderflowers and berries, rosesand lemon balm are tastiest whenmade as glycerites.
HOW TO MAKE A GLYCERITE
Vegetable glycerine is extracted fromcoconut or other oil, and is a sweetsyrupy substance available from herb-alists and some chemists. It is particularlygood for making medicines for children,and for soothing preparations intendedfor the throat and digestive tract, orcoughs. A glycerite will keep well aslong as the concentration of glycerine
is at least 50%to 60% in
the finishedproduct.
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6 Permaculture Magazine No. 66 www.permaculture.co.uk
© Julie Bruton-Seal
Glycerites are made the same wayas tinctures, except the jar is kept inthe sun or in a warm place to infuse.
AN ANTIVIRALFORMULAThis is a tasty mixture to
ward off viral infections.Make each part overnext summer andautumn when theplants are in season,and then combinethem in roughlyequal parts or totaste. Combiningtinctures and glyceritesimproves the flavourof the final mixture.
Combine elder-
berry glycerite, St John’s wort tincture,lemon balm gly-cerite or tinctureand roseglycerite.Selfhealtincture canalso be added
Master Herbalists, a co-organiser ofthe annual HerbFest gathering, andeditor of the quarterly journal, TheHerbalist. Matthew Seal is a writer and freelance editor, and a former
director of the Society for Editors and Proofreaders. Together
Julie and Matthew havewritten Hedgerow Medicine(2008) and Kitchen
Medicine (Sept-ember 2010).Contact them at:www.hedgerowmedicine.com
RESOURCES Hedgerow Medicine and
Kitchen Medicine
by Julie Bruton-Seal& Matthew Seal, both
£16.99 are available fromwww.green-shopping.co.ukor call us on 01730 823 311.
Kitchen Medicine isfeatured in the reviews
section on page 71.
Julie Bruton-Seal is a medical herbalist and photographer.
She is a councilmember of the Association of
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www.permaculture.co.uk No. 66 7Permaculture Magazine
DIY NATURAL
SWIMMING POOL
David Butler
recounts the
experience of
creatinghis own
All photos © David Pagan-Butler
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Above:The natural
swimming poolis enjoyed by thewhole family.
Left:Removing afloating mat ofgrass in a waterbutt reveals clearwater below.
Below:Swimming area
defined by block-work wall.
Around ten years ago, my partner Alison and I were lucky enoughto buy an old derelict barn with two acres of land in Norfolk.The barn is still to be fully renovated but we have been living
there in its half built state for the past four years. My energies havebeen diverted to a far more exciting building project: three years agoI started making our swimming pool.
CONCEPTUAL BEGINNINGS
I have always thought that it must be possible to build a swimmingpool that doesn’t use chemicals to keep it clean. One summer, Ihad seen our water butts either choked with blanket weed or turningpeagreen with other algae. Except for one: the neglected one withcouch grass growing in it. Pulling up the floating mat of grass revealedstunningly clear water. I read a book on reedbed sewerage systems andrealised it was basically the same biology as my couch grass water buttalgae killer. Instead of reeds taking out the nutrients, it was couchgrass.
Surely it must also be possible to use other plants to clean a swimmingpool? Searching the web to confirm the originality of my conceptdashed all pretensions of genius. It had all been thought of before.Peter Petrich had been making them, along with others, for twenty
years over in Austria and Germany. His company, Biotop, had madehundreds of them.
I couldn’t afford to have a pool built professionally, so building itmyself was the only option. At that time, in 2007, there was very littleinformation available for self-build swimming ponds, so it was alla bit of an experiment.
SWIMMING POOL ZONES
The Natural Swimming Pool (or Swimming Pond) is divided into twoequal area zones: one zone for plants, the regeneration zone; and onezone for swimming. The plants have only sand or gravel to grow in sotheir only chance of getting nutrients is to take it from the water. Thenhopefully the algae, like blanket weed, have little left to feed on. The
regeneration zone is separated from the swimming zone by a submergedwall. This is to stop the plants colonising the whole pool.
PLANNING & DIGGING
I decided on a swimming area of 4.5 x 11.5m (15 x 38ft), about 2.2m(7ft) deep, with a shallow 3m (10ft) wide regeneration zone all aroundit. I needed an area roughly 20 x 15m (66 x 49ft). I chose one cornerof the field sheltered by a bramble filled bund. I was also able to alignit north – south, forming a pleasant sun trap at the south side againstthe bund.
I hired a man with a digger for a few days and eventually I hada basic shape. My original intention was to build the wall from sandbagsfilled with sand and clay from the hole. But this was a disaster. When
it rained the bags became squidgy, and started slithering and slumpinguntil the wall gently collapsed. I tried again, this time filling them withclean sand. These were more stable but the sunlight started to turn thesynthetic sandbag material into something no harder than tissue paper.They split and sand trickled out like 25 kilogram egg timers. The wallwas punctured with sandbag-sized empty husks and heaps of sand.
BUILDING THE BLOCK WALL
I reluctantly had to start again, this time digging out some foundations fora concrete block wall. I flung the sand from the sandbags into the mixerto make the concrete for the foundation. After a week I had built a blockwall on the foundation, with solid 440 x 215 x 100mm (17 x 8.5 x 4in)concrete blocks, five courses, to just over 1m (39in) high. The void
behind the wall was packed with sand and rammed with a tamper (a heavymetal lump on the end of a broom handle), left to settle, and rammedagain over a period of weeks. This was to make sure the outwardpressure of the water was not going to push the wall over.
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www.permaculture.co.uk No. 66 9Permaculture Magazine
Above:
Laying out thefleece under-lining. Thepieces werejoined togetherby heating theedges with ablow lamp.
Right:Insulatingaround theblock walling
before the 26m(85ft), half tonroll of liningwas unrolledinto the pool.
Below:The liner finallyunfolded intoplace.
The land was free draining, containing some clay but mainly stonyand sandy. This meant I could lay the liner (with an underliner) on a layerof building sand laid directly on the pool subsoil floor. If it had been awaterlogged site then the floor would have had to be concreted to stopground water coming up and ‘floating’ the liner in a completed pool.
This concrete box approach is used by some professional installers,as there is very little chance of it going wrong – but at a cost: a lot ofresources and a lot of cash, £50k to £60k for a natural swimming pool
is not uncommon.Outside the swimming zone the pool floor was formed into a giant
basin shape and compacted with a petrol engine driven Wacker platefrom a local tool hire company.
LINING THE POOL
My greatest expense was the pool liner. It was also one of the hardestpurchasing decisions. There is so much conflicting advice around,a lot of it from manufacturers claiming superiority of their product.Pond liners come in various thicknesses and materials. A thicker lineris obviously stronger and more expensive but it is also heavier tomanipulate. I opted for 0.75mm EPDM from Flexible LiningProducts. Although I think this was more a random choice born from
a frustration of indecision, it seems to hold water, however, so not a baddecision in the end.
The liner was going to be buried in shingle contained in a 0.3m (1ft)deep ditch around the perimeter of the pool, and formed into a curtaindrain. This keeps water run-off from the field from entering the pooland introducing nutrients, which would encourage algae. So, takingthis into account, I needed a liner 26 x 20m (85 x 66ft). It cost £2,300– the most expensive bit of plastic I have ever bought.
UNDERLINING
A fleece underliner, from the same supplier, was laid in strips over thewhole floor and walls of the pool. As part of some film research I wasdoing, I had just been to see The Swimming Pond Company install
a pond in Suffolk and I picked up a vital tip. The fleece underliner,supplied in a roll, is laid in strips. It needs to be stuck to the next stripto form a blanket over the whole pool area. Strips can be bonded toeach other with a blowlamp. A very quick sweep of the flame alongthe edge melts a few fibres, so pressing this onto the edge of the nextsheet makes them stick together.
THE LINER
When the underliner was complete, the liner was brought next tothe pond basin by a friendly farmer with a Teleporter (a tractor witha large retractable hydraulic arm)and placed onto a small scaffoldrig. The roll was suspended on a
scaffold pole threaded throughthe cardboard former the supplierhad rolled the liner onto. Nowit could be pulled and unrolledrather like a toilet roll, but bigger.The liner was 485kg (1,069lb)and it bent the scaffold pole.Nonetheless, my partner and Imanaged to roll it out.
A 26m (85ft), half ton snakeof liner folded like a concertina. We ‘rippled’ it along, inch by inch,with a fence post held between us
and under the folded liner usinga sort of peristaltic motion, ratherlike the pump in a dialysis machine. We then unfolded the liner and
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wafted the edges up and down to get air under to help it ‘fly’ over thewhole area. I recommend you get as many friends as possible to help.It still would have been hard work even if there were ten of us.
It was about this time when I spoke to Michael Littlewood andhe sent me his book, Natural Swimming Pools, A Guide for Building .1 It was great to have some real information at last.
I had made paper models of how the liner should be folded withinthe shape of my pool. This was very helpful because I knew what shape
I was aiming for and where the big folds should come.
OVERLINING & DRAINAGE
When the liner was in place and as many creases shuffled out of it aspossible, a fleece overliner was laid on top. On top of this sand bagsfilled with a weak sand cement mix (10 parts sand, 1 cement) wereplaced immediately above the concrete wall defining the swimmingzone. The wall was effectively continued up with more sandbags toa height of around 400mm (16in). Each row of sandbags pushed backabout 25mm (1in) compared to the row below, making the wall leanoutwards against the ballast it has to retain.
Flexible drainage pipe was laid around the wall and then buried inshingle. The pipe terminated by emerging through the sandbag wall
and into what would be the swimming area. This ultimately helps thewater circulate below the roots of the regeneration zone. If necessary,a solar powered pump can be fitted but my pool water, so far, is perfectlyhappy without any artificial circulation.
I put a geotextile membrane over the shingle and covered it withmany tons of the stony sand that had been excavated from the holeto make the pool. This was all done by hand because machines woulddamage the various linings. Around the pool I put up a chestnut palingfence. This is for safety; keeping children or visitors from straying nearthe pool. It also helps as a windbreak while the newly planted bushesand trees are too small to contribute any resistance.
FILLING THE POOL NATURALLY
Then it was just a matter of letting the pool fill with rainwater. I pumpedit from the water butts around the house as well. Even with this add-ition it still took about a year to fill up (over here in East Anglia wedon’t get that much rain), but it was well worth waiting for. If I hadused tap water the pool could have been more prone to algae problems.This is because of the phosphorous that is added to mains water, whichis effectively a fertiliser. Having said this, commercial installers usemains water, but their pools then rely on powerful circulation pumps,and filters, including phosphorous filters to help remove the impuritiesin the water.
2,300 liner 700 underliner/over 1,000 diggers 500 shingle 400 block 200 cement 900 other stuff£6,000 Total
Costings
David Butler’s DIY NaturalSwimming Pools DVD is tobe published shortly byPermanent Publications.
DVD COMING SOON!
Above:
Overliner inplace andplanting areasdefined by tyrewalls.
Left:Soil being addedto the plantingareas. Theswimming zoneis separated offby a low
sandbag wall.
Below:The finishednatural swim-ming pool. Theplanting zonesand swimmingzone are clearlydefined.
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Above:This under-water picturedemonstratesthe excellentwater quality
achieved.
Right:Much of theplanting isbeautiful aswell as useful.
Below:Enjoying thepool.
PLANTING UP
It was deeply satisfying eventually putting plants into the sand. Ihad to select them to be ‘soft rooted’. I sought guidance fromMichael Littlewood’s book. And today, the iris and Ranunculus,lilies and curly pondweed are all doing their job wonderfully. Mostof the pool and the bank I have just left for wild plants to coloniseand the sandy banks are now home to some beautiful tiny nativeflowers, as well as my friend, couch grass, some of it growing belowthe water line. And, so far, I have not needed to artificially pump thewater around at all. The plants and animals keep the water crystalclear. Chemical free!
A MEETING OF MINDS
While I was building this pool, I made a film for BBC East ‘Inside Out’,on natural swimming ponds, and I was privileged enough to meetprofessional pool builders and Peter Petrich himself. As well as theinterview and filming, I had the opportunity to discuss at length someof my non-conventional ideas on natural pools. I thought he woulddismiss them, but instead, he was very supportive. It was heartening.I also spoke with Michael Littlewood. He, like me, also believed thatsome commercial companies make their pools far more complicated
than they need to be.
NATURAL POOL BENEFITS
Building my own natural swimming pool has been my most rewardingexperiment. Three years in the making, the ecosystem is stabilisingand the water is sparkling clear. Just like that couch grassed waterbutt. I even became fitter than I have ever been with all that digging. And those couple of years of hard work ripple away with everysplash of a bathing swallow, and each sight of a kingfisher huntingfor water beetles. And, of course, there is the joy of swimming insoft rainwater! Your skin feels soft and healthy and your eyes don’tsting with chlorine. One day I think we will look back and wonderhow we ever thought it was reasonable to let our children swim
in anything other than natural water
David Butler is the director of BBC East ‘Inside Out’ programme andwith his partner Alison and four children, Jasper, Theo, Felix and Otter
are enthusiastic newcomers to permaculture. They live in Norfolk in anold barn with two acres and thirty chickens.
RESOURCES
Before building a pond, seek planning advice from your local planningauthority on whether you need to apply for planning permission.For excellent guides to creating ponds, see:www.pondconservation.org.uk/advice/makeapond
Peter Petrich’s company website:www.biotop-natural-pool.com
Where David sourced his liner:www.flexibleliningshop.co.uk
The Swimming Pond Company:www.theswimmingpondcompany.co.uk
1 Natural Swimming Pools: A Guide for Building by MichaelLittlewood, price £39.95 + p&p, is available from www.green-shopping.co.uk or 01730 823 311.
Next Issue
My latest project: building a sauna, using a wood burner gas bottle stove, so the pond comes alive in the winter as a plunge pool.
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OUTDOOR
COOKING IN
W INTER!
Trish MacCurrachextols the virtues of
cooking alfresco,even in the
depths of winter
By October, apart from a few leeks, some sprouts andkale, my small plot is looking a bit sad. Pride of placestill are pumpkins and gourds. I grow types with firm,dry and sweet flesh that are excellent for making soups,pumpkin pie and chutney, or delicious just roasted.Each plant has many fruiting bodies, maybe five or sixeach! They take up a lot of room but can be trained andtied up, or maybe simpler, just planted in a big spaceand left alone.
Above: Kotlich cooking inthe snow.
Left: Author TrishMacCurrach cooking at hersimple outdoor kitchen.
Right: Preparing to makepumpkin soup.
Far right: Welsh lambhotpot just waiting for thedumplings to be added.
M y experience of living in Serbia for seven yearstells me that we all need an outdoor kitchen. At the moment mine consists only of a tripod,
a hanging enamel kotlich/cooking pot, a grill with threechains to hang from the tripod and miscellaneous enamelbowls and utensils. An outdoor kitchen can be anythingfrom what I have described, in a corner of the terrace, to
a covered area, with maybe two walled sides to keep outthe prevailing wind and rain, maybe a partial roof covering,sink with running water, work surfaces and chimney. I can’twait to have my own place so I can really make a decentoutdoor kitchen!
The kotlich is a double dipped enamel cooking pot withan attractive grey and white easy to clean enamel inside.I never clean the outside and my kotlich lives in a bag readyfor any adventure. Cooking with a kotlich is really straight-forward and can be as sophisticated or as simple as you wish.
TRISH’S TIPS
◗ Keep a good supply of wood.
◗ Make sure there is some liquid or oil in the kotlichwhen you hang it over the fire, and start slowly. It iseasier to build up the fire than damp it down.
◗ Use more liquid in a stew than you would normally;the kotlich cooks by reduction. Once it is boiling, ameat stew will take about 1 hour and 20 minutes tocook, vegetables much less.
◗ Keep an eye on your cooking and stir regularly.Don’t let it get dry.
◗ To clean, refill kotlich with water, hang over the firefor 5-10 minutes and wipe clean. Don’t use brillounless you have a burning episode.
If you have any windfalls or surplus fruit stored in yourdeep freeze get it out, light a fire and get preserving outside.The kotlich is perfect for jam making not least becauseyou keep all that sticky mess out of the kitchen! Use allyour favourite recipes but just do it outside for a change.
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PUMPKIN SOUP A creamy smoky-tasting soup, for chilly days outside.
60g (2oz) butter6 rashers smoked streaky bacon, finely chopped 0.9kg (2lb) pumpkin, cut into chunks 3 medium potatoes, cut into chunks 3 large tomatoes, skinned 1l (2pt) water or more
Salt and pepper A little milk if necessary 3 large tablespoons of double cream A handful of chopped fresh herbs, to garnish
The quantities can be doubled. Always make sure thepotatoes and pumpkin are well covered with liquid.
Fry the finely chopped bacon in the butter gently.Throw in the chopped pumpkin, potatoes and skinned
tomatoes, (tinned tomatoes can be used instead), coverwith the liquid and boil until well done.
Whiz up, put over the fire again to reheat, add milk ifnecessary and finally the cream. Serve piping hot with
herbs and fresh bread. A delicious alternative is to leave out the bacon and
instead fry up onions and curry spices. Sprinkle withcoriander before serving.
W ELSH L AMB HOTPOT There are many locals supplying Welsh lamb near us,and nothing can beat it. At this time of the year we wantto make the most of what is in the vegetable plot,mostly onions, roots, brassica and squash. So here is arecipe for Welsh Lamb Hotpot with dumplings, usingseasonal vegetables.
For an 8l kotlich, roughly: Garlic 2 onions1 swede/gourd 2-3 carrots 2 leeks/celery stalks/cabbage/chunks of marrow400g (14oz) chopped lambStock, and maybe beer or cider to fill kotlichTinned tomatoes, optional 2 tbs sweet paprikaChilli to tasteSour cream and chopped mixed herbs to garnish
Gather whatever you have in your veg patch. At least threetypes taken from the list above. A simple measurement is tostart with the kotlich approximately half full of solid ing-redients – veg and meat – then fill to the top with stock/liquid.
Chop the onions and garlic into small pieces, throwthem into some oil, then s immer while stirring (untilbrowned) over a small fire.
Add diced lamb, stir in, browning quickly, then addstock, tinned tomatoes (optional) and bring to the boil.
Allow to boil for ½ hour then add large chunks of potato. After another ½ hour add your finely cubed vegetables,
and the beer or cider. When the meat is nearly cooked (approximately 1½ hours)
add 2-3 tablespoons of red powdered sweet paprika. Thepotatoes will by now be letting out starch as you stir, which,plus the sweet paprika, will thicken the hot pot.
Season with salt and pepper and chilli if you like it peppery.Serve with sour cream stirred into each portion and
sprinkle with fresh chopped herbs.The dumpling recipe is on the side of the suet pack.
Last time I mixed chilli into my dumpling mixture togreat effect. They should be added to the pot about45 minutes before the end.
All photos © Trish MacCurrach
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A S WEET TREAT
I have tried something new and sweet in the kotlich, greatto make for presents on a warm autumnal day – fudge.
It is quite painstaking and you need to manage the firewell to prevent burning. However, I was able to makequite a large amount in a much shorter time than I wouldhave done inside on the cooker. It was amazing how littleclearing up I had to do afterwards. No sticky surfaces orsaucepans to clean.
F UDGEYou will need:0.9kg (2lb) brown sugar0.3l (½pt) milk110g (¼lb) butter
3 tbs powdered chocolate (optional)Vanilla essence
Soak the sugar in the milk for an hour.Melt the sugar in the milk over the fire, slowly. Add butter and bring to the boil, stir regularly and
twizzle kotlich to prevent burning. Adjust height.Heat for 10-15 minutes to reach ‘boiling point’, try
not to splash mixture up the sides of the pot.The sides will start to crystallize and the centre will
sink, test by dropping into a bowl of cold water. It shouldform a soft ball when you handle it.
When ready, take off the fire and leave to stand for afew minutes.
Add two drops of vanilla essence and beat with a woodenspoon or hand whisk. Mixture will become creamy andstart to set.
Quickly pour into a buttered tin and leave to cool. It doesnot need the fridge.
In two hours it will be set and you can cut it into squares.It will keep for several weeks in a sealed jam jar. Oursusually gets eaten or given away within the week.
W INTER W ARMER
There are many opportunities to celebrate outside in autumn
and winter. We all love Harvest Festival, and childrenenjoy Bonfire Night – in fact they love any chance to gooutside after dark, look at the stars and hear the noises ofthe night. Don’t forget Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
So here is a chai recipe which is great for an outdoorwinter evening event with friends. I drank it first at asmall festival in Devon and fell for it. It may be easier just
to make mulled wine or cider but this is a little differentand the children can drink it too. There are loads of chairecipes on the internet and they all include a mixture ofthe same ingredients in differing amounts. Very mucha case of adapting to taste.
C HAITea of your choiceCardamom pods, crushed a littleClovesCinnamon stick Fresh root ginger, sliced
Black peppercorns Bay leavesVanilla bean, cut up Nutmeg Kotlich ¾ full of water Honey or brown sugar to taste Try mixing a small amount first with a little of each spicein your favourite tea, in a small pan. When you decidewhich flavour you like predominantly then reproduceit in your kotlich for greater numbers. Vanilla is veryexpensive so you might decide to leave that out!
Simmer for at least 15 minutes then raise the kotlich soit is just keeping warm and serve. However, I’m sure itdoes not matter if it simmers for a little longer.
M ARMALADE We will always remember our first year in Herefordshireas the year of the big snow, when we made our marmaladeoutside. I did chop and prepare the Seville oranges insideand sterilised the jars in my oven – but apart from that,we sat in the sun stirring the marmalade and waiting forsetting point to be reached. We were in our thickest winterwoollies, drinking coffee and feeling exhilarated. Choose anyof your favourite marmalade recipes but for a change add
some chopped fresh root ginger or some grapefruit skins.
Cooking outside regularly throughout the winter mightbe a challenge. However, if you choose simple things to
Left & right: Beautifulsweet fudge. Making itoutdoors over an open fireminimises clearing up.
Centre right: Some of theingredients for making
chai. It makes a pleasant,warming winter drinkwhich can be enjoyed byall ages.
Far right: A seasonaloccupation for the hardy– making marmalade inthe snow.
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for the kotlich, new places to take it to cook, and developingthe Outdoor Kitchen brand. Trish demonstrates ‘KotlichCooking’ and has even been a ‘cafe’ at a small green festival.
R ESOURCES
Cool Camping Cookbook by Tom Tuke-Hastings & Jonathan Knight, price £12.95*
Serbian Kotlichs, Tripods & Grills – individual items andsets from £29.95 to £89.95*
* Available from www.green-shopping.co.uk or call uson 01730 823 311.
cook, always have a supply of suitable wood and are wellorganised, then you will not only save money by cookingoff-grid but will give your family a different perspective on
life, a sense of resilience and adventure
Trish became an avid outdoor cook while working in Serbia for several years where cooking on a kotlich is a common sight. She recently moved to Herefordshire with her husband,who is a forester, where they live in rented accommodation and have a small veg patch. “For me Kotlich cookingcombines several key elements. Being outside, growing, preparing really fresh food and using less energy.” Trish spends much of her time thinking up new vegetable recipes
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Permaculture Magazine Readers’ Solutions
© C h i n a W i n d / S h u t t e r s t o c k
Every contributor published on ournext Solutions page will receive aFREE copy of one of the following:
Roundwood Timber Framing
or
Meat
Please send your solution/s,stating your book preference, to:
PERMACULTURE MAGAZINEThe Sustainability Centre, East Meon,Hampshire GU32 1HR, U.K.
Email: [email protected]
FREE BOOKS
EASY FREE COLD FRAMESPlace two 6 x 2in (150 x 50mm)boards cut to the size of the window,front and back. On the back boardadd a 4 x 2 (100 x 50mm) oranother 6 x 2 if depending on thepitch you want. Nail them togetherwith a short 4 x 2 on each end. Nextnail on 6 x 2 end pieces flush withthe ground. To get the angled piece,
just set a 4 x 2 on the ends and drawor snap a line, cut and nail in place.Next build a 4 x 2 frame for thewindow to sit in and attach it to thebase with hinges. I used salvagedhinges from an old door. They’remade of heavy brass, can be sepa-rated easily by removing the doorpin (making the cold frame easier totransport in two sections) and theywere free.
The slider works well at maintainingthe temperature because I can slide itopen to control the heat build-up onsunny days. Strawberries are perma-nent residents with enough room leftfor tomato, cucumber and othertender starts. When the strawberriesbloom I prop the top open to allow
the bees to do their thing. When thegreen buds show I can close it andopen the window. The screen keepsout the slugs and also keeps the robinsfrom their share of the bounty. Rick Brannan, Bainbridge Island, USA
SHOPPING FOR CARROTS?!I have tried unsuccessfully to growcarrots for many years. I have
struggled with germination at 900feet in Cumbria when the last frostsare often into June. I have also triedmany approaches to trick the peskycarrot fly to no avail. However,finding an abandoned shoppingtrolley got me thinking: knowingthat carrot fly cannot fly higher thanabout two feet and a shoppingtrolley’s base is about that height,maybe it held the answer.
I lined the sides with post-electioncampaign billboards and used apermeable lining taken from mychildren’s old sandpit for the bottom.I filled it with a mix of three partssand to four parts compost to threeparts garden soil. After sowing theseeds in the trolley I set them off to
germinate in the greenhouse. Thegermination rate was fantasticcompared to what I was used to.Once they were growing well Iwheeled them out into the garden.The crop was amazing for such a smallarea, with plentiful thinnings and then
large carrots, often up to eight ounceseach, with no sign of carrot fly.
We enjoyed a very dry couple ofmonths at the beginning of summerfollowed by the usual Cumbrianmonsoon after mid-July. I feel thismethod of growing is very suited toour northern British climate and isdefinitely one I shall be using again.
Next year I shall be experimentingwith different soil/sand mixes. My onlydisappointment in this year’s plan wasnot being able to wheel it around tomy neighbour’s to water when Iwent on holiday as it was so heavy!Maybe I should try replacing thewheels with larger ones... Jane Corrie, Cumbria
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PRODUCT
Reviews energy bulb has an output equivalentto a 45W mains one but it seems a lot
brighter than that when surrounded bydarkness ( see above). The makers claimyou can enjoy up to 7 hours light everynight and while I am a bit sceptical aboutthat, it certainly does charge well even inlow light conditions and should be ableto provide enough light to do routinetasks every evening. If you need morethan this there are bigger SolarMatekits (see www.green-shopping.co.uk).Being based on a leisure battery these kitscan of course provide many hours of light
or power as a one off in an emergency. With winter power cuts in mind, I
tried using the solar charged battery as anemergency power source. By attachinga 300W mains inverter (www.maplin.co.uk), I was able to get my combi-boilergas central heating to run. I estimatethat with the heat turned right up andthe boiler fired up in bursts of an houror so as required I could keep warmfor a couple of days with a bit of solar
POWER STRUGGLES
It’s October, cloudy and raining, so why
am I outside testing solar products? Well, to see if they are really viable touse in winter. I have got three prod-ucts out here in the rain with me, a
charging in between ( Note: do not try
this unless you are confident about allthe safety aspects involved ). Alternativelyit would for instance, power a low energylamp, laptop computer and modem formany hours.
Another way of providing emergencybackup and general portable power isthe PowerPlus Eco-powerstation (alsocalled an Elephant) which is a neat unitthat resembles one of those jump-startkits garages use. Indeed it can be used todo this if required. There is a lot more
to this unit than that though, it has a14000 LUX led flashlight, and from its12Ah battery can output 12V, 5V USB,and 230V AC via a built-in 100w mains
Top left: My studio lit by the SolarMate1 kit. The solar panel is just
visible at bottom right of the window.
Below: PowerPlus Eco-powerstationand Albatross solar panel.
Above: Solar charged battery and 300Winverter running my 135W combi-boiler.
Solar Mate 1 off grid lighting kit,
a PowerPlus Eco-powerstation and a PowerPlus Albatross solar panel.
The Solar Mate 1 consist of a 5W rigidsolar panel, a 9W 12volt long life bulb,bulb holder, wall switch, cables fuses,etc. Everything you need to set up amini off grid lighting system in a stable,shed or polytunnel, except a 35 -70Ah,12volt leisure battery (I got mine fromwww.alpha-batteries.co.uk).
The system is easy to rig up, thoughI would have liked a bit more wire, and
the resulting light is very good. The low
Above: Solar Mate 1’s solar panel charg-ing well despite the inclement weather.
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inverter. It can be charged via a mainsadapter, a 12V power supply, its handcranked dynamo or by a suitable solarpanel like the PowerPlus Albatross.
The Albatross flexible solar panel had no trouble charging it despite theawful weather and the rather loose
adaptor supplied for the purpose. Intests it was quite amazing to see an11W mains uplighter running fromthis portable powerpack and had itbeen a real powercut would have beenvery comforting (it should be able tokeep this up for 6-7 hours). As well aslights it can power a wide range of mainsappliances providing they pull less than100 watts (unfortunately this rules outthe gas central heating trick) and chargeyour mobile phone etc., via the USB.Talking of phones, if your house phone
relies on electricity to work, it won’t ina power cut but the Eco-powerstationcould resolve that.
These two products were neverintended to compete but the PowerPlus is a portable unit (you could evencarry it around to keep your portabletool batteries charged up or take itcamping), has more charging methodsand is also an ideal stand-by unit forpowercuts, etc. The SolarMate is a fixedunit which should provide useful light
on a day to day basis. It does howeveruse a much larger battery which couldusefully be borrowed in the event ofa power outage.
MORE POWER STRUGGLES
I am still convinced that one of the bestways to save electrical energy in the homeis by being able to see how much you areusing. If you regularly read this columnyou will know my favourite monitor isthe Owl. It has an easy to read display
which my whole family take notice of.
Since trying an AlertMe (www.alertme.com),however, which has no display butfeeds data directly into the internetso you can view realtime and historicaldata via Google Powermeter, I realised
what was needed was a monitor whichhad the attributes of both. So I wasintrigued to try the Current Cost Envi monitor which not only displays currentusage but, via a USB cable, can down-load data to a computer, which if internetconnected, can be displayed in Google.The best of both worlds has arrived.
Then, with just days to spare beforethis went to press, Owl announce theOwl CM160 which also has a USBport for data download. They sent me
one and I set it up beside the Envi andplugged them both into my netbook.Surprisingly this worked and I coulddisplay both sets of data side by side.Envi was displayed via Google whilethe Owl’s data was displayed via itsown windows software which came withit on a CD. Both units work well andhave only minor pros and cons. I likethe Envi’s porting to Google, the mainsadaptor for the display and the sevenyear battery life of the sender unit. On
the other hand the Owl is cheaper, has
in my opinion a nicer display, a twoyear memory and user friendly software.It’s down to personal choice.
OLD FAVOURITES & NEW ONES TOO
I now own three of the Helle sheath kniferange so I think it’s fair to say I like them.
The latest, the Helle Eggen, has the sametri-steel super sharp blade as the othersbut has a curly birch handle that just fitsthe hand so well, that I had to have one.
It didn’t really need testing but I usedit to make kindling to test the wood burn-ing capability of a Honey Stove. This is ahexagonal back-packing stove made ofstainless steel which packs flat into anincredibly thin wallet. It can be fired bymost cooking fuels from hexamine tabletsto a gas burner but its real claim to fameis its ability to work as a woodburner.
Having tried several small wood-burning devices over the years I wasvery doubtful this would work. Boy,was I wrong! This little stove lit easilyand then really went for it boiling mysoup before I even had time to stir itproperly. It’s just amazing, it didn’tscorch the log I stood it on and whencool, packed away into my pan set. Itwill certainly get a lot more use in thefuture. An instant favourite product.
Another favourite which has been
re-released is Burgon & Ball’s PottingScoop. It has all the old functions; acurved pointed nose for digging, a scoopshape for carrying soil, serrated edgesfor cutting roots etc., and seed dispens-ing notches, only the size has changedslightly. This hand tool is a must haveitem for any gardener whether they ownjust a couple of pots or a couple of acres.Indispensable.
John Adams
http://tiny.cc/pmreviews
Above: A joy to use, the Helle Eggen knife. Above: The incredible Honey Stove.
Above: Owl CM160 (left) and CurrentCost’s Envi ( right), go head to head.
Above: Burgon & Ball’s Potting Scoop.
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was to become an educational charity,The Earthworks Trust.
When Tim and I visited the site inthe mid ’90s, conventional foresterstold us that this neglected squirreland deer damaged plantation wasworthless. Ordinarily it would beclear felled, but to retain ‘amenity
value’ the Trust was advised it shouldfell and replant in blocks. Somethingin my heart sank at the thoughtof a woodland being so worthless.
EDUCATION FOR A HANDMADE
FUTURE
Top: The woodland classroom hasa naturally inviting quality. Left: Dipped roof on the north end.
T
© T i m H ar l an d
he Sustainability Centre was aproject inspired by Agenda 21in the early 1990s. A redund-
ant Naval Base on top of the SouthDowns was to become an ‘executive’housing estate with the remainingone third of the site – 52 acres ofneglected plantation – gifted to what
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I was sure Ben Law would see morehere than just firewood and wood-chip for a biomass boiler.
Over the years a biomass boiler wasindeed installed to heat the Centre’sbuildings and wood is harvested forit. Another part of the site has becomea popular and well run woodland
burial site. Children play and learn inthe woods, and owls nest there too.New trees are being planted andorchids and other flora are naturally
regenerating as the softwoods arefelled. I was still, however, yearningfor something more to express thecreativity and innovation of goodpermaculture design. I wanted aBen Law building.
In 2008, a local charity approachedthe centre with an offer of fundinglinked to our educational programme.Mary Lewis, the manager of theCentre, immediately suggested an
outdoor classroom. We have asuccessful educational programmeand were desperately short of space.It seemed natural to contact Ben andask for his input. He quickly cameup with a design that would use thetimber on the site – mainly Lawsoncypress (called Port Orford cedarin the USA) and Douglas fir – andwould sit in the woods, opening outinto the woodland. The roof was tobe curved like the hull of a ship andthe north end was to have a cordwoodwall with a cob fireplace.
Drawings were made and planningwas applied for. Because the classroomis open-sided its woodland site wasn’ta ‘development’ issue and buildingregulations were a little more relaxed.
Ben came and taught an ONC(Open College Network) course on woodland management and identifiedthe trees required for the building aspart of the training. They were felledfrom within 200 metres of the build
site and then we waited until Maythis year for the Roundwood TimberFramers and four apprentices to arriveand start the build.
Maddy Harlandexplores the stunning
new WoodlandClassroom
built by Ben Law
Top: The sloping site makes the struc-ture appear to float above the ground. Above: Builder Ben Law.
Above: Cordwood and cob wall,earthen floor and Rumsford fireplace. Below: Looking up from inside.
© Tim Harland
© P
e n n y R o s e
© Tim Harland
© P
e n n y R o s e
© T
i m H
a r l a n d
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In the meantime, Ben finished hislatest book with us, Roundwood Timber Framing , whilst we raised the fundsto make a professionally produced,step-by-step film ( see box below)about this building method, using theconstruction of the classroom as the
main example. Stacking function intrue permaculture design style!The build was finished in late July
2010 – just three months after it wasstarted – on time and on budget. It isextraordinary. Ben turned forestry onits head by using our slow growing,light-deprived softwoods and craftingthem in the round. His design combinesold traditions with new technologiesand ideas, building from timberproduced as locally as possible – andeschewing concrete foundations,
cement, steel pins and skips to takethe rubbish away at the end of theprocess. The classroom itself has aLawson cypress frame that sits onpits of scalpings capped by reclaimed York padstones. The floor joists areDouglas fir and roof shingles andfloor boards are locally sourcedwestern red cedar – another locallyabundant and durable wood that can
be substituted for many componentsof a building usually reserved for oak.
Ben and his roundwood timberframers trained apprentices duringthe build and volunteers helpedmake the cordwood and cob walland earthen floor that surround the
energy efficient Count Rumsfordfireplace. Training local people tobuild from local materials is importantto Ben. He doesn’t want to win workoutside his bioregion and needs moreroundwood framers. Since finishing,one apprentice has emigrated totimber frame build in Canada, anotherhas returned home to Greece anda third set up a roundwood timberframing business in Dorset.
Roundwood timber framing itselfis becoming a new vernacular in
architecture and is as low impact andecological as you can get. This ispermaculture design at its best:intelligent, ecologically sustainableand involving the local community.It is also fluid, adapting design tolocal trees and materials, and looksahead to our needs and resources inthe future. It is ultimately beautiful,making our hearts sing. It was
always my dream to have one ofBen’s buildings at the SustainabilityCentre, but what is more heart-warming is to see the reactions ofour numerous visitors, young andold, from all walks of life. They tooare captured by its magic. It gives me
hope for a handmade future
Ben Law is a woodsman and round-wood timber framer. He runs a varietyof courses and open days. For moreinformation see: www.ben-law.co.uk
Ben’s new book , Roundwood TimberFraming, and DVD of the same title are now available (see box below). Ben is also author of The Woodland Year, The Woodland House and The Woodland Way.
All the above are available fromGreen Shopping. Order online at:www.green-shopping.co.uk or by phone on: 01730 823 311.
Further information about theSustainability Centre:www.sustainability-centre.org01730 823 166
ROUNDWOOD TIMBER FRAMINGThe NEW Book & DVD
ROUNDWOOD TIMBER FRAMING BOOK This definitive manual marks the birth of a new vernacular for the 21st century. Over 400
colour photographs and step-by-step instructions guide you through the building of
anything from a garden shed to your own woodland house. This practical ‘how to’ book
will unquestionably be a benchmark for sustainable building using renewable local resources
and evolving traditional skills to create durable, ecological and beautiful buildings.
ISBN 978 1 85623 041 1 Hardback 168 pages £19.95
ROUNDWOOD TIMBER FRAMING DVDThis DVD perfectly accompanies the book. Ben presents the step-
by-step design and build process for a locally sourced beautiful roundwood timber framed
building, as well as showing other examples of builds including houses, a shop and a small
outhouse. Also includes guidance for the creation of cordwood walls and rammed earth floors.
Highly informative and inspiring. ISBN 978 1 85623 057 5 60 minutes PAL Region 0 £19.95
Order today either online at
www.green-shopping.co.uk or call 01730 823 311
“Arguably Britain’s greatest living woodsman.”
Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall
“Ben Law is a national treasure!”
Felix Dennis
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www.permaculture.co.uk No. 66 23Permaculture Magazine
Rebecca Hosking and Tim Green, makers of the highly respected
‘A Farm For The Future’ film screened on BBC2 in 2009,
turn their attention to the health of our
domesticated dog population.
A
WOLFin
DOG’SClothing
S
© Rebecca Hoskins & Tim Green
© T
i m H
a r l a n d
social organisations, trade networks, politics... The applicationsare endless. Yet as we sat by our computers researching, theorisingand designing, our new best friend, a border collie, lay at ourfeet somehow immune to our new found common sense.
Above: Young Dave learningto herd. The sheep recognisehim as a type of wolf, so whydon’t we?
Right: Tim Green andRebecca Hoskins.
o much of permaculture design is about recognising theobvious, but in our muddled up world of advertising,self-delusion and false promises, this is, bizarrely,
seldom obvious. A wake-up call is usually required. Beingfrom farming stock, ours was the sudden realisation ofthe madness of fossil fuel dependent agriculture and therapidly approaching limits to growth. Our search forsolutions led us to discover holistic farming and then tookus to permaculture.
With our newly discovered permacultural mindset, we’dsit and apply the rules of ecology and natural systems toincreasingly broad subjects; the ecology of the forest and vegpatch could apply to an entire farm, the whole of agriculture,
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The Rules of the WildIt was clear to us that our herd of cattle were really a herd ofoddly patterned wild ox and our hedge-lined fields were openscrub woodland arranged roughly into rectangles. So whycouldn’t we see that our young collie, Dave, was just a wolfin dog’s clothing?
Every breed of dog from a Pekinese to a Great Dane is a
domesticated strain of grey wolf. They may differ dramaticallyin appearance but inside they are still wolves and the rulesof the pack still apply. In the wild, wolves live in the way thatsuits them best and we should never fall into the trap ofthinking that a life with us primates is an improvement.We are merely a less-than-perfect substitute for the pack.When we take on the responsibility of being a pet owner wetake on all the responsibilities of the pack leader and, forthe well-being of our dogs, we should strive to reproduce(as best we can) everything a wild pack provides.The absolute essentials are love, shelter, exercise, water,discipline and healthy food. Every good pet owner providesthe first five without a second thought. Getting the sixth
one right, however, requires considerably more than asecond thought.
Left: The natural diet fora wolf is raw meat. To
maintain health, they willeat almost all of a killincluding bone, skin andthe internal organs.
© P y s h n y y M ax i m V j a c h
e s l av ov i c h / S h u t t er s t o c k
A Healthy Diet We all live busy lives, so understandably we delegate theresponsibility of devising a healthy diet for our animals tothe specialists. As most of us are on a budget, this means wetrust the pet food manufacturers with their teams of scientistsand the global purchasing power to source nothing but thebest ingredients to formulate the perfect balanced diet for ‘all
your pet’s needs’.However, your pet’s health is no more the principal concernof the big pet food manufacturers than human health is themain concern of a chain of burger bars. Make it cheap, selllots, make a profit... This isn’t a conspiracy theory, it’s theprevailing business model.
Like the majority of pet owners, we trusted the pet foodpeople and the ‘wholesome meaty goodness’ of our dog’s food...until he got sick. Poor Dave’s problems were serious andcomplicated. At only 11 months old he began having huge life-threatening seizures. Dogs can have seizures for many reasons,so we set about trying to identify the cause and started on ajourney of discovery that went far beyond canine epilepsy.
We knew that dogs could have health problems but we werein no way prepared for the sheer range and ubiquity of canineillness. Dogs everywhere, it seems, have diseases of the joints,bones, heart, liver, kidney, immune system, eyes, ears, skin,teeth, gums, digestive system, nervous system; not to mentioncancers and behavioural disorders. These conditions are notlimited to aging dogs or those inbred for the showroom; sturdymongrels and young pups are suffering as well.
Does What It Says On The Tin?! We began asking whether this had anything to do with thecommercial food we are now feeding our pets. I set about
deciphering words like ‘extracts of vegetable origin’, ‘meatderivatives’ and ‘oils’ on a kibble packet and, after a few hoursof code breaking, I had a list of ingredients in plain English.
We’d been feeding Dave a cocktail of low-grade cerealgrains, miller’s chaff scraped off the mill floor, woodchip,and diseased meat mixed with the old fat from restaurant fryers,all preserved with powerful anti-oxidants (banned in the UKfor human consumption) proven to cause cancer, liver failureand neurological damage amongst other ailments. This wasn’tsome bargain basement food either; this had Her Majesty’sRoyal Seal stamped on the packet!
Euthanised Snacks – North America-StyleIn North America ‘mammalian meat and bone meal’ – a keyanimal component in pet food – is known to contain the groundup remains of euthanised cats and dogs – collars, name tags,microchips and all – horrific!
We couldn’t say if this junk food diet was the cause of Dave’sillness but it most certainly wasn’t helping. So what to do? Thefirst reaction is to search around for a better brand of food.80% of the world’s pet foods are manufactured by just fourcompanies – Mars, Nestle, Proctor & Gamble and Colgate-
Palmolive – so you can befairly sure that most brandsare much of a muchness.
There are a few independentcompanies left that make abetter pet food but this is stillprocessed food.
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(paunches frozen separately) and had a stack of frozen meatylamb bones courtesy of the local organic butcher. Then finally– and this isn’t for the faint hearted – we’d occasionally popdown the local slaughterhouse and pick up a couple of completesheep paunches that the slaughterman was more than happyto part with. We cut up the stomachs into meal size portionsand froze them in pots with some of the lovely grassy gravy
from inside. This is known as green tripe and really is magicfood for dogs; you’ll be pleased to know it is also availablecommercially, pre-frozen. The only things we ended up payingfor were additional rabbits from a local shooter and a fewlamb hearts, livers and kidneys from the butcher.
The EffectSo did this diet cure Dave? No, sadly it didn’t. Dave’scondition was progressive and we simply ran out of time.That’s not to say the dietary change was a failure, far from it.In the three months we had Dave on a wild-type diet wesaw some remarkable improvements in his overall healthand condition.
Within days his rather manic behaviour had stabilizedand he became a much more obedient, attentive dog.
Right: Dave finishes off theremains of a fresh road-kill
pheasant. These along withrabbits, green tripe, hearts,livers and kidneys formedthe basis of his new diet. ©
R e b e c c a H o s k i n s & T
i m G
r e e n
The Natural Diet We were determined to finally apply the rigours of ecologicalthinking to our dog’s diet and bring it as close to a wild-typediet as we could manage. The glaringly obvious clues are in adog’s physiology and anatomy. A dog’s carnassial teeth are oneof its defining features; these have evolved over countlessmillennia to shear raw meat off the bone and crush them into
digestible chunks.It has a thick muscular gut to protect itself from boneshards, and very strong stomach acid to dissolve bone anddestroy the pathogens found on scavenged meat (as well asantiseptic saliva). Dogs can manufacture their own vitamin C,which is deficient in a pure meat diet and their whole digestivesystem extracts energy from animal protein not carbohydrates.Unlike you, your dog is very much a carnivore.
The observation of wild canine behaviour is the other greatsource of information on how to feed our domestic friends.For instance, you don’t see wild dogs cooking their food. Thesimple act of cooking meat tends to destroy much of itsnutritional value. Obviously we’re not suggesting this is why
wolves don’t have barbecues, merely that the way pet food isproduced is totally at odds with their evolutionary history anddietary requirements.
After a pack has made a kill, the first thing they eat is thestomach. This is a very important component of the diet asthe stomach of a herbivore contains large amounts of partiallydigested vegetable matter along with a host of digestiveenzymes a carnivore cannot produce i tself.
Plant matter is very rich in various vitamins and mineralsbut members of the dog family are unable to digest them intheir natural state. The herbivores’ gut does the work for thembut also breaks down phytic acid which is found in most
vegetable matter and which dogs and other carnivores areunable to digest. Phytic acid is referred to as an anti-nutrientand actually binds with essential vitamins and minerals in adog’s stomach and prevents them being absorbed. As an aside,the heaviest source of phytic acid is cereal grains and soyawhich both make up the bulk of commercial dog food.
Replicating the ‘Wild Diet’ What to do with all this information is not as easy as you maythink. We can’t send our dogs out to kill a deer and feaston what they want so we have to compromise somewhere.Effectively replicating a wild diet is a task not to be takenlightly and I urge you to exhaustively research the optionsyourself before you start. The most useful resources we foundto guide us are listed at the bottom of this article.
Living on a farm, we had access to a fair few rabbits, sofor us that was a good place to start. As far as we could tella small whole raw rabbit contained just about everythingDave needed in all the right proportions: guts, pre-digestedvegetable matter, fur, bones, muscle tissue, organ meat,all perfectly balanced for a small carnivore. Feeding timewas suddenly enjoyable and the entire bunny was demolished.Occasionally we’d throw hima reasonably fresh road-killpheasant, which went the
same way as the rabbits.Even on a farm rabbits aren’t
always available so we’d fillthe freezer when we could
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26 Permaculture Magazine No. 66 www.permaculture.co.uk
This page:(inset) Sick Dave – after a seizure he would lose hismemory and would sit like this for days.
(main) Dave after changing his diet – two days after aseizure – memory back and full of life.
© R e b e c c aH o s k i n s &
T i m Gr e en
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www.permaculture.co.uk No. 66 27Permaculture Magazine
Weaning Your DogOff Commercially
Produced FoodIf you decide to wean your dog off commercialfood there are some very important things toremember:
1. Do your research – there is a minefield ofinformation out there, some good, some bad.Triple read, double check and cross referenceeverything. You are the one ultimately responsibleand this is the welfare of your best friend we’retalking about. If you’re not certain then consult
a holistic vet or canine nutritionist.
2. Beware the human food chain – your dogcan deal with a lot of bacteria that would beharmful to us, but our industrial meat chaincan culture pathogens dangerous to your dog.Select meats and bone wisely and know wherethey come from.
3. Never feed your dog cooked bones; they couldsplinter and rupture the gut.
4. Avoid bones with sawn sharp edges. Bonesbroken at the joints are much safer.
5. Don’t feed ‘bite-size’ bits of bone or carcass,these could be a choking hazard. As a rule ofthumb go for something the size of yourdog’s head.
6. Don’t rush it – your pet may have been on junkfood for a while and a change to a healthier dietcould come as a bit of a shock to their system.Make the changes gradually.
7. Do even more research – the Resources at theend of this article were a great help to us (be sureto study the FAQs).
i n s e t © R e d ph o t o gr a ph er / S h u t t er s t o c k
b a c k gr o un d © D ani el K o
r z eni ew s k i / S h u t t er s t o c k
Also within days his coat became super glossy and hecompletely lost that dog smell we assumed was normal. Histeeth became pearly white and any signs of gum disease andbad breath disappeared. This is actually very important astooth and gum problems are the single commonest disease indomestic dogs and are the precursors to a whole host ofsecondary ailments and untimely deaths. The reason his dental
condition improved so drastically was the chewing of toughraw meat, bones and fur. These are nature’s toothbrushesfor wolves and wild dogs.
Other things we noted were that his mild skin allergiescleared up after a week, his eyes became brighter, gums becamenoticeably darker (indicating possible anaemia before) and,for those of you interested in such things, his poos weretransformed into small, hard pellets with next to no odourand absolutely no affinity for the soles of your shoes. Fora while, even the severity of his seizures was reduced andhe recovered from them in hours rather than days.
With all the vet bills for tests, medications and emergency
treatments, our dear little Dave was as costly as a shortuniversity course, but what he taught us was priceless. Wemay have lost him but every dog we have from now on willbe much happier and healthier as a result; and if you can applythe same detailed thinking to your pets as you do now for yourpermaculture garden, then so will yours
After retiring from full-time film-making Tim and Rebeccahave quietly continued to live and work on their family farm. By studying the rules of nature around them, rediscovering some of the lost ar ts of farming and experimenting withthe latest advances in ecological agriculture it is their aim
to create a resilient farm that is both ecologically andeconomically sustainable. They both fully admit it is alifetime’s work. As an aside and hopefully a happy ending,they have a new working border colli e puppy on the way – he will be called Wilf. Tim and Rebecca will be travellingup-country to collect Wilf at the end of October.
Resources
www.ukrmb.co.uk Invaluable yahoo forum for fledgeling raw feeders
www.dogfoodproject.com
www.rawmeatybones.com
www.dogtorj.com
www.rawfeed.com
www.ukrmb.co.uk
www.truecarnivores.com/greentripe.shtml
The Complete Herbal Book for the Dog by Juliette De BairacliLevy; second-hand copies available from Amazon in variablecondition, from £4.67 - £25.00.
The Complete Herbal Handbook for the Dog & Cat by Juliette De Bairacli Levy; second-hand copies available from Amazon in variable condition, from £8.45 - £27.99.
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28 Permaculture Magazine No. 66 www.permaculture.co.uk
AccountsManager & Admin/Sales Assistant
Accounts Manager Full Time Post £19,000 pa An exci ting opportunity to join award winning green publ isher,
Permanent Publications, publishers of Permaculture Magazine, an
international book list plus our e-commerce site www.green-
shopping.co.uk. The ideal candidate will have experience of sales
and purchase ledgers, credit control, bank reconciliations, month
end VAT returns, customer service plus general office skills.
Attention to detail and a working knowledge of Sage Accounting
required. Flexibility, good communication skills and a passion for
the environment essential.
Admin/Sales Assistant Part Time Post £6.50/hour The position will be providing support to the Accounts Manager on
various tasks, such as purchasing, general accounting and
administration tasks plus customer service. Flexibility, good
communication skills and a passion for the environment essential.
Send CVs for either position by 29 October 2010 to:
Job Application, Permanent Publications,
The Sustainability Centre, East Meon, Hampshire GU32 1HR
Tel: 01730 823 311 Email: [email protected]
JOB OPPORTUNITIESat Permaculture Magazine
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www.permaculture.co.uk No. 66 29Permaculture Magazine
Choosing a
Woodburning Stove
Maddy Harland explains the benefits of a woodburning
stove and the decision-making process she went
through to choose the stove of her dreams.
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We have a woodburner inthe ‘snug’. It is 30 yearsold, about 25% efficient andbelts out the heat in the smallroom. We can cook on andinside it (with the help of anold biscuit tin).
There are a lot of stove
manufacturers springing up inBritain and for good reason. A new generation of stoveshas appeared, inspired bythe efficiency levels of ourScandinavian friends, changesin legislation, and by cleanburning designs pioneered byClearview Stoves.
I wanted a fuel efficientmodern stove that was atleast 60% efficient or moreand one that was British
made to a very high standard,not manufactured in EasternEurope or beyond and justassembled in Britain. I wanted
a stove that wasn’t too ‘oldeworlde’, yet fitted in mycottage, and I wanted to beable to cook on it. I alsowanted it to be installed bylocal people who knew theirstuff. Lastly, I wanted to beable to see the flames so that
my connection with Fire wasnot sacrificed in the quest forgreater eco-efficiency.
I pondered on whether Ishould plumb in a back boilerto heat the water, but I decidedthat the layout of the housemade this too complicated(and expensive). In time, myold 25% efficient woodburnerin the other room, locateddirectly below the hot watertank, will be replaced with a
new stove plus back boiler.Then there will be littleneed for any central heatingin the house.
I Above:The new stovehas improvedcomfort levelsconsiderablyand the Eco-fanon top helps todistribute heat
around theroom.
Right:Opening the
front air vent,which is onlyused to get thefire started.
guess most of us have adark green secret, a naughtycarbon guzzling habit we’d
rather keep to ourselves. Ourswas the open fire in our livingroom. We live in a nineteenthcentury flint cottage and theInglenook fireplace is the sort
of size in which you couldroast a small goat. 24 yearsago we added a fire basket anda cast iron back plate from alocal forge to theoretically beltthe heat out, but in realityour fireplace was like an old Jaguar car: Classic but greedy. When the fire was lit it guzzledlogs and was maybe 10%efficient, i.e. 90% of the heatwent up its capacious chimney. When it wasn’t lit the central
heating was heating the sky.It was wonderful for roastingchestnuts, lovely for toastingbread, useless for heating a house.
All photos © Gail Harland
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www.permaculture.co.uk No. 66 31Permaculture Magazine
Which Stove?
Years ago I visited our friends, Angie and Andy Polkey in Wales and admired theirClearview Stove, a toastysmokeless stove with a largeglass front. My research led
me to another company too,Dunsley Heat, who have anexcellent reputation and makesmokeless stoves that are atleast 70% efficient. I am surethere are more up and comingstove makers, but these twohave been around for yearsand have been tried and testedby friends.
The most important aspectto a good woodburner isthat it is smokeless and has adouble burn system. Thismeans the stove is designed toallow a fresh supply of oxygenabove the fire. When youburn wood in a hot stovewoodgas is release. Addoxygen and the gases areburnt that are otherwisesucked up the chimney,creating secondary combustionand producing extra heat aswell as reducing emissions.
Clearview add another cleverdesign by heating the supplyof air before it reaches the firebox by drawing the air throughchannels next to the box inthe hot stove. The gasesignite, creating a beautiful aurora borealis effect and alsoincrease combustion andefficiency. Added to this, theydeveloped the air wash system.This basically draws air from
above the fire over the glazeddoor, preventing tar depositingon the glass.
Clearview pioneered thesedesigns and they are passionateabout energy efficiency. Theyalso talk to people on thephone. All this, plus theirlocal installers, Focus Stoves,who make all the additionalparts required for the instal-lation, are just up the roadfrom me.
We measured up the roomand Clearview helped mechoose their Vision 500. This is a 8kW stove with a
the firebox to initially drawin air at the front. It can begradually shut down as thefire fully catches. Below thestove is an adjustable lever thatallows air to draw into the fire-box via the preheating channels
adding oxygen above the firefor secondary combustion. We positioned the flue at
the rear of the stove so wehave a large flat top to cookand heat water on. If space isan issue you can pipe the flueout of the top. The firebox
single large glazed door thatcan warm the whole house.The stove itself is a heavy steelconstruction, welded insideand out for durability. Ifany parts break, Clearviewwill replace them. They are
committed to the long life ofthe product and will upgrademodels and add back boilersif required.
The Vision 500 has twocontrols. The wheel at thefront of the stove is openedfully on lighting. This allows
Below:Clearviewstove air flowdiagram.
has a refractory lining and takes38cm (15in) logs. All the hingesand door catch are adjustablewhich means you can maintainair tightness throughout thelife of the door seals.
the inStallation
Focus Stoves came and did asurvey with a full explanationabout the process, safety andbuilding regulations. Since2002, a fixed vent to theoutside is required for all
stoves over 5kW to avoidcarbon monoxide poisoning.That in itself can be difficultin a flint cottage with 45cm
Rotary vent at front –
used to create a draftto light fire only
Downward draft‘washes’ glass –keeping it clear of tar
Bottom air intake – pre-heats air that produces doublecombustion in the top of stove above the logs
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(18in) thick exterior walls! Wesolved the problem by ventingthough the porch door andthen the porch wall which isa modern construction.
The installation itself waspainless. Focus installed a
register plate in the fireplacewhich has a layer of insulationon it. The difference wasimmediate – no more howlinggales down, and suctiondraughts up, the chimney!They also installed a fireproofheat shield over the beamabove the fireplace as it waswithin 450cm of the stoveitself (another regulation).Then the stove itself wasinstalled on the brick hearth
with a 1mm flue pipe thatjoins the stove to the liner.This is a 0.12mm thick twinwall flexible liner, made ofseveral layers of stainless steel.It was lowered down thechimney and capped with astainless steel chimney net.This stops birds nesting in yourchimney and the rain pouringdown the flue. Focus Stovesmanufacturer all these parts.
We were issued with aHETAS certificate at the endof the installation. Withoutone, the stove does not meetbuilding regulations and, ifyou have a chimney fire, youare no longer covered on yourhouse insurance. You alsoneed a carbon monoxide alarmwith a seven year battery inthe room. In addition, tosatisfy building regulations it
is also necessary to fit a dataplate detailing any changes tothe hearth or fireplace as wellas details of the liner fitted.
So hoW doeS it burn?
The stove is easy to light. Thevents are easy to manage.There is a rotary grate forriddling and a stainless steelash pan inside. I empty itabout once a week and it issurprising how fine the ash
is. Everything is burnt, unlikethe old open fire that leftlumps of charcoal in the ashbed (appreciated by the dogs).
Once I get the stove fired upI have to add just one or twologs an hour and it maintains aconstant temperature between150 to 200ºC, depending onhow much I load the firebox.It can go hotter.
We cut all our own woodand season it, exposed to sun
and wind but not rain – thetop of the pile is covered. Twoyears is ideal. It’s hard workbut more fun than the gym.If you use wetter wood thestove is forgiving (unlike someother makes) but it means youneed to burn more wood togenerate heat. I calculate thatwe are using at least 60%less wood than in our openfire days. The house is warmer
even when the stove is unlitbecause the chimney is nowsealed, and we’ll inevitablysave on gas.
The Clearview double glazedfront is easy to keep clean. Iwipe the glass with dampnewspaper and a little ashfrom the fire once a week toremove any tiny traces of tar.Used properly, it shouldn’tever tar over. So far I haven’tleft the fire in overnight as the
house is warm and it is easy toget it started again the next day.
Woodstoves aren’t just forcountry cottages. I have friends
Above:Maddy’s dreamcomes true.
Starting up theClearviewVision 500,woodburner.
who are passionate stoveusers. Some heat their housesand water entirely with theirwood-burners. They don’tuse logs but are urbanforagers, using bike trailers tofind untreated waste wood,
tree prunings and brokenpallets for fuel.The initial investment of a
stove is expensive but with gasand oil bills rising every year,besides house insulation anddouble or triple glazing, amodern cleanburning wood-stove would be my numberone eco-renovation purchasenow. It is a pure pleasure tolive with. I wonder how weever lived with that draughty
old open fire
coStingS
Clearview Vision 500 £1,269Focus Installation £1,400-1,600 (depending on model ofstove, length of chimney etc.)
uSeful contactS
Clearview Stoves, DinhamHouse, Ludlow, ShropshireSY8 1EH
Tel: 01584 878 100 Web: www.clearviewstoves.com
Focus Stoves Ltd, Station Approach, Four Marks, Alton,Hampshire GU34 5HNTel: 01420 561 010 Web: www.focusstoves.co.ukFocus work within a 35 mileradius of their factory inHampshire and supply registerplates and flues to the trade.
Dunsley Heat Ltd, Bridge Mills,Huddersfield Road,Holmfirth, YorkshireHD9 3TWTel: 01484 682 635 Web: www.dunsleyheat.co.uk
Look for ‘I Love Woodstoves’group on Facebook for practicaladvise and enthusiasm!
A film detailing our installation
so you can see for yourself,will be available soon at:www.youtube.com/user/PermacultureMedia
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Reforestation of the sacred mountain of Arunachala, in South India,
has been resoundingly successful. John Barrie Button explains his
permacultural approach to the challenge.
SACRED FORESTRY
had little to do with the kind of actionswhich the Rainforest Information Centre was usually was involved. This is becausethe arid and barren region where theholy mountain stands is far removedfrom rainforest. However, the letterpointed out, if the forests outside thereceding rainforests of India were notenhanced, then there would be littlechance of ensuring the survival of thoserainforests themselves. A good point.I bought my plane ticket.
ADVICE & MOTIVATION
Having done plenty of tree planting butwith no experience of projects beyondmy own neighbourhood, I sought all theadvice I could find. My original teacherof permaculture and dear friend, BillMollison, suggested that if I didn’t havevolunteers, then I wouldn’t have aproject. His implication was that if localpeople didn’t believe in the aims of theproject enough to offer their services,then it had little chance of success.
Observe and interact.The other wisdom which comes to
mind, was offered by a woman withlong experience working with various
overseas projects. “Write yourself a letter,”she advised, “about all the things youthink you are going to do over there. As many as you can think of. Whenyou have finished this list, put it in anenvelope, seal it up, and place it safelyin the luggage you take with you. Don’topen if for at least three months. Evenlonger would be better.” Do nothing,observe everything –Masunobu Fukuoka.
Inspired by Bill’s advice, I had imagesof great chains of pilgrims passing seed-
lings up the mountain, our forest growingrapidly tall with the abundance of theirenthusiasm. The problem is the solution.I imagined that my presence would beirrelevant after a couple of years.
I
© arunachala-ramana.org
n 1989 I was asked to co-ordinate areforestation project in south India,specifically, the sacred mountain
Arunachala, recognized as Shiva in theform of Light or Fire. As the legendrelates, Shiva, Lord of Destruction andRecreation, was asked to adjudicate anargument between Vishnu (Lord ofPreservation) and Brahma (Lord ofCreation), as to who had precedence.
Having manifested Himself as acolumn of the pure light of conscious-
ness, Shiva bade both of them to findHis limits; one to seek the lowestpoint, and the other the highest. Neitherapparently was successful, and in theirawe of Shiva’s brilliance, they pleadedwith Him to take a form less dazzling,which mere mortals could then behold.Shiva agreed and transformed Himselfinto the form of the mountain Arunachala,which has been venerated ever since.
A CALL TO ACTION
The request for help from the small and
radical rainforest action group which Iwas associated with in Australia, arrivedin the form of a very poetic letter whichacknowledged that reforesting Arunachala
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www.permaculture.co.uk No. 66 35Permaculture Magazine
REALISING THE CHALLENGE
I still recall vividly my first view of themountain, seen through the windowof the bone-shaking bus. We were still20 kilometres away and the dusty hazeblurred any detail beyond the distinctiveshape. Drawing closer, my perspective
sharpened. It was so barren, brown,dry, and almost devoid of vegetation,much less trees. The work would startfrom zero.
The full significance of the firemanifestation of Shiva came to light.The mountain ablaze was a commonsight, deliberately lit to encourage thegrasses used for thatching, and todiscourage any trees or shrubs thatmay impede their growth. Not tomention the pyromania inspired bythose coming to the mountain to pray
for divine intervention to dissolve debt,deliver a son, cure a hernia, or an infinitenumber of other earthly needs.
Shiva in his form of Fire was honouredwith matches and cigarette lighters. Arunachala was little more than a greatmound of rock.
CONFRONTING SCEPTICISM
Even the task of growing seedlings toplant on the desolate mountain was farfrom simple. In a district where the
local population often had to line upfor hours at a public tap just to get theirmost essential household water needs,lavishing water from a private well onplants to raise a nursery was hardlylikely to nurture all that enthusiasticsupport I had dreamed of.
“Give yourself up to the mountain,Shiva will prevail” was advice I heardmore than once, offered by the spiritualseekers who flocked to the mountain.I was there to work, to get the task
done, not to adhere to any doctrineor superstition. “Arunachala is a Firemountain, and has always been rocks. You can’t grow a forest on Arunachala,”other sceptics declared.
The local librarian assured me other-wise. Having studied old texts, therewere abundant records of great forestson the mountain, which had been re-nowned as a source of diverse medicinesand a sanctuary for wild animals.Observation over time. All this, though,
was negated by photos dating backalmost a hundred years which depictedbarren slopes with no more vegetationthan there was on my arrival.
STEPPING FORWARD
We raised a nursery nonetheless,watered from an open well in a secludedbackstreet. For all it was worth, ourfirst two significant plantings on themountain were both abject failures. What the flames did not claim, the goatscertainly did. “If you have no problems,
buy a goat,” says one Sufi wisdom. Wedid not even need to buy our problems. Mistakes are tools for learning .
One of our small team of volunteersinspired a major step forward. He
suggested approaching the maintemple. Temples are often constructedon springs. In this case, several. Notonly did it harbour this abundance,but the traditional design of thetemples consists of many walledcompounds focusing inwards to the
sanctuary. Perfect protection. Further-more, the temple authorities control50% of the mountain, and a lot of landaround it.
PLANTING & GROWING
They were happy with our proposal tocreate a nursery while refurbishing thecompounds with gardens that had notexisted for many years. We selectedour plants to supply their needs inflowers and coconuts, as well asplanting sacred constellations long
neglected. In the following years weraised between 200,000 and 350,000saplings for planting on and aroundthe mountain, and for sale to servicethe wages of our growing workforce.Optimize edges. In this case, it was thesocial edge between the spiritual andearthly life; for the first time localpeople volunteered their support insignificant numbers. Make the leastchange for the greatest effect.
Our next planting was much smaller
in area. Use small-scale intensive systems. We selected our planting sites carefully,where the least likelihood of firecasualties lay, where we might zealouslyguard our vulnerable young ones. Userelative location. Ah, hard-earnedsuccess. Our trees grew, planted withthe monsoon’s first drops. We hadselected well, choosing the hardiestspecies that would need the leastwatering, if any. Multiple elements serving every function.
CAREFUL SELECTION
We planted at least 80 different speciesincluding shrubs and groundcovers,fast-growing pioneers, and climax
Permaculture is an ecological design
system. Using nature as its guide,
Bill Mollison and David Holmgren,
permaculture’s co-originators,
have developed sets of principles
to guide the design process. The
essence of many of these (in italics)
are found in this article.
What is Permaculture?Top left: Arunachula clothed in greenafter years of being barren rock.
Bottom left: The mountain as itlooked in the 1980s.
Above: Carrying seedlings up the
mountain for replanting.
Right: Villagers tackle one of the firesthat frequently threaten the trees. ©
D e v G o g o i
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36 Permaculture Magazine No. 66 www.permaculture.co.uk
species. Use and value diversity, follownatural succession. Fruiting species,trees for timber, plants for medicines
and other uses. Each element performsmultiple functions.
Every plant was bunded with a micro-catchment arc to catch and localisewater, silt and organic material. Tree‘smiles’.Catch and store energy. I heardsome foreign pilgrims complainingthat all the trees were spoiling thesunset view from the mountain. Ah,disgruntled whisperings of success! After less than two years, when a firebroke out amongst our plantings, local
villagers spontaneously extinguishedthe fire. They knew the plants wouldbe more value to them than rocks andgrass. Real genuine success – the localswere volunteering. Creatively use andrespond to change.
BIODIVERSITY RETURNS
Animals and birds not seen for yearsare now becoming commonplace.We create nothing; we can only supportthe conditions for creation to take
place. Humility, always. Great bamboogroves not seen for tens of decadesare now regenerating rapidly. The greattrees that once covered the mountainare regenerating from their long-ravaged
stumps. People can actually harvest thefuelwood from pioneer trees alreadydying off, and abundant medicinal
plants are thriving. Obtain a yield .It is now more than 20 years since
our first small failures. It has taken alot of work, as all projects do at first.Transformation requires energy fromsomewhere. Many firebreaks havebeen cut by the different groups thathave grown on the inspiration of thefirst successes. These days, when thefirst traces of smoke on the mountainare seen, watchmen with mobilephones quickly alert small armies
of school and college students, who
Top: Part of the reforestation viewedfrom the one of the pilgrims’ paths upthe mountain.
Right: Author, John Barrie Button.
Below right: KattuShiva tree nurseryin the courtyard of the temple.
Below left: Mountain of Medicine
meetings led to the reintroduction ofmedicinal plants.
Below centre: A talk circle ensureseveryone’s views are heard.
© D
e v G o g o i
© D ev G o g oi
© D
e v G o g o i
swarm up the mountain to beat out thefire before it can grow. The mountainis not yet fully forested by any meansbut it will be. The sceptics are silentnow. The biggest limit to abundanceis creativity
John Button, an Australian, has worked and played with permaculture for 30 years, designing, teaching, consulting and implementing diverse projects. His affair with permaculture beganin the late 70s when, having bought33 hectares (82 acres) of degradedcattle land, he realised he knew almostnothing about what to do with it, and was inspired to participate in aworkshop by Bill Mollison. Havingbuilt his house and planted a botan-ical rainforest fantasy of 2,000 species,
he was then asked to consult andteach. He has worked in India, the Phil ippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Holland, Germany, the Canary Islands, Russia and Italy, where he mostlylives, with his partner agronomist, Francesca Simonetti.
You can email John at: [email protected]
Or visit his website:
nuke.johnbutton-permaculture.net
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www.permaculture.co.uk No. 66 37Permaculture Magazine
NEWSpermaculture
DEADLINES
Permaculture Magazine No.67
EDITORIAL 22 November 2010
DISPLAYS 30 November 2010
& CLASSIFIEDS
PUBLICATION 24 January 2011
Contributions and enquiries to:
PERMACULTURE MAGAZINE
The Sustainability CentreEast Meon
Hampshire GU32 1HR, U.K.0845 458 4150 or 01730 823 311
BEN LAW’S OUTDOOR
CLASSROOM OPENS
The Woodland Classroom at the
Sustainability Centre was officially opened by Georgina, Duchess of
Norfolk on 21 September 2010.
Permanent Publications and
the staff of the Sustainability
Centre were joined by film-makers, Undercurrents and a wide
selection of representatives fromNGOs and local and national
government, environmentalists,
timber framers and transit-
ioners. A trailer from the new
Roundwood Timber Framing
DVD was shown (available from
www.green-shopping.co.uk).
Earlier this year Ben’s pre-
vious build, the Lodsworth Larder
(see PM63), won the SussexHeritage Award 2010 for the
best community building.
For the latest developments
at the Sustainablity Centre call 01730 823 166 or view: www.
sustainability-centre.org
The Duchess of Norfolk & Ben
Law at the Opening Ceremony
Sell Out London Permaculture Festival
– 2011 Date To Be Announced
The 1st London Permaculture
Festival turned out to be a greatsuccess, writes Stef Geyer of the
London Permaculture Network.Over 850 people from all
over London and beyond filled
the Cecil Sharp House and
gardens to capacity. It showed
the level of interest that can be
mustered even in London’s quietmid-August period, and it high-
lighted that now more than ever
is the right time to publicise the
growing achievements of the
permaculture and transition co-
mmunity in and around London.One of the most memorable
things said to me at the festival
was from Andy Goldring, CEO
of the Permaculture Association.
Apparently last time Londonhad a Permaculture gathering
(about 10 years ago) there were
around 80 attendants in total.
This time the festival’s crew andworkshop holders alone out-
numbered that total!We really couldn’t have taken
any more people. The main hall
was crammed with groups and
projects of all shapes and guises
showing off what they are up
to. The hall also played host tomusic, demonstrations and a
‘permaculture question time’ that
could proved a popular feature.
The film and workshop
spaces were often packed to
their limits (these included a weblink talk by Patrick Whitefield)
and people over-flowed out into
the gardens or joined Chris
Hedley on his herb walk around
the venue’s immediate vicinity.We worked with the idea
that we would offer a space for
whoever wanted to do a talk,
workshop or stall which fits in
with our vision of permaculture.
The only things that we soughtout were local organic food and
a programme for children.
Everything else came in fromall corners of London over the few
months preceding. The event wasreally a chance for our community
The main hall during the London Permaculture Festival at the Cecil Sharp House was often full to bursting
to offer it’s knowledge to each
other, the heat from the analysis
of what was missing will, I’m
sure, keep us warm all winter.
As it was our first event itwas a steep learning curve for
the newly created co-ordination
team, we had no idea of how
many people would turn up, so
we were very happy that it wentmostly to plan. However, we
unfortunately did commit the
cardinal sin of running out of
cake at the festival! We’ll make
sure we have a whole team
dedicated to that next year.For details on how to attend
or take part in next year’s festival
view: www.londonpermaculture.com and of course keep reading
Permaculture Magazine www.
permaculture.co.uk
London-grown plants on sale
Photographs by James Piers Taylor, London Permaculture, http://www.flickr.com/photos/naturewise/
Chris Hedley’s popular herb walk
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38 Permaculture Magazine No. 66 www.permaculture.co.uk
The Permaculture Association is compiling a list of forest
gardens that will be planted
this winter to help connect
learners and volunteers with
opportunities for practicalexperience. A research projectis also planned to record
designs, planting schedules
and long term yields. Tell
them about your project by
contacting them at: research@
permaculture.org.uk
Jagran Jan Vikas Samiti, a
non-government organis-ation in Rajasthan, India
are in need of volunteer
permaculture students or
graduates to help them. Fordetails view: www.jjvs.org
Access a map of traditional
craftspeople in the UK atwww.
heritagecrafts.org.uk/map.html
The Low Carbon Trust (www.
lowcarbon.co.uk) has won the
Green Building category of theSussex Eco Awards for its
Earthship Brighton project.
The Awards board sited it as
“a case study for eco-living.”
The trustees of Emerson
College have handed overthe deeds for the building and
the 20 acres of land around it,
securing them as an educationand research centre dedicated
to biodynamics, permaculture
and sustainable food production.
View: www.bdacollege.org.uk
Worth seeing! Gaia Theatre
Collective’s play Tipping
Point (pictured) is on at
Hamilton House, Stokes Croft,Bristol, 1 - 11 December 2010.
For further details please call07932 074 201 or view
www.gaiatheatre.org
NEWS IN BRIEF
The Permaculture Association’s
2010 Convergence was held at
Lambourne End in Essex, a 53
acre venue discovered duringthe Association’s LAND Project.
The Association’s CEO, Andy
Goldring, reports that 360 people
attended. The programme featuredworkshops, talks, presentationsand permaculture practicals such
as scything, rocket stoves and
a magnificent dragon cob oven.
Core theory looked at everything
from ethics to design tools, while
people care sessions offered arange of powerful tools for use
in life and work. The education
group looked at the Association’s
strategy, future thinking and
Low Carbon Farming initiatives.
Many of the 360 attendees at the 2010 Permaculture Association Convergence, Lambourne End, Essex
The new Diploma System 5
was launched (new applications
are welcome) and there were
reports on proposed polycultureresearch trials and community
supported agriculture.
With 100% of people saying
that they would “thoroughlyrecommend” the convergence toa friend, we can say we were
pleased. A lot was learnt, new
plans were hatched, and we can
hardly wait for the next one.
It really does feel like we are
breaking through to a new levelglobally. Memberships are up
substantially, and following email
discussions from Australia, it
seems like it is bursting at the
seems over there too.
Wide Range Of Activities At Permaculture Convergence
This year’s event got the thumbs up
Hollywood Star Joins Permaculture Design Course
Ned, Eliza, Darren and Daryl
Students on a recent Perma-
culture Design Course led by
Darren Doherty in Australia
were delighted to be joined byDaryl Hannah, the Hollywood
star of films such as Kill Bill,
Splash and Blade Runner .
Daryl, who is now just as
well known for her commitmentto environmental issues, told
Permaculture Magazine “in
these critical times permaculture
solutions are some of the best
tools we have for creating a
viable and thriving future”.
Over 3,000 copies of each
issue of Permaculture Magazine
are now sold in New Zealand andAustralia (where permaculture
began). Look out for forthcoming
features from the Australian
practitioners, teachers and
writers who have helped definepermaculture in these pages.
For further information view:
www.permaculture.org.uk
Photographs by Jay Ashton, Permaculture Association
Work here at PMAs part of our expansion
Permaculture Magazine /
Permanent Publications are
looking to recruit an
Accounts Manager and an
Administration Assistant.The positions are based at
the Sustainability Centre,
East Meon, Hampshire.
See the advert on page
28 of this issue for details
on how to apply.
Revival by Rhythms Del Mundo
is the third collaboration with
Artists Project Earth (APE)
which promotes permaculture and
supports the relief efforts in Haiti,
Chile and Tibet following this year’s
catastrophes in these regions.
Each of these regions still
desperately need donations and
volunteers and this CD is one
way to make a contribution.
Artists such as Bob Dylan,
Gorillaz, Coldplay and DizzeeRascal are given the trademark
RDM Afro-Cuban twist.
For further details of how APE
are supporting some of the
remarkable permaculture projects
in Chile view their website andthis link: www.apeuk.org/260-
Transition-Chile
Haiti, Chile, Tibet Relief Projects
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www.permaculture.co.uk No. 66 39Permaculture Magazine
BOOKS MAGAZINES DVDS TOOLS OUTDOORS HOME & GARDEN SOLAR & WIND-UP CLEARANCE
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Welcome to the new-look Green Shopping website and catalogue supplementPurchasing from GreenShopping helps supportPermaculture Magazine
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Green Shopping is run by the team at Permaculture Magazine. As Permanent Publicationswe also specialise in publishing permaculture books. Our aim is to offer you inspirationalbooks, tools, products and DVDs to help you live more sustainably. We hope you like ournew look Green Shopping and enjoy shopping with us.
KITCHEN MEDICINEBruton-Seal & Seal 224pp KM1 £16.99 Reviewed on page 71
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THE BEE-FRIENDLY BEEKEEPERDavid Heaf PM recently published two articles bythe author about Warré beehives andsustainable beekeeping. Here is a detailedinvestigation arising out of that researchas to why conventional beekeeping iscontributing to the drastic decline of theglobal bee population and the alternatives.
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HOW TO GROW FOOD IN YOURPOLYTUNNEL ALL YEAR ROUNDMark Gatter & Andy McKeeBeing a fan of Eliot Coleman (The Winter
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40 Permaculture Magazine No. 66 www.permaculture.co.ukgreen shopping supplement winter 2010
TO ORDER PLEASE EITHER PHONE 01730 823 311 OR ORDER ONLINE AT WWW.GREEN-SHOPPING.CO.UK
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Tony Rollinson Maddy Harland
THESE ARE A FEW OF OUR CHRISTMASSY FAVOURITE THINGS
Carolyn Pennington Mark Anslow
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Flexcut Whittler’s Set – Ideal for those winterevenings by the fire.These popular knives willgive hours of carving fun.BMC-WK £48.50
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www.permaculture.co.uk No. 66 41Permaculture Magazine
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TO ORDER PLEASE EITHER PHONE 01730 823 311 OR ORDER ONLINE AT WWW.GREEN-SHOPPING.CO.UK
green shopping supplement winter 2010www.green-shopping.co.uk
Tim Harland
CHOSEN BY THE STAFF HERE AT PERMACULTURE MAGAZINE
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Sam Blanchette
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HONEY STOVEPacked flat: 150 x 150 x 10mm (6 x 6 x0.4in) Total weight: 339g (12oz).
Stainless Steel. Made in the UK.A versatile wood burning backpackingstove which will work in a number ofconfigurations, with a wide range ofpans and several fuels types. Folds flatinto a small pouch when not in use.BPL-HON £37.50 Reviewed on page 18
HELLE EGGEN KNIFEBlade: 100mm (4in), Stainless
Steel, Handle: 115mm (4.5in),Curly Birch, Leather Sheath.Has the traditional look and feelof a Norwegian knife. The uniquetriple laminated stainless steel
makes for a razor sharp blade which holds it’s edge. The handlefits the hand comfortably and the knife is a joy to use.WB-HEL75 £62.50 Reviewed on page 18
To order any of the items in this supplement either use theorder form in your Green Shopping catalogue 2011, order onlineat www.green-shopping.co.uk or by phone on 01730 823 311(international:+44 1730 823 311.)
N.B. Subscriber prices quoted in green and Reader’s Offer prices
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until publication of next issue, but may be altered at our discretion .
BUCK DIAMOND SHARPENER Size: 102 x 26 x 6mm (4 x 1 x 0.25in)A handy pocket sized 750 grit diamondsharpening stone from the famous makersof Buck Knives. Puts a fine edge on knives,small tools and even fish hooks. Can beused dry or water lubricated. Comes
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All photos © Steve James
F
GROWING VEG
THE INCAN W AY
Steve James adapts an ancient farming method to create
a self-watering, temperature stabilised greenhouse
Top: Plants thrive as theirroots reach down to find theunderground water (visibleunder the walkway).
Left: The Incan inspired green-house is the right side of the‘twist ‘n’ twang’ workshop( see PM65) behind the house.
ood growing in Scotland’s cool climate is always achallenge, especially living at 240m (800ft). Journeyssouth of the border in spring and autumn seem like
time travelling. You can almost see the waves of blossomand leaf fall sweeping slowly up and down the country.I was therefore intrigued by discoveries made by archaeo-logists reconstructing how the ancient Inca farmed 3,650m(12,000ft) up in the much more inhospitable region aroundLake Titicaca.
WISDOM OF THE INCAS
Archeologists uncovered networks of metre-deep water-filled channels between beds, raised high enough abovethe water level to let the roots breathe. The numerousinterconnecting channels were home to various edible fish,and extended over thousands of hectares, creating a micro-climate that protected the crops from seasonal drought bysoaking into the beds, and from the year round frost dangerby releasing daytime heat stored in the water. Aquaticplants grew abundantly in the channels, and fish manuresettled as silt. Each year they would scoop plants and siltback onto the beds.
Showing a rare practical interest in his subject, Clark LErickson, an agrarian archeologist, encouraged the localQuechua to try these techniques for growing their owncrops, with the stunning result that yields immediatelyincreased tenfold. Impressed, local farmers started re-adopting the more sophisticated ways of their ancestors.
WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE
These days we have poly-tunnels and greenhouses,making it possible to enjoyfruit and vegetables that
would otherwise be impossibleso far North, but they dohave one major drawback –no rain. In Scotland that hits
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below instead. As it turned out, this created an extremely drysoil surface, which inhibits slugs and weed germination.
A drier atmosphere is also less conducive to the manymoulds and fungi which thrive in the typically muggyenvironment under cover. A critical part of this system ishaving sufficient depth of soil (20cm/8in) to ensure theplant roots can make their own choices between warmth,
particularly hard, as you stand, hosepipe in hand, deafened bythe thunderous roar of yet another downpour on the polythenejust above your head. Something is not joined up here. Isn’tthis a sin in the permaculture bible? Piped water additives areanother concern, as is the difficulty in going away for extendedperiods. Unless you can arrange for someone to do the water-ing for you, two or three weeks away in the height of summer
is often unthinkable.So I started musing, howcould I get the rain back inside?Catching it as it comes off theroof is the first issue. Thereare, I believe, self-adhesivegutters you can attach to apolytunnel directly, though Ihave no experience of them.A greenhouse is normallysimple to rig up with gutters.As I had already built aguttered polytunnel (see
PM65), I thought here wasthe chance to give it a go.
My partner Eilidh hadpreviously experimented with burying polythene underneatha bed to help it hold water longer on her allotment. Initiallyappalled at the thought of sour soil and drowned roots, I wassurprised that it seemed to help quite a bit without injuringthe plants. It still needed a lot of water hauling to fill, so theprime requirement for the mark II was a self-filling mechanism!
THE EXPERIMENT
All these various threads came together in the experiment
which is effectively a large sunken bathtub with the sky tapleft running. Rain comes in one end, soaks sideways underthe beds and any overflow runs out the far end. Rather thanuse some form of sprinkler or seep hose system, which wouldprobably need a powered pump to work well, I rememberedthe Inca and decided to try gravity, letting water come up from
Above: Section through thegrowing system.
Below: (left) Excavatingthe water storage tank;(right) Liner made of piecesof scrap plastic sheeting,water inlet and blocks forthe walkway.
air and water. They can senseit beneath them and reachdown into the ever damperearth until their thirst issatisfied. Tomatoes in partic-ular headed straight for theborders by the walkway, closestto the free water, and spreadmany feet along it.
THE METHOD
I began by digging out the shape of the tank, unearthingplenty of rocks in the process that would later form therubble infill. You could well use a more flat bottomed tank,or indeed build the whole thing up above ground. I chose
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Above: (left) Walkway,edging boards and rocklayer; (right) Finishedbeds filled with soil.
Left: Plan and sectionshowing water, inlet, outletand storage tank.
Right: Rotatable elbow on theoverflow allows adjustmentof the water level.
sloping sides to test the widest possible range of soil moisture.I could have used a perfect membrane to ensure a completelywatertight tank, but I’ve always been taken by the way wormslove to party in old polythene lying about in the garden (I guess
it’s warm and wet between the layers) and I had a stack of thedamn stuff. Odd shapes, odd rips and punctures – not pretty,and not really much use for anything else. Several layerscompressed together under the weight of the soil and water
would leak, but very slowly, and the worms and beasties couldwriggle their way in if they had a mind to, particularly as itwould be the warmest place around.
So, first a layer of skipped carpet on the bottom to avoidfurther punctures, then three layers of the poly covering thewhole area of the greenhouse and stapled to a single plankedging running around the perimeter at ground level.
Since nothing would grow underneath the walkway, itseemed sensible to store the bulk of the water there, andwhile I was at it try and trap some warmth by making it slattedso the sun could shine in and heat it up. This light and warmthhas encouraged mosses and algae to grow in the dappled shade,and attracted spiders and toads. In time maybe a whole eco-subsystem may evolve under here! Stored heat is more erratic,as fresh rain flushes out the warmed water, usually of course oncooler days, but it does mean the reservoir never gets stagnant.
CHANNELLING THE WATER
I laid two lines of reclaimed concrete blocks directly on thepoly, with approximately 10cm (4in) gaps as level as I could,to carry the central walkway, and hold back the soil. Resting
on top of these are two 7.5 x 5cm (3 x 2in) battens, withthe edging boards and walkway slats nailed to them. Thedownpipe from the gutter runs under the beds and emergesbetween the blocks under the top end of the walkway.
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Above: Most plants didreally well despite beingunwatered throughout thegrowing season.
Below: Steve James withhis prized pumpkin.
The outlet was a standard150mm (6in) drainpipe, whichempties into the rushes nearby.I fitted a 90º elbow which iseasily rotated to control thehigh water level inside. Tokeep the walkway dry I set itabout 1cm (0.4in) below thetops of the concrete blocks. Rocks fill outside of the blocks.
Any coarse rubble would do, to roughly the expected waterlevel to let the water freely percolate under the beds, avoidinga completely waterlogged base to the soil which might turnanaerobic or leach nutrients and minerals.
I collected many fine molehills from the surrounding grazing,mixed with compost, sheep manure and basalt rock dust.This soil mix was piled directly on top of the rubble, incontact with the water at its base approximately 20cm (8in)deep, and made to slope slightly from the edges to the centre(’cos it looks nice). In dry periods the water under the walk-way almost disappears as it is drawn up by the plants andevaporation. However, although the surface is a dusty desert,dabbling your fingers in the warm topsoil shows the darker,damp soil beginning no more than 2cm (0.8in) down ineven the hottest periods (bearing in mind this is Scotland).
BEING CRUEL TO BE KIND?
I wanted to see what this system could do, so my heartlessprocedure was to water in individual seeds and transplantswhen first introduced, and once or twice again in the nextfew days if they looked like they needed it. After that theywere on their own. Apart from this lulling into a false senseof security, and some minor weeding, the entire greenhousewas unwatered by human hand from April right through tothe following spring, and as you can see from the photos,
almost everything thrived. The garlic was the only totalfailure, several bulbs were planted along the outside edgehigh above the shallow (south) end, where it was just toohot and dry, even for this sun-lover. Cacti would do well here!
Peas, broad and French beans, courgettes, calabrese, severalsorts of tomatoes, basil, leeks, coriander, pumpkin, cauliflower,lettuce, kale, red mustard, cabbage, walking onions, sorrel,nettle, grass and creeping buttercup, all did well. Obviouslya serious grower would use such a system to ease their workloadrather than replace it. If I had watered during the driest periods,pinched out trusses etc., given them all more love and less apologies
I’m sure the yields would have been greater, but as a resultof total and absolute neglect, I think they’re pretty encouraging. I had thought the central water channel might encourage
slugs, but damage was surprisingly slight, with mice provinga greater threat in the midst of a hard winter, climbing thebrassica stalks and nibbling out the hearts, the wee souls.The pumpkins probably did best, with half a dozen double-fist sized specimens as well as the champion illustrated.
IN CONCLUSION
I haven’t run this experiment long enough to tell the long-term effect on soil condition, but it is not really very differentfrom growing in pots or on benching. As long as care is
taken to feed and refresh the soil periodically, I don’t see whyit should be any less successful.
This system is not the answer to everyone’s prayers, but asa way of lessening the need for visits to a distant allotment,water bills, the impact of hosepipe bans and fretting aboutyour darlings while you’re away, then less time spent puttingthe rain back on the ground may be worth the slight troubleinvolved in construction
Steve James built his own luxury low-impact ecohome inScotland, complete with a 9 x 7m (700ft2 ) workshop and greenhouse growing space.
RESOURCES
Pre-Inca agriculture:www.sas.upenn.edu/~cerickso/articles/Exped.pdf
More pictures: www.envisioneer.net
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HOW TO
GROW
FOOD
IN
W INTER
Janet Renouf-Miller
explains how you can
create a harvest offresh, nutritious food
throughout the cold
months.
W W INTRY BENEFITS
There are a number of advantages togrowing vegetables in winter:
• Mature overwintered veg keepsgrowing until December under cover,stands for the winter then comesaway fast in February. They can bepicked for much of the winter. Theremight be lean pickings in January butthere is usually something – perhapsa bit of kale, land cress, claytonia,lamb’s lettuce, herbs and carrots. • Later autumn sowings will over-winter as seedlings that get going
quickly again in February and areready long before spring sowings.This eliminates the ‘hungry gap’– that period of time when seeds
have been sown in spring but little isready to eat.
• Vitamins and minerals are harderto obtain in winter, especially vita-min C. Having something fresh fromthe garden can make a big difference. • Fresh organic produce is moreexpensive in winter. Therefore winterveg saves you more money thansummer veg. Rocket, radishes, saladleaves, parsley and mint are all expen-sive in winter yet easy to grow at home.
• The ground is as well growing
something as sitting there empty.
Above: Tatsoi, cress and chickweedgrowing for winter salads.
ith the help of a bit ofcover, and carefully se-lected varieties of seeds,
it is possible to grow vegetables andherbs all year round in the UnitedKingdom, and presumably thereforein other temperate countries thathave frosty winters.
In my corner of Scotland, awayfrom the sea and up in the hills, thereis only one month of the year thatcan be guaranteed to be frost freeand that is July. Most years we can-not grow courgettes or runner beansoutside without cover.
In our case, experimenting has
paid off and we often have moreproduce in winter than in summer.Last year by the end of winter wewere fed up with salad!
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Above left: Lamb’s lettuce in a coldframe.
Above right: Planting mint in a box.
Right: Close up winter sowing.
GET PROTECTION
Any protection that you can giveplants over the winter will helpthem, although there are a numberof things you can grow with noprotection at all. A greenhouse orpolytunnel gives the best protectionand plenty of indoor space. We coversome of the plants with polypropyl-ene floating mulch inside the tunnelor greenhouse for extra insulation.
Cold frames are another good
option and a layer of floating mulchor bubble wrap can be used on topof the plants inside the frame. Simplehome-made frames work fine. Doremember to remove the bubblewrap and start watering again in thespring.
Floating mulch laid over the soiloutside gives weather proofing on itsown and can be weighed down withbricks or stones. It prevents mudfrom being splashed onto salad crops
as well as giving frost protection andmaking plants grow faster. We had great success last year with
an old caravan window found in alay-by which we put on top of somelamb’s lettuce. Lamb’s lettuce willgrow outside all winter without pro-tection but that which was coveredwas ready first, in early February.Once it was finished, the uncovered
so keep cutting, making sure you leavea bit of green to keep the plant alive.They will eventually stop growingbut will stand over the winter, andstart to grow again in February.
Later sowings will be part-grownat the end of the season. They are
poised to finish growing in springand to follow on from the earliersowings. This two stage processmeans you will still be harvestingright up until the spring-sownvegetables begin to mature, and youwill seldom be without some gardenproduce.
stuff took over. We had lamb’s let-tuce galore from February till theend of April.
Don’t forget that if you have aconservatory, food plants can begrown there in pots during thewinter. Windowsills in the house
tend to be too dark for plants thatare going to be there for any lengthof time but work fine for saladsprouts (see later).
SOWING
Start sowing again from mid Julyonwards, as the ground is cleared byother crops, thencontinue untilthe weather getstoo cold. Thatusually means
until the end of August in thenorth or Sep-tember furthersouth.These sowingswill grow atdifferent rates.Sowing in suc-cession actuallyworks better at the end of the yearthan it does in spring, when all the
sowings tend to catch up with oneanother.
Earlier sowings will be ready from August to late September, and can beused as ‘cut and come again’ cropsfrom then onwards. The more youcut them the longer they stand,
EVERY ‘EARLY ’ IS ALSO A ‘LATE’
Seeds that are described as ‘early’ onthe packet can also be sown at the endof the season for overwintering. Thereis the odd exception, for exampleparsnips. If in doubt, experiment.Conversely, anything that says it is a‘late’ also usually works as an ‘early’.
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Garlic can be planted at mosttimes of year but July plantingswork well and are ready the following July. We put single cloves back in theground whenever we harvest someand have it dotted all around thegarden, to pull as required. If noneis ready, the green tops can be cutand used.
Spring cabbage can be used as acut and come again crop as well forfull sized cabbages.
Carrots (stump-rooted) do wellon most soil and will stand in theground for a long time, to pull as
needed.Celery is easy to grow pretty much
anywhere. Sow it after mid July forwinter crops, or it may to go to seed.
Left: Field beans plants and seeds.
Above right: Polytunnel and frames.
Right: Harvested blue salad potatoes.
This year we obtained someonion sets that according to the bagwere for autumn sowing. They werereduced to 50p when purchased inFebruary. Half were sown outsidein March and the other half in coldframes. The cold frame ones were
ready to eat by June and the othersfollowed on a couple of weeks later.
START SPROUTING
Once it is too cold to sow in thegreenhouse, move indoors and sowseed trays of peas, cabbage, broccoliand kale on a south facing windowsill.These can be cut as seedlings oncethey are two to three weeks old andadded to salads and soup. Growsalad sprouts in the normal way too,in a salad sprouter or sieve. The
quickest ones are chick peas andlentils. Red cabbage sprouts addsome colour to winter salads.
W HAT TO GROW IN SUCCESSION
Perpetual spinach, chard, parsley,rocket, lettuce and radishes can allbe sown at four week intervals from July onwards for both a winter cropand some seedlings to overwinter forfast take off in spring. Chard is lesshardy than perpetual spinach so if
you only grow one of them, growthe spinach.
The radish ‘long white icicle’does well and can be used as avegetable as well as in salad. It willstand for a long time in winterundercover.
A variety of lettuce from Thompsonand Morgan called ‘Freckles’ is goodfor autumn sowing. It is hardierthan most and slugs don’t like it. We have kept plants going all winterunder bubble wrap in a cold frame.
Land cress and lamb’s lettuceare wonderful, hardy salad cropswhich will stand outside all winterin pretty much any weather. Leave aplant of each to go to seed and youwill have a steady supply of plants at
different ages and stages springingup everywhere.
Lamb’s lettuce is sown from Julyonwards but you only need to sowit a couple of times, once indoorsand once outside, to get a supplyfor months. It is expensive to buyand you often see it in those bags ofready-washed salad.
Land cress can be sown fromspring until September, but will standfor months from a single sowingif picked regularly. It has a similartaste and appearance to watercress. As well as using it in salads, make amineral-rich soup using a watercresssoup recipe.
Claytonia is another easy wintersalad crop, although it does needa bit of cover. If you have apolytunnel, greenhouse or coldframe it will keep going all winter,and will self seed. Slugs do not
bother much with claytonia or withlamb’s lettuce and land cress.
Pak choi, Chinese cabbage andother similar Chinese greens need tobe sown after mid July or they willgo to seed. They are best in a tunnelor cold frame. Slugs love them sokeep an eye out for damage.
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Above left: Spring cabbage.
Above right: Purple sprouting broccoli.
Kale pesto, made from tenderyoung leaves is tasty and freezeswell. Just use a recipe for basil pesto.Purple sprouting broccoli can besown in June or July and grown overthe winter for an early spring crop.The leaves can be eaten as well asthe heads. Leave the old kale andbroccoli plants in the ground inspring and they will continue to
or frame and then transplanted backoutside when the weather improves.Instead of discarding any ‘rogue’potatoes that come up in the wrongplace, transplant those too.
MOVING THINGS INDOORS
AT THE END OF THE SEASON
When it gets colder, dig some plantsup and replant them undercover. Alternatively put a cold frame orsome floating mulch over them. Dig
up mint roots and lay them length-wise in a box or seed tray, coveringthem with compost or soil. Under-cover or indoors on a windowsill,they will shoot all along their length.Partly grown spinach and chard canbe moved successfully as can lettucesand other salad crops.
Experiment and see what worksfor you. Who would have thoughtyou could transplant potato plants,or use the celery seed off the kitchenshelf?
Janet Renouf-Miller is a fibre artist; she teaches spinning, dying, crochet and knitting, and runs simple livingworkshops. She became interested in gardening as a small child when shehad her own little plot, on which she preferred to grow vegetables ratherthan flowers.http://downshifterdiary.blogspot.com
R ESOURCES
The Winter Harvest Handbook byEliot Coleman, price £24.95 availablefrom www.green-shopping.co.uk or call us on 01730 823 311.
There is no need to earth it up. Wehave been sowing a culinary celeryseed, variety unknown, for severalyears with great success. It can alsobe sown in September and the smallplants will overwinter and startgrowing again in the spring.
Leeks, as most gardeners willalready know are planted in springand ready in autumn. They will standin the ground all winter and can beeaten until the first shallots are readyin the spring. They are in many waysmore useful to the winter gardenerthan onions, being very hardy andeasy to grow.
Kale can be sown as usual inmidsummer for a winter crop or inSeptember for a second, later crop.Sow kale and broccoli again under
cover in early spring for some cutand come again tender leaves to add tosalad. In fact, you can sow it prettymuch any time and have plants atdifferent stages of growth for a yearround supply. It will stand mostweather, although the variety ‘Nero’with elongated, dark leaves is lesshardy than the curly leaved varieties.
provide greens until well past mid-summer. If you let a couple go toseed, they will self sow and cross witheach other giving some interestingvariations. We had a lovely purplesprouting kale this year!
We usually grow spring cabbage.
It lasts in the ground most of thesummer and we are still eatingspring cabbage, sown last year, as Iwrite this in August. Most peoplegrow too many cabbages and kaleplants. 12 cabbages means onefor each month of the year, whichis enough for most of us. Mostgardeners grow kale, cabbage andpurple sprouting broccoli, but maynot get the most from them. Youcan juice winter greens and alsouse them in salads; you can freeze
cabbage, kale and leeks chopped up,they are then ready to use.
Field beans are like smaller broadbeans. They are hardier though anddo better over winter. Sow them inspring and again in mid August afteryou lift the potatoes. To save theseed, pick a few mature pods andleave them on a windowsill to dry.
Jerusalemartichoke tuberscan be planted
from spring tomid-summer fora crop fromNovember to January. Whenyou harvestthem, resow afew of the tubersin a differentspot for nextyear.
Beetroot
will overwinteroutside but doesbetter under-
cover, so put some in a cold frame.It does not like acid soil.
Parsley and rocket can be sownin September under cover. Smallseedlings will stand over the winterand grow on in spring. Slugs likeparsley, so use organic slug controlas needed.
Potatoes can be planted in pots ina greenhouse or polytunnel and will
be ready in a few weeks. Just keepback some seed potatoes to sow inthe autumn. Potatoes can also beplanted very early in a polytunnel
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THESITTINGROOM
SESSIONSI
Brian Boothby sings the benefits of taking
live music back home
www.permaculture.co.uk52 Permaculture Magazine No. 66
magine the scene: 20 or 30 of your friends and acquaintances gatheredin the intimate and congenial setting of a sitting room, a yurt, or even
a bender. It’s been a cosy evening, with hot chai and home-madeflapjacks, wine and fragrant olives. The candles are bright in the lanterns,a palpable sense of community and celebration has developed as threeexpert musicians weave an acoustic tapestry of songs, tales and music,transporting you to far off places and also to the inner spaces of themind and heart. Clearly the musicians themselves are also deeply moved,delighted to play every note knowing that your participatory listening hashonoured their craft. Such was the scene at our house in Derbyshire in last April. We werecelebrating the launch of my first solo album for 15 years, with four suchconcerts over the span of a weekend.
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R EAL M USIC With few exceptions, mainstream media decrees that music is better if it’sloud, image-driven, marketable and played on the most prestigious stages,and who’s to deny the undoubted thrill of witnessing a brilliant bandperforming at that level? However, there are so many alternatives to this.For centuries, classical music has thrived and excelled in the pindrop silence of
rapt listening; and jazz musicians the world over have refined music to explorethose startling intervals and unusual rhythms which demand true listening.For many like myself, seeking an authentic expression of music and song,there is always the homely truth of folk, roots and world music, the non-exclusive shared oral tradition, linking us back to real human experienceand the very roots of human sound... Permaculture in art.
M AGIC M ELODYIt is not just a question of doing things more simply, nor is it a desire tocreate new art forms or dismantle preconceptions. It’s simply that despitethe undeniable power of playing electric through a massive PA, anddespite the inescapable logistics of how a few musicians get to reach asmany people as possible, and notwithstanding the infinitely longer timeit takes to build a following when only playing to a few dozen people at atime, for me there is just no equal to what happens when people listenwith complete attention to a musician in full flight, giving every ounceof their being. Magic happens. This realisation happened for me years ago in a big bender on awindswept Beltane camp, when we gathered round the burner, toldstories and sang, knee to knee or heads on laps, inner eyes catchingpictures in the flames. The vast sense of history and the tribal memoryflooded through and connected me as never before to my ancestorson this land, all having done exactly this since the dawn of humanity.This later became the driving motivation behind the Music Spaceswhich developed at the Big Green Gathering and which still continue
on the Healing Field at Glastonbury Festival. SITTING R OOM S ESSIONSHere it is again, surfacing stronger than ever in this latest stage of my ownmusical journey. Judging by the overwhelmingly positive response from the74 people who came to our four ‘Sitting Room Sessions’, it is also somethingthat’s crying out to be reinstated in living spaces all over the world. For me itis not just a question of bringing back the sing-song round the old joanna,or giving everyone a chance, though it is that as well. It’s also to do with theway we listen and the way we honour our poets and musicians.By inviting them into our gatherings, sharing what they have to offer andthereby acknowledging their raison d’être and their trade, we reconnect to
our own roots and bring more creativity to our communities. Performersaren’t gods for pedestals as the media seems to suggest, just skilled humanbeings offering a journey and seeking fulfilment. Similarly, you don’t haveto wait for Mean Fiddler to arrange it, you too can be promoters
If you would like to experience this, live at a settee near you, email Brian on:[email protected]
To sample video from the sessions, visit: www.myspace.com/brianboothby
For more music and information: www.brianboothby.co.uk
www.permaculture.co.uk No. 66 53Permaculture Magazine
Photo © May Kindred Boothby
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Growing
Together
Louise Cartwrightdescribes a way of
growing your own foodon a large scale,
as a community
The relationship betweenCSAs and their members ismutually beneficial becausethe steady income, which isa result of members payingupfront means that food can
be grown throughout theseasons. As a result, membersare able to see where, howand who grows their food.CSAs originated in America asa way for small scale farmersto compete with the foodgiants and CSAs are nowrising in popularity in Europe.
Short History ofKippax CSA The story of how Kippax
CSA, near Leeds, was set up isone of idealism, ‘jumping inwith both feet’, coupled withdisregard of any ‘nay’ sayers.
I set up the scheme, aftercompleting a Masters degreein Product Design. I waslucky enough to spend a yearstudying in Canada, where Imet an enterprising young
family of growers based in
Above:LouiseCartwrightharvestingpotatoes witha Kippax CSA
member
Right:The firstpotatoes of theyear going in.
Community Supported Agriculture schemes(CSAs) are radically
different to supermarketsand the average veggie boxscheme because they are
reliant on a membership baseof committed individualsand families. Members ofCSAs pay upfront for theirproduce and often takepart in organised field daysand social events to helpgrow their own food. Thiscommitment means thatthe growers have a reliableincome even if there is a glutof one crop or another crophas failed. The growers also
have a large group of peopleto call on during the busymonths when everythingneeds to be planted.
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Caledon, Ontario. They had juststarted a CSA, which involvedanother unknown word,‘permaculture’. This sowed theseed in my mind, and when Ifinished my degree I spent twoweeks completing a perma-culture design course. After thecourse I spent many monthsvolunteering in France to under-stand the ins and outs of CSAs
and similarly permaculture.On my return to England I
was offered a job as a growerat Swillington CSA and a roomwith a friend in Ledston Luckvillage. As it turned out, Led-ston Luck was devoid of anyshops or amenities and wassurrounded by arable farm-ing land. I contacted the localfarmer whose land abutted thevillage and casually asked if
he had any land he wouldn’tmind renting out. As it hap-pened, the farmer had 0.4hectare (1 acre) of set-asidewhich was gathering dust; thusKippax CSA was born.
There was one small snagwith this arrangement how-ever: the site had no accessto mains water or electricity.I also quickly discovered thatworking an acre of land withjust a fork and a lot of good-
will is incredibly hard work.To rectify this sticky situation,I commandeered Neal Stanleyas a partner. Neal’s joinery
skills coupled with his greatpractical brain meant that thescheme could stay off grid.
What We Grow We grow all of the ‘staples’,i.e. potatoes, root veg (carrots,parsnips), brassicas (cabbages,purple sprouting broccoli,kale, Brussels sprouts, swede,turnips) legumes (broad beans,
French beans, peas) spinach,chard, beetroot, squashes anda variety of salads. We alsogrew more exotic food thisyear including peppers, chillies,aubergines, cucumbers andmelons. We grow different
varieties of all of the producebecause we believe that itincreases resilience and it’s funto hear the members exclaim“What? You can get purplecarrots?!”. We also try to saveseed wherever we can and are
increasing our knowledge todo this more effectively.
How We Grow We grow all of our food usingorganic principles, but we aren’tcertified yet because we can’tafford the expense. We are keenfor members to have their sayabout the permaculture designfor the site. One of the numerousbenefits of having a member-ship base is the amalgamation
of skills and experience whichcan be shared and put towardsa design.
As well as declining to usepesticides, herbicides, andfertilisers, we also avoid petrol-powered machinery. Thismeans that we have to be verycreative and inventive with ourweed control. To combat theonslaught of weeds that seemto come up overnight we have
devised a no-dig bed system.To start a no-dig bed, we getout all of the noxious weeds inan area, and mark out the bedusing cardboard. We then puta thick layer of well-rottedhorse manure (at least two
Above:A Kippax CSAveggie box.
Below:Raised no-digbeds filled withwell rottedmanure in thepolytunnel.
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years old) and straw or hay ontop. We also start no-dig bedsusing just cardboard and hay.
For these beds, we plantstraight into the soil instead ofthe manure layer and addextra mulch in the form ofbroad beans and sunflowers.
Crops are grown using athree year rotation: we rotatelegumes, brassicas and potatoes. We group the onion family withthe legumes and root cropswith the solanaceae family.Crops such as courgettes, sweet-
corn, Swiss chard, spinach andmost salads are planted wher-ever convenient, as they poselittle problem for the rotation. We also grow green manuressuch as scarlet clover, crimsonclover, broad beans, phaceliaand sunflowers. The broadbeans, sunflowers and phaceliaare used as a green mulch.They are put down on theareas that we want to convert
to no-dig beds and the cloveris grown as a living mulch inbetween the brassica beds.
Practical CultivationTechniquesTo optimise the space in thepolytunnel we have built aseries of raised no-dig bedswhich we filled with wellrotted manure. In subsequentyears we intend to top up thebeds with green manures and
use a variety of compost teas(comfrey and nettle) for themore hungry crops. To waterthe polytunnel and the entire
This, coupled with mulching,no dig beds and the pondsituated on site, will see usthrough any dry spells. Tocook food at Kippax CSA andcreate energy we use a rocketstove and a bicycle generator
( see boxes).
Our Permaculture DesignUsing the polytunnel as anexample of how we implementpermaculture, we built theraised beds out of discardedpallets to maximise space andto reduce cost. We decided touse raised beds to increase yieldand reduce soil compaction.Recycled cardboard bike boxeswere used to line the beds, to
ensure that weeds were supp-ressed and to minimise waterevaporation from the edges.The beds were filled with organicwell-rotted horse manure froma local stable to provide enoughnitrogen for the hungry plants.
To make the best use ofthe space and to increasethe growing area, the raisedbeds were made with a point.This allows easy access with a
wheelbarrow and means thatwe are using every availablespace. The polytunnel hasmultiple functions includingraising delicate plants, dry-
Rocket Stove
field we have devised a waterharvesting system, whichcatches rain water off the
polytunnel and the on siteshipping container, fondlynicknamed ‘the cabin’. Wecurrently have a 3,000 litre(660 gallons) water capacity.
Left:Members ona well-earnedbreak by themultifunctionalcabin.
Below:Rainwaterharvesting.
T
he rocket stove is a modern version of anold idea, so called because of the jet flameand roaring sound when fully loaded with
fuel. It is basically an insulated chimney. Thestove used at Kippax CSA comprises a stainlesssteel chimney, which was cut from a flat sheetwith a grinder, then clamped in a vice and bentwith wooden blocks and hammer.
The chimney is made in two parts and fixedtogether in strategic positions with stainless steelbolts to withstand the heat and to reduce warping.The chimney is housed in an old vegetable oil tinfrom a take away shop which is packed tightlywith building grade vermiculite insulation. Anothershortened vegetable oil tin sits on top of thechimney above the other tin to form an insulating
‘skirt’ which pots and pans are lowered down into.The pans sit on bolts fixed through the skirt toallow air flow from the chimney.
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Bike Generator
The generator is connected to a 12V leisure battery which powerslights in the cabin which are required for share pick up duringwinter months and also to power an mp3 player for socialoccasions. The lights are 5 watts (LED’s would be more efficientbut we already had these) and are powered directly from thebattery. We use an inverter clipped onto the battery for anythingrequiring usual household electricity and anything with a plug thatcannot be converted to 12V. Inverters are inefficient and takelots of power but allow intermittent use of normal householditems which generally require cycling during use of the item(as with an mp3).
ing clothes, storing wood andgrowing heat loving crops.
Another example of perma-culture design is the cabin. Thecabin is used to store all of ourtools, equipment, and produce,and is used as a makeshiftkitchen. Neal made a series ofshelves and tables using oldpallets for tool storage, and heeven fitted a kitchen sink so we
Contact UsKippax CSA is currently look-ing for more members. If youare interested in being partof a sustainable and inclusivefood supply, please contactLouise and Neal on
Email: [email protected]: 07870 994 354or 0113 262 3981 Web: www.kippaxcsa.co.uk
Louise Cartwright is one of thehead growers of Kippax CSA.She also works part-time forthe Permaculture Association asthe Network Co-ordinator ofthe LAND project. The LAND project is a four year project funded by the Local Food scheme which aims to create a publicly accessible England-wide permaculture learning and demonstration network.
For more information see:www.permaculture.org.uk/land or email: network@ permaculture.org.uk
Left:Planting designfor the wholefield.
can wash up and prepare foodhygienically. All of the off-cutsfrom the various shelves wereused to power the rocket stove,which was used to providemeals for members on our firstfield days.
We are constantly experi-menting with different tech-niques to decrease labour andincrease productivity. KippaxCSA is currently at the end of itssecond year and we fully expectfailures as well as successes. We feel that any failures willmake our system more resilientas we learn from them anddevelop new techniques intothe design. A good design isnever finished, but constantly
evolves and develops. Thebeauty of a CSA is that memberscan have an input in thegrowing process and theoverall design. This creativityand ingenuity will result in atruly sustainable food supplywhich will be resilient to changein the uncertain times ahead
The lights in the cabin are powered using abike generator. The bike generator is alsoused for social gatherings to play music. It
is definitely a good keep fit piece of equipmentbecause as soon as you stop pedalling the musicdisappears!
The bike generator at Kippax CSA uses a bikestand with the back wheel of a road bike sit-ting directly onto a roller connected to a 12V DCgenerator. There would normally be a fly-wheel
attached to the bike stand roller but instead asmall aluminium coupling (made as a favour atLeeds University) joins the roller to the generator.
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Karen Olson tells the story of living
milk, eggs, greens, vegetables,and fruit. To keep their 60foot diameter mandala gardengrowing, they use a drip-irrigation system and plenty ofstraw mulch. They regularlysoak the orchards, lavenderfield, and a fenced rotationalpasture for heirloom poultrywith water from a traditionalirrigation canal – called an
acequia – that has continuouslyflowed through the propertysince 1706. An abandonedswimming pool has been turnedinto a three-season green-house and goat-milking space.
The property is also hometo a 5 acre wetland restorationproject that the residents – andthe goats – like to walk around.Pittman and Bill Mollisondesigned the wetland using thechinampa, a Mesoamericanfloating garden, as a model. Australian Doug Durrough andhis cousin dug the large pondsand snaked channel. Today,
the wetland is teeming withlife. So is the Pittmans’ house.
IN THE HOUSE
Along with their 2 year-old sonSasha, the Pittmans live in ahybrid strawbale/adobe structurethat took six years to build.Scott Pittman, who also hasthree grown children, says thehouse is right for the climate.
“It operates just like it issupposed to: warm in winter,cool in summer.” Additionalwinter heating needs are metthrough passive solar and aRussian masonry oven.
The house is built around acourtyard enclosed with aroof, giving the Pittmans aclimate-controlled space forgrowing bananas, fig trees,cherimoyas, and citrus – andgiving small birds a place tolive. The plants in this 600foot green space get waterfrom an underground Watson Wick pumice filtration system
TDESERT
S
Above:The aridNew Mexicolandscape surroundingthe Pittman’sproperty.
cott and Arina Pittmanlive in the village of Jacona, just north of
Santa Fe. Their home is part ofa unique 10 acre co-housingsituation. Legally, the housesare considered condominiums. While the houses are ownedindividually, residents – whohave agreed to two bylawsstating there will be no biocides
or violence on the property –have some shared assets,including land. That’s whereScott and Arina Pittman havetheir Lots of Life In One Placepermaculture demonstrationfarm. “Because of this structure,we have way more land and ahigher quality of life than ifwe didn’t pool our assetstogether,” says Arina Pittman.“We wouldn’t be able to ownthis piece of land, to plantfruit trees and have goats.”
In a lush oasis surrounded bydry scrubland, the farm providesnearly all of the Pittmans’ meat,
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that handles all of the home’sblack and gray wastewater.Together, this integratedindoor system provides food,humidifies the air, and createsa heat sink that helps modifyinterior temperature.
When designing their home,the Pittmans also limited electro-magnetic fields, used no toxicmaterials, and sourced their
materials locally. “We used allnatural materials which gives ourhome a wonderful ambience,”Pittman says.
CLOSE TO HOME
In addition to his ownproperty, Pittman has workedon many design projectsand education programsaround New Mexico. At theSeeds of Change Farm in ElGuique, he used permaculture design techniques to enhancethe company’s mission toprovide open-pollinatedseeds to the world. At actress
O ASISO
permaculture legend, Scott Pittman
Shirley MacLaine’s ranch,he has enjoyed working onthe restoration of a riparianwatershed. “Over the courseof a few years,” he said, “wesaw an intermittent streamstart to run year-round in theupper reaches of the watershedand vegetation return alongwith concomitant wildlife.”
Pittman was recently asked
by two different Navajo (Diné)groups to create programs,one for land restoration andthe other to give youth skillsfor right livelihood so theycan stay on tribal lands. Healso wants to create a programin his local community toconnect older farmers whono longer have the energy tofarm their land with youngfarmers who can’t afford landand equipment. “There is alot of land in my watershedthat is sitting fallow, coveredin weeds, because the ownerscan no longer care for it,”
says Pittman. “Combiningthe wisdom of these retiredfarmers with the energy andgood intentions of youngbeginning farmers couldengender a huge amount ofgoodwill in this community.”
Pittman and the PermacultureInstitute are currently workingto develop a program with theOklahoma National Guard to
help people in Afghan villagesdevelop more effective agricul-ture and pastoral practices.“I have always thought thatthe military could be anincredible force for good ifused to restore environmentaldamage and to provide supportto third world people who aretrapped in a continuing cycleof disease and poverty,” saysPittman.
ON THE HORIZON
On top of all his work in thephysical world, Pittman isworking on a book about the
Above:The Pittman’sproperty 13years after imple-menting theirpermaculturedesign.
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implicit lessons of perma-culture. “While the visible andinvisible structures of perma-
culture are what we speakabout and use as examples inclasses, there is the unspokenspirit of permaculture that,in my mind, is what gives itpower and is the reason thatit has grown all over theworld with no help from thedominant culture orgovernments,” he says.
“The Permaculture Design
course is often referred to asa ‘life changing’ experience,and it is. I believe that we draw
some of the most dedicatedand ethical people in the worldto our growing tribe. It ispassing strange to me thatmost people look at perma-culture as a gardening tech-nique. We are far morechange-oriented than that.One might even go so far as tocall it culturally revolutionary.In every course I have taught I
Left:The irrigatedpasture used forsheep, chickensand dairy goatscontains a var-iety of health
giving herbs,brambles andfruit bearingforage plantsfor people andhoney bees, aswell as all theabove animals.
Right:Abundance atthe oasis.
THE SCOTT PITTMAN STORY
have found that people areincredibly moved in their heartsand share that change withtheir classmates and with me.
“Teaching permaculturehas given me the wonderfulopportunity to be my genuine
self with less and less trepid-ation. This in turn gives mystudents the opportunity toopen up and be who theyare. The whole process isincredibly liberating and,I believe, the way learningshould happen.”
Scott Pittman grew up on a ranch in West Texas, spent four years in the U.S. Air Forcein Turkey, and fought for civil rights while in college. He started a construction andwoodworking business in Santa Fe, New Mexico, then tried his hand as an organicfarmer. He was introduced to permaculture at a short workshop with Bill Mollisonin 1985. That encounter inspired him to fly to Nepal to take what was supposed tobe one of Mollison’s last courses before retirement. The next year, Pittman startedtraveling the world with Mollison teaching permaculture.
Pittman, who just turned 70, has now taught around 200 Permaculture Design Certificate
courses, including polyculture design for sustainable, small-scale cacao production inHaiti, energy-efficient housing design in Siberia, community-living necessities likewaste management and community organizing for the Landless Workers’ Movementin Southern Brazil, rainwater harvesting methods in Guatemala, and a course inEcuador that was attended by well over 100 participants representing a cross-sectionof the ethnic, cultural, and institutional diversity of the entire country.
One of Pittman’s gifts to the world of permaculture is his ability to work with different communities. “He works withindigenous people, Hollywood stars, local ranchers, government officials and college kids,” says Toby Hemenway,author of Gaia’s Garden. “I hardly know anyone who is able to bridge those cultures so easily.”
Over the years, Pittman has also constantly been working at home in New Mexico. He is the director of the PermacultureInstitute, which he founded with Bill Mollison in 1997 as the sister organization to the Permaculture Institute ofAustralia. He started the Permaculture Drylands Journal (now defunct, but the archives will soon be available on
the Institute’s website) and co-founded the Permaculture Credit Union with Manuel Abascal. It’s now ten years oldand has over $5 million in assets. And he’s designed numerous properties, including his own with his wife Arina.Hemenway calls the property “a marvel of permaculture design”.
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GLOBAL ECOVILLAGE NETWORK NEWS
SUBMISSIONS
DEADLINEfor submissions to
Permaculture Magazine No.6730 November 2010
To contribute to theGlobal Ecovillage Network
pages contact:
David YekutielEmail: [email protected]
Web: gen.ecovillage.org
The publishers reserve the right
to select, edit or delete materialaccording to the space available
Permaculture Helps To Change The World
Members of the first arctic PDC
Tamera: A Model for the
Future written by resident
journalist Leila Dregger,focuses on the current state
of work at Tamera in three
core areas: permaculture
and water landscape, solar
technology and peace edu-cation. See the advertise-
ment on page 64 for details
of how to order from www.
green-shopping.co.uk
Damanhurhosted the GlobalEcovillage Network EuropeGeneral Assembly and the
Ecovillages and Sustainable
Living Conference, July 2010.
Over 150 participants from
nearly 30 countries and 6
continents attended. Damanhur
also participated in the 10th
anniversary Earth Charter
event in June 2010 at the
Peace Palace in the Hague,
Netherlands. Read moreabout both events at: www.
damanhur.org
Farmers of San José de
Apartadó, Colombia, have
created The Global Campusof Mulatos in the jungle near
their village. Focal points are
co-operation with nature,
development and application
of sustainable technologies,
the building of functioningcommunities, compassion
and reconciliation. View:
www.grace-pilgrimage.org
GEN News In BriefDuring the summer of 2010
Change The World (CTW), aNorwegian based NGO,
organised the first Permaculture
Design Course north of the
Arctic circle at Kvaløya, close to
the city of Tromsø.The course was held on
Sami territory, an indigenous
group which traditionally were
very much self sufficient and
living in a close relation with
nature. The modernity ofwestern living has changed this
relationship a great deal,
something that the Sami
representat ives in the course
would like to reverse. They wishto use permaculture as a tool to
face the various challenges that
globalisation and climate
change bring. It is hoped that
they will be able to spread the
permacultural way of workingwith nature in order to strengthen
their cultural roots.
The participants were awardeda Permaculture Design Certification, as recognised by the Nordisk
Permakultur Institut.
Participants make a circle at Chile’s first Transition Town Training
organising and supporting events,courses and partner organisa-
tions engaged in permaculture,
sustainability and sustainable
education in Africa, Latin America
and Europe.
A few weeks after the ArcticPDC, CTW broke further new
ground on the other side of the
world, with the first Transition
Town Trainings in Chile.A first event was organised
with the National Network of
Municipalities for Sustainability
and drew over 30 participants.
A second course was held in
Santiago and more than 40
activists from Chile’s alternativemovement took part.
These are great examples of
how NGOs can contribute to
facilitating new processes towards
a sustainable future. They help
empower new world changers
to make real differences in theirown countries.
Read more about CTW at:
www.world-changers.org
Examining coastal ecosystems
Change The World is an
international organisation foundedin Norway by Latin American and
African sustainability activists.
Its members are engaged in
Belgian Ecovillage Kasteel
Nieuwenhoven was recently
visited by a group of Kogi Indian
Priests from Columbia. The visitwas part of an event organised
by the Total Health Foundation
to launch a new film and
promote support for preservingindigenous ways of life at The
International Indigenous PeaceSummit.
The Kogis live in the moun-
tains of Columbia and until
recently avoided contact with
civilization, preserving anancient way of life. Their high
priests, or Mamos, are chosen
at birth for a special life attuned
to a deep knowledge and union.
They see themselves as
humanity’s elder brothers and
guardians of the planet andwork towards healing the whole,
not only their own tribe’s needs.
The visiting Kogi Mamos
expressed their approval of the
ecovillage’s activities and helda healing and cleansing ritual
with the residents of the castle.
A resident said: “In the middle
of all the activity of the event,
the Kogis shone like an islandof peace and simplicity”.
Read more about the Kogis at:
www.totalhealthfoundation.org
and view all of the latestdevelopments at Kasteel
Nieuwenhoven’s ecovillage at:
www.kasteelnieuwenhoven.be
Kogis Visit Ecovillage
A Kogi Indian Priest
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64 Permaculture Magazine No. 66 www.permaculture.co.uk
Dutch Ecovillage Build Spanish Eco-Housing More Visitors At ZEGG GEN-Africa Emerging
The GEN General Assembly
held in July at Damanhur, Italy, recognised the importance of
the growing network of
Ecovillages in Africa by awarding
its annual excellence award to
GEN-Senegal for its ground-breaking work with the
Senegalese Government Initiative
for Ecovillages. A special award
was also created for South African
Khula Dhamma Ecovillage.
During the GA, African andEuropean ecovillage leaders
met and discussed strategy for
the future of GEN-Africa.
Guidelines for the recognition
of indigenous and traditional
villages as ecovillages werecompiled by representatives
from India, Thailand, Senegal,
Congo, South Africa, Turkey
and Italy.
In future, Ecovillage DesignEducation (EDE) courses are
planned in English and French
to take place in South Africa and
Senegal as well as various net-
working and fundraising events.
For further details please visit:
www.genafrica.orgHundreds having fun at ZEGG
Several Festivals took place this
summer at the ZEGG communityin Germany. Each had a different
theme, but all had one thing in
common, more visitors came
than ever before.
The season started with theWhitsun festival, entitled The
Empathy Experiment, where
participants went on a journey
from the country of blaming
each other to the island of
empathy. 10 days later in theCome Together Song Festival
more than 350 people joined to
sing and celebrate community
through the gift of music. In the
ZEGG Summer-camp guests from
17 different countries sharedaspects of community life.
View more information at:
www.zegg.de
The first building of the newEcodorp Brabant in southern
Holland, a passive energy eco-
building, is rising near the town
of Den Bosch. A team of
volunteers and future ecovillagers
have been laying foundationsand erecting the roundwood
frames for the building which
will be constructed entirely of
waste and renewable materials.
The current group consists
of about 250 people who wishto establish an ecovillage but
volunteers are welcome!
Follow their development at:
www.ecodorpbrabant.nl
Laying the foundations at Brabant
Seventeen years after its
initiation, the last houses of
Valdepiélagos Ecovillage have
been purchased and occupied
by families joining the Eco-
housing project near Madrid. Itnow has a total of 30 families
with 80 people altogether.
The co-operative endeavours
to find a balance between the
individual and the community.
The project is self-funding andmaintains two communal bank
accounts, one for matters per-
taining to the houses them-
selves, and the other for the
communal spaces, the greenzone, the reservoir, the parking
area and the streets.
For more details see: www.ecoaldeavaldepielagos.org
Yoga on Valdepiélagos village green
If we want peaceon Earth, we haveto nd out whatpeace really means.
The Tamera PeaceResearch Village,founded in 1995,
is developing aconvincing modelfor a future worldsociety.
This inspiringbook describesTamera’sground-breakingwork in permacultureand water landscape,solar technology andpeace education.
Order from:www.green-shopping.co.uk
or call 01730 823 311
Hardback136pp
UK: £18.95
TAMERAA Model for the Future
Leila Dregger
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© J
H o m e / S h u t t e r s t o c k
Write us a letter and if we publish it
we’ll give you a £10.00 voucher to spend with the Green Shopp ing Cata logue.
Emai l: maddy@permacu lture.co .uk
© M Lopes / Shutterstock
A PRODUCTIVITY QUESTIONPatrick Whitefield and Simon Fairliemake a persuasive case for livestockas part of permaculture farming intheir articles in PM65. A part ofPatrick’s article that resonated withme was his misgivings about planting
trees on productive grassland insteadof stocking it with ruminants. Thisis something I did on my holding(as described in PM51) and haveslightly regretted ever since, so I’dendorse Patrick’s advice to thinkcarefully before planting trees!
One of the problems here isgovernment policy, which is willingto pay us to plant trees but unwillingto let us move onto land to look afterlivestock. But I do wonder if there’sanother side to the story. You don’tget much food value per acre fromruminants fed purely on grass (theequivalent of about half an allot-ment’s worth of potatoes, by mycalculations). And, as Ben Law pointsout in PM65, there will probably bean increasing need in the future fortimber, and the closer it is to whereit’s needed the better. So why notexperiment with stacked systems?
I can imagine various possibilities– pollards and standards over grass
for ruminant grazing; croppingleaves for tree hay; pigs or poultryraised extensively under standards.In earlier times there was a traditionof wood pasture commons in Britain,doubtless because ordinary peopleneeded to get multiple outputs fromthe scarce land resource available tothem. Perhaps this is a design lessonwe can apply today. I’m still preparedto believe I did the wrong thing inplanting my trees, but I’m planning
to experiment on a small scale withsome of the systems I mention above.I’d be interested in sharing ideas andexperiences with anyone who hassimilar interests.Chris Smaje, Somerset
REQUIEM RESPONSESPatrick Whitefield’s review of Requiem for a Species ( PM65)deserves a few words in response.Patrick concludes on the basis that allwe can do now is to ‘make our
remaining time on Earth as pleasantand wholesome as possible’. Palliativepermaculture, we might say. In fact,we will respond to climate change as
smart humans always have to a crisis:adapt, adapt... and adapt again. Buttemporising and ad-hocery is notlikely to take us anywhere we wantto be. For that we need is a way toguide, structure and make sense ofthe state of things.
We need a narrative, which goessomething like this: we have receiveda Call to Adventure, albeit not onethat we wanted. This call has beenthrust upon us by the Earth becausewe have failed to respect it or eachother; hence we are now in peril.This adventure has two possible ends:one is disaster for all; the other isfinding our sustainable niche withinthe Earth’s system. This quest will bea desperate, continuing processlasting many generations.
For the adventure to end well,each generation must now take itssuccessors into account. In taking
each step on the way we must respectthe planet (Earthcare) and eachother (Peoplecare). If these things arenot done the quest will end badly,because it is our failure to do themso far that has left us looking downthe throat of species extinction.But a successful outcome will be anew harmony with the Earth and itsother inhabitants, one which can lastsomewhat longer than the industrial-consumer era.
Permaculture, modified to meetthe changes encountered on thejourney, will give practical expressionto the framework. In this the perma-culturist is rather like the shamanwho is summoned to a burdensomehealing mission they may not wantbut can’t refuse. Brian J Fearnley, Suffolk
In his review of Requiem for a Species, PM65, Patrick Whitefield posedsome very pertinent questions as to
our ultimate aims in practisingpermaculture, and as to whether wemight need to reassess those aims.
As the reports on climate change
and the accelerating loss of biodiversitypour in, the debate intensifies, andthe only real certainty would seemto be the ultimate demise of ourconsumer-based culture, along with aconsiderable amount of nasty collateraldamage to the environment. The time-scale of the changes, the degrees ofseverity, and the effects of all this onliving conditions are less certain, andmake for a heady brew of conjecture,tailor-made to trap the ‘sensitive’into confusing swings of hope andfear. Naturally we hope for a seachange in attitudes that will save us,and naturally we fear the inherentdanger of chaos and anarchy; but ifwe allow ourselves to be governed bythese swings of emotions, the picturewill become ever less clear, and theopportunity for any genuine positiveaction will be lost.
Whatever the scale of the unfold-
ing catastrophe, I suggest that it canactually be embraced as an oppor-tunity to bring about fundamentalchanges in the human condition. Thegradual development from cave manto computer man has evidently beenmade in response to environmentalchallenges, and it could be that weare due for an update. This is aprocess, as it ticks on through time,of which we are all a part; and wecan, if we choose, make a conscious
contribution. These days there aremany references to ‘lifeboats’ as asymbol of preserving meaningfulessentials, and perhaps we are allcapable of building and piloting ourown personal lifeboats.
I agree wholeheartedly withPatrick’s belief that ‘our aim must
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permaculture is a movement uniquelypositioned to explore and to sharethe potential for a more naturallywholesome and enjoyable lifestyle. Jim Thomas
PROMISING PALLETS
Having taken inspiration from John Adams article in PM64 aboutmaking an Adirondack chair froma recycled pallet, I made a similarchair using ‘free’ wood scroungedfrom the waste bin of a furniturecompany. The wood used is a hard-wood similar to teak. I decided touse slatted seat rails and a slattedback, all edges have been cham-fered to improve the appearanceand lighten the weight. Neverthe-less the chair is heavy but should
prove incredibly durable. I lookforward to more inspiring articlesfrom John. Mark Bowman, Cumbria
PM INSPIRATIONI have been inspired by PM for manyyears. We have a filing system for thearticles we want to use in the futureand keep them in poly pockets.Living in a simple suburban newbuild bungalow, we grow large
quantities of fruit and vegetables in afairly small garden on a hill so steepthat our veg plot is the same heightas the roof of the house! Every inchof space is used; we have ninecordon apple trees along the fenceand a four hoop polytunnel.
Here are some of the things PM has inspired us to do:• Grow veg all year round in Scotland.• Make sauerkraut – great recent
article on this.
• Garden creatively in a hilly place(much of which only had subsoilleft 10 years ago thanks to thebuilder who erected the house).
• Install a wood burning stove.• Grow coppiced willow on waste
ground behind our garden and usewhen needed, for fuel and structures.
• Turn our front garden into anawesome strawberry bed thatyields 1-2kg a day for six weeksevery year (now productive foreight years).
• Build networks and relationshipswith those around us to swapproduce and obtain waste woodfor our stove.
• Get solar panels (any day now!).• Learn canning skills using jam jars
– this was a really useful tip.• Use urine as a liquid feed in the
garden – another great tip.• Keep going because we know
there are others like us out there,
therefore we are not completelymad!Thank you and keep up the goodwork. Janet Renouf-Miller
AN OILY SITUATION We try to cook and eat at home asmuch as possible as this is thecheapest and most ecological option,but when I make our own tempura(deep fried veggies or fish inbatter), I end up with a lot of frying
oil. I wonder if there is a respon-sible and clever way of disposingof it, except for making biodiesel?I usually pour it onto the compostheap, although I am not sure if this isthe right thing to do. I also thoughtthat perhaps I could try and burn iton the bonfire. I have searched theinternet and browsed many booksabout composting, yet none of thesesources told me how to dispose ofused cooking oil. Am I the only
person in the whole world who endsup with frying oil? Surely not. Andrea Paulini, Oxfordshire
LETTER CORRECTION PM65In PM65 we printed a letter by Amanda Hunter, entitled ‘Putt ing A Price On Sustainable Property’.However, during the editingprocess a word was added, whichregrettably impacted on thecontent of the letter. Please note
the correction below, with ourapologies: I think we all realize that most proper ty for sale in the UK israndomly priced by estate agentsbased on what they believe the ‘market’will yield, and that the majority ofhome owners are paid nowhere nearthe price that they are asking for the property they wish to sell. Perhaps itis time to look at what a sustainable, permaculture-inspired pricing structure for housing should look like?
To my mind, some people are planningto make an awful lot of profit from abasic human need, and that doesn’tmatch with permaculture principles.
be to make our remaining time onearth as pleasant and wholesomeas possible’, but I feel the need topoint out that this should not betaken to be a defeatist or an escap-ist attitude. ‘Wholesome’ is theoperative word, and to explore one’s
personal potential for wholesomeenjoyment through the earthwisepractice of permaculture is to openup a perspective that looks beyondthe narrow-minded nature of anxietyinto a world of creative opportunity.This is a journey well worth makingfor its own sake, with any by-productthat might eventually help ‘save theplanet’ being of course a happy anduseful bonus.
As a sustainable movement,permaculture should be prepared
to negotiate any future changes inour cultural structure. As authori-ties inevitably exert more control,we would likely face a loss of thefreedoms that we have come to takefor granted. Subsequently, we couldfind ourselves adrift in an anarchythe character of which we cannotbegin to imagine. We simply don’tknow what will happen. We live ina world that values permanency, andthe illusion of permanency is wear-
ing thin. We clearly need a sense ofmeaning, without which our energiesrun low and we become frustratedand ineffectual.
Permaculture, as a fast-evolvingnetwork of people and shared prac-tices, achieved through the mediumof modern communications, is anexciting movement. It provides amodel with which to approach a timeof upheaval, along with techniquesand systems with which to engage in
meaningful action. It is something ofa great adventure, and – for the timebeing, at least – there exist plenty ofpossibilities to experiment with alter-native methods and ways of life.
Some people are braver thanothers, some have more resources,some are more educated, and somemore talented, but anyone who reallywants to do so can find a way tomake meaningful changes in his orher personal life. It takes courageand enthusiasm to change familiar
patterns, but there are enough peoplemaking the choice for it not to bejust a lonely shot in the dark. Themethods are basic and accessible and
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In one of the greatest modern campaign successstories, Britain has remained virtually GM freefor seven years. GM crops have never been growncommercially in this country, and there have beenvery few field trials of experimental varieties. Thiswas the result of a grassroots campaign that to anunprecedented degree integrated solid politicallobbying with direct action.
Most organic growers remember being convincedthat GM seed was bad. Yet because of the successesin the 1990s, there is now a whole new generationwho may not know the story, or what has emerged
since. In Canada, organic oil seed rape can no longerbe grown because of the pollen pollution fromGM varieties. Seed contamination through cross-pollination has demonstrated that the coexistence ofGM and non-GM varieties is simply impossible.
GM seeds are patented, which has allowed biotechcompanies to sue farmers for theft of intellectualproperty rights if their crop accidentally becomescontaminated. Hundreds of farmers in Americahave lost their farms following legal action bybiotech companies after accidental contaminationwith GM patented pollen. The patents allow thebiotech companies to own all future generations of
seed, effectively privatising fertility. This clearly hasimplications for anyone’s seed saving.
GM crops with in-built pesticide were veryeffective in the short term, but soon serious concernsemerged about the effects the toxins were having onpredators and other non-target species like butterflies.Many of the pest insects meanwhile have alreadydeveloped resistance to the toxin through naturalselection. The long term health implications ofexposure to these toxins for secondary and tertiaryconsumers (e.g. permaculture people and theirchickens!) is still unknown.
In our new British government, pro-GM NationalFarmers Union members dominate the Departmentfor Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).Heading up this group of intensive agriculture fans isCaroline Spelman, who believes there is no conflictof interests between her current job as the ministerin charge of GM crop policy and her former role as alobbyist for biotechnology.
Recently, changes in EU legislation wereproposed which would allow GM crops to be fasttracked through the approvals process. Up to 16varieties are waiting to be rushed through, manywhich carry serious safety concerns. If successful,commercialisation of the first GM crops in the UKcould be as little as two to four years away.
GM FREEZE CAMPAIGN S t a r L e t t e r
GM Freeze is a campaigntrying to prevent thisnew wave of GM trials andcommercialisation, by raisingawareness among MPs who will have to vote any newlegislation on the subject into existence. In the 1990s,a well-coordinated and well-informed campaignconvinced the great majority of MPs of the benefitsof keeping Britain GM-free. The campaign workedlast time because it exercised economic and publicleverage in the fields, and political understandingamong the supermarkets and MPs. A similar approach
would promise success this time round. Which iswhere we hope you can help. Following the recent election, the Genetic
Engineering Network finds that the politicalunderstanding of GM among parliamentarians isno longer there. According to some estimates, nomore than ten MPs now even have a basic graspof the issues. MPs rarely respond to emails andmeetings proposed by anyone other than their ownconstituents, so this is work that can only be done bymany people in their own localities.
The GM Freeze aims to close this awareness gap.The campaign, supported by such institutions as
Friends of the Earth, the Soil Association and ElmFarm Research Centre, is looking for people who areinterested in becoming a GM pen friend to their MP. Your role would be simple and supported. GM Freezewill forward clear, solidly backed research in regularbut not too frequent chunks that you then forward toyour pen friend MP.
By engaging with responses, and ideally raisingthe issues in person at an MP’s surgery, we canensure that those in power both understand theimplications of this technology and its importance totheir voters. This is a timely intervention that needs
people with a solid understanding of the importanceof land and food, which we, as permaculturists, do have.If you can help, please contact www.gmfreeze.org either by emailing [email protected] or phone0845 217 8992.Tomas Remiarz, London
In each issue our star letterwins a £5 book credit and abook. This issue, TomasRemiarz receives a copy of Roundwood Timber Framing by Ben Law.
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animals, and crops are now grown speci-fically to be fed to animals to give us food.It’s a very inefficient process energy-wiseresulting in about 10 calories of energybeing put in to get one back out in theform of meat protein. Additionally, theintensification of animal farming reduced
livestock to mere commodities that weretreated with increasingly horrific methods.I still find it amazing that most peoplewho express concern for animal welfareare prepared to countenance what goeson in order to allow them cheap meatand dairy products.
The environmental impact of thisdevelopment is immense as was summarisedin the United Nations report ‘Livestock’sLong Shadow’. Fairlie calls into questionthe validity of its finding that 18% ofglobal CO2 emissions result from animalprocessing (you can’t call it farming any
more) but the fact remains that it is veryharmful and uses an unsustainable levelof resources quite apart from beingbarbaric. Amazingly the UN report,rather than suggest we all cut down ourmeat consumption, actually suggests agrowth in the level of intensive farmingespecially in the developing world.
Given that we have to do somethingradical about the way meat/dairy is produced,Fairlie looks at the concept of veganismand works it through to its logicalconclusion. Would it matter, for example,
if we no longer had cows and pigs andsheep? The answer (which I have neverreally delved into too deeply up to now)is ‘yes’. Taken back to the basic level asalready described, the presence of theseanimals is an important aspect of ourecosystem and they can exist withoutplacing undue strain on energy demandsas well as being treated with respect andhigh standards of animal welfare.
This book is an immense academicwork and Simon is to be heartily congrat-ulated for his attention to detail and hisknowledge. He presents the argument for
reducing meat/dairy demand in a newway that has really given me cause tothink long and hard. I am not about tostart eating animal products again, but Ican only concur with his overall thesis
MEATA Benign ExtravaganceSimon FairliePermanent Publications, 2010230 x 156mm, 336pp£19.95
As a vegan I approached this book ratherwarily on account of its title but as I readit I abandoned my caution and foundmyself nodding in agreement at most,if not all, of its key points. My veganismis not borne out of a rigid belief thathumans are not meant to eat meat butrather it stems from a complete abhor-rence of the cruelty and inhumanity thatgoes on in an effort to satisfy people’senormous carnivorous demands, coupledwith a growing despair that such activitywill speed up our process of devastatingthe planet we live on.
I was encouraged to see that the central
tenet of Simon Fairlie’s new book was that‘we can’t go on like this’! His reasoningis largely the same as mine. In the past,the amount of meat and dairy products thatwere consumed was more or less governedby the resources available. The numberof pigs in a community would dependpretty much on the amount of waste foodand crops available. Pigs are great foodrecyclers. The number of other animalswould be restricted to the availability ofland after staple crops such as wheat andvegetables had been catered for.
But then came a change: Population
growth, wealth and subsequent demandfor animal food products outstripped thesupply and broke the ‘permaculture’ typeequilibrium. The result was that extraresources had to be put into rearing
and would urge anyone who has an interestin this subject to read the book. I hope itwill kick start a new debate about howwe feed ourselves and that meat anddairy might just return to the sustainableposition of being an extravagance that isreserved more for special occasionsrather than demanded every day for
every meal by the majority. Richard Barnett co-chairs New ForestTransition www.newforesttransition.org
SEPP HOLZER’S PERMACULTUREA Practical Guide For Farms, Orchards& GardensSepp HolzerPermanent Publications, 2010230 x 156mm, 240pp£19.95
I recently had an email asking me if I couldrecommend anyone successfully practisingpermaculture on a farm rather than on adomestic scale, or any books about the same.
Without a moment’s hesitation I directedher to Sepp Holzer and to this book. Asfar as I know there’s no better exampleof farm-scale permaculture anywhere inEurope than his farm, the Krameterhof,high in the mountains of Austria.
While the surrounding mountain sidesare covered in dark monocultures of spruce,the Krameterhof stands out like a beacon.It’s an intricate network of terraces, raisedbeds, ponds, waterways and tracks, wellcovered with fruit trees and other productivevegetation and with the farmhouse neatly
nestling amongst them. The farm is notjust and integrated part of the natural world,it’s also where Sepp Holzer and his wifeVeronika make their living. It has taken agreat deal of skill and knowledge to achievethis, and these things don’t come easily.Right from his childhood, when his mothergave him a small plot for his first garden,he has observed, questioned and experi-mented. After a lifetime of permaculturefarming he knows the natural world likefew other people do today.
This book is a treasure trove of hisknowledge and skill with full of colour
photographs and diagrams on every page.It contains plenty of detailed information,such as extensive lists of fruit varieties herecommends for permaculture, and detailsof how he manages water and microclimates
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on this steep and chilly mountain farm. A word of warning here: what works forhim on his Austrian mountain will notnecessarily work for you on your own land.Here in Britain, for example, we have acloudy maritime climate, in strong contrastto Austria’s continental climate. We lackthe sunshine which is such a key element in
the way he creates favourable microclimates.This is not to negate the value of the
book for people who live outside Austria.– far from it. Much of the detailed inform-ation is highly relevant in any temperatecountry. But even more valuable than theinformation the book contains are the atti-tudes it teaches. Its message is not ‘this ishow you do it’ but ‘this is the way you thinkabout how to do it.’ Sepp Holzer’s way isthe way of the future. In the fossil fuel agewe’ve been able to impose our will on theland by throwing cheap energy at everyproblem. In the future that option won’t
be open to us any more. We’ll have to treadthe more subtle path, the path whichpatiently observes nature and seeks toimitate it. That future may not be as faroff as we think. Patrick Whitefield is a permaculture author and teacher. www.patrick-whitefield.co.uk
ROUNDWOOD TIMBER FRAMINGBuilding Naturally From Local MaterialsBen LawPermanent Publications, 2010252 x 226mm, 168pp£19.95
If I’d had Ben Law’s book RoundwoodTimber Framing when I was learning tobuild in the ’60s, I’d have been inspiredto plant and tend trees suitable for houseframing and several buildings could havebeen framed by now as a result. That’sjust one of the unique features about thisbeautiful new book: a step-by-step processfor creating your own building materials. Another unusual feature here is use of amodified cruck frame in all the buildingsshown here. This construction methodconsists of two or more ‘A-frames’, andwas used in medieval times for houses,
barns, and halls. Ben has adapted itstructurally to triangulate and thereforebrace rectilinear buildings.
The posts, beams and crucks of thesebuildings are round poles, usually har-
vested on or near the building site. Theentire structure, or skeleton, of the buildingis built with wood that has not been to asawmill; nor has it been transported agreat distance. Not unrelated to all this isthe fact that these buildings look goodfrom the outside and feel good to bewithin. The aesthetics of natural building.
Full disclosure: I wrote the Forewordto this book, so I’m already a fan. Butwhen I saw the actual book, as opposedto the electronic files I’d viewed before-hand, I was surprised at how beautifullyit all came out. The photography is great,the color is good, and the book takes youstep-by-step through planting and tend-ing trees; the tools needed; the joiningmethods for this type of construction; aswell as floor, wall, and roof techniques.In the last part of the book are photosof the sequential construction of sevendifferent round pole buildings. The hor-
ticultural barn at Pestalozzi InternationalVillage is a beauty.
Not everyone can build like this. You need to be where trees grow, andhave some land. But for those who do,this book lays out the path for a moresustainable method of construction, forlearning a trade, for using one’s ownhands and local resources to create agood-feeling, nice-looking shelter. Lloyd Kahn is the author of Shelter ,Homework & Builders of the PacificCoast. www.shelterpub.com
ROUND TIMBER FRAMING DVDBuilding Naturally From Local MaterialsPermanent Publications/Undercurrents, 201080 mins, PAL Region 2£19.95
This stunning video, which accompaniesthe book, Roundwood Timber Framing ,takes the viewer stage by stage throughthe construction process of the WoodlandClassroom at the Sustainability Centre,Hampshire. Ben Law is probably bestknown for his first roundwood building,his own house which featured in theGrand Designs series a few years ago.
Since then he has built several roundwoodtimber framed buildings, refining his tech-niques and developing a new vernacularin sustainable low impact construction.
Using timber in the round has several
advantages: a roundwood pole cutstraight from the forest is considerablystronger in its natural form than anequivalent sized beam of sawn timber,but without the embodied energy frommilling; small-diameter poles often notvalued in commercial forestry are oftenideal, as is the use of coppice timber; and
roundwood poles retain the form andcharacter of the original tree, creating anaesthetic both elegant and rustic.
The DVD shows Ben to be not only askilled woodsman and builder – the linkbetween the management of the woodsand the construction of the building isemphasised throughout – but also a veryclear and methodical communicator. Thewhole process is enthralling, as Ben takesus through the build from foundations,frame-raising, shingling the roof and mixingcob and clay plasters for the fireplace,and I had a sense of being involved in the
whole project myself. Along the way Benintroduces us to some of his team, andlocal characters he has worked with suchas Peter Hindle of Ashencrafts whohelped develop rounding planes formaking the oak pegs used to fix the polestogether. I had at first thought they weremade on a pole lathe, but Peter had a stillmore ingenious solution for the challengeof making the 300-400 pegs required forsuch a building: a lathe for turning thewood in the rounding planes fitted to aRobin Reliant gear-box.
In the DVD we also pay several visits to
woods from where the materials originate.Ben explains his philosophy of architectureemerging out of the woods themselves,proposing that an architect might workmore with the woodsman to design aroundwhat is available, the natural forms of thetrees defining the form of the buildings. Although natural curves can be utilised,for example the use of curved trees tomake cruck-framed buildings, in the Woodland Classroom featured in theDVD whole Lawson Cypress trees aresteam-bent in order to make the sweeping
curves around the roof.The use of Lawson Cypress is a fasci-nating detail, a durable and strong timbermore commonly infamous as a hedgingplant prone to becoming hopelessly over-grown in suburban gardens. Ben also showsus around hazel and chestnut coppice,and discusses another, lesser-known tree, Robinia pseudoacacia, the black locust,which may become more widely found inBritish forests in the future.
Many details of construction are shown,including the mortice boxes for makingsupports, use of ratchet straps for holding
the beams in place while fixing, laths andclay plasters for the wall, and much more.The shingles are handmade by a localcraftsman from western red cedar. Extrafeatures are included on tools, the off-
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All reviewed book and dvd
titles are available to
purchase from The Green
Shopping Catalogue unless
alternative contact details,
or an ISBN, is given at the
beginning of each review.
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grid Woodland House, frame-raising andBen’s slideshow.
Roundwood timber framing is clearlya skilled job, and building a structure likethe Woodland Classroom involves a wholeteam and indeed support from the widercommunity. Many of the tasks such asuse of shaving horse and draw-knife, or
stripping bark from the poles where they arecut in the forest, are immediately accessibleand could provide inspiration to learnmore to anyone. The DVD has somethingfor everyone. It works as a top rate instruc-tion video, a documentary describing thecreation of a marvellous communitybuilding, and a celebration and resurrectionof the connection between trees, woods,buildings and community. Visually delect-able throughout, anyone who loves treesand natural building, and who is lookingfor a new vision for the building industry,will love this DVD.
Graham Strouts, is a teacher of perma-culture and Natural Building at KinsaleCollege of Further Education www.zone5.org
KITCHEN MEDICINEHousehold Remedies For CommonAilments & Domestic Emergencies Julie Bruton-Seal & Mathew SealMerlin Unwin Books, 2010248 x 192, 224pp, Hardback£16.99
Kitchen Medicine is a wonderful rich harvestof medicinal remedies made from ingred-ients found in our kitchens – and a treasure
trove of interesting stories, history, quotes,medicinal facts and recipes – with a cosmo-politan feel. It is beautifully presentedand every page has sumptuous photostaken by Julie herself. But this is nocoffee table book. It is packed full withsound medicinal understanding andrecipes we can all make using simpleingredients found in our kitchens.
I really like the way it is laid out.Despite every page being crammed withinformation, it is easy to follow and adelight to use, and it has a good ‘quickreference by ailment’ section at the back.
The book includes familiar spices, fruit,vegetables, drinks, condiments and manyother things found in our kitchens. It trans-ports us into a deeper and richer relation-ship with them by providing us with their
botanical information, their politicalhistory and their medicinal traditionsworldwide. The medicinal actions of theplants and the reasons why the treat-ments work, are covered clearly with aneasy to follow scientific base.
This is the best book I’ve seen on thissubject and I just want to buy it for everyone
I know! It encourages and inspires us tojoin in, to become part of this rich heritageand to experiment with developing ourown medicines and recipes. It empowersus to realise that we don’t need to go outand buy expensive alternative medicines,we can make them ourselves from ingred-ients we have in our kitchens. This bookis a great resource, an inspiration, a thingof great beauty and healing. Everyoneshould have a copy in their kitchens!Glennie Kindred is the author of numerousbooks, including Hedgerow Medicine.
STAND-ALONE SOLAR ELECTRICSYSTEMSMark HankinsEarthscan, 2010260 x 195, 234pp, Hardback£34.99
SUSTAINABLE HOMEREFURBISHMENTDavid ThorpeEarthscan, 2010260 x 195, 174pp, Hardback£34.99
SOLAR DOMESTIC WATER HEATINGChris LaughtonEarthscan, 2010260 x 195, 246pp, Hardback£34.99
Retrofitting a home or installing renewabletechnology is neither simple or cheap. I havetherefore been waiting for detailed, access-ible books on these subjects for years.Earthscan bill these volumes as experthandbooks and they do not disappoint.They will also save you from making costlymistakes and are well worth the cover price.
The Solar Electric guide gives an over-view of the subject, explains how solarelectrical systems work, then describes thediffering cell modules, batteries, inverters,controllers and how to manage load. It then
relates this to lamps and appliances, coverswiring and fittings, planning an off-gridsystem, the installation process, and themanagement, maintenance and servicingof your system. There are also chapterson designing large off-grid systems andsolar energy resources. Only the mostbasic grasp of physics is necessary to
understand this book because it is clearlywritten by a hands-on practitioner.
Solar Domestic Water gives a completeoverview of the subject, describes varioussystems for hot and cold climates andexplains how they work. Then it describesvarious collectors on the market and offersa little on self-build collectors (I would haveliked more). The rest of the book tacklestesting efficiency, choosing the right system,and adding additional components likepiping, tanks and circulation pumps.There is also a section on heat exchangersand non-solar back up systems. The book
finishes with designing a system, sizingand installing it and includes case studiesfrom the UK, USA and Australia. If youare going to spend thousands of pounds,euros or dollars on a system, read thisbook. It will give you a thorough groundingin the subject and prompt you to ask theright questions of your installer.
Last on the list is Sustainable Home Refurbishment. At last, a sensible book oneco-renovation that is full of useful facts.Dave tells us to draught-proof, insulate,double or triple glaze, eliminate thermalbridges, install passive stack or mechanical
ventilation first and lastly supply renewableenergy. Then he tells us how to do it. Heexplores products and materials, analysestheir performance, offers strategies, andexplains terminology. There are chapterson passive solar houses, windows andnatural lighting, cooling and heating,water management, electricity efficiency(and PVs), even recommending oldfashioned drying racks.
This series is pitched at just the rightlevel for non-specialists – detailed, wellillustrated, full of information yet readable.
You can buy similar books cheaper butyou won’t get the level of detail or theclarity of explanation and illustrations. Maddy Harland
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FULL PERMACULTURE DESIGN
CORNWALL
Venue: Keveral FarmDates: 15 - 31 July 2011Led by: Bryn Thomas, Klaudia van Gool, Bill KnightPhone: 01579 346 487Email: [email protected]
DEVON Venue: Monkton Wyld Court, BridportDates: 22 January - 6 February 2011Led by: Designed VisionsPhone: 01271 817 509
Email: [email protected]
DEVON Venue: Coombe Farm & Woodlands
Trust, TivertonDates: 11 - 20 March 2011Led by: Designed VisionsPhone: 01271 817 509Email: [email protected]
DEVON Venue: High Heathercombe Centre,
Newton AbbotDates: 6 - 21 November 2010
2 - 16 April 2011Led by: Designed VisionsPhone: 01271 817 509Email: [email protected]
DORSET Venue: Monkton Wyld Court,
Charmouth, BridportDates: December 2010 - March 2011Led by: Designed VisionsPhone: 01271 817 509Email: [email protected]
DORSET Venue: Ourganics Evolving Systems,
DorchesterDates: WeekendsLed by: Designed VisionsPhone: 01271 817 509Email: [email protected]
EAST SUSSEX
Venue: Brighton & Sussex countrysideDates: February - May 2011Led by: Alex Penn, Bryn Thomas, Jen Beaufoy, Daniel Holloway,
Kate Hamilton, Pippa JohnsPhone: 07746 185 927
Web: www.brightonpermaculture.co.uk
ESSEX Venue: The Apricot Centre, LawfordDates: October 2010 - June 2011Led by: Hannah Thorogood, Marina O’ConnellPhone: 01206 230 425
Web: www.apricotcentre.co.uk
FRANCE Venue: Permaculture EdenDates: 11 - 26 June 2011 2 - 17 July 2011Led by: Steve & Fiona HansonPhone: +33 254 064 523Email: [email protected]
GLOUCESTERSHIRE Venue: Ragmans Lane FarmDates: 12 - 25 June 2011Led by: Patrick & Cathy WhitefieldPhone: 01485 832 317
Email: [email protected]
HAMPSHIRE Venue: Sustainability Centre, East MeonDates: TBA 2011Phone: 01730 823 166Email: [email protected]
IRELAND Venue: Kinsale Further Education CollegeDates: Annual courseLed by: Graham StroutsPhone: + 353 214 772 275Email: [email protected]
IRELAND Venue: CELT, East Clare, Co.ClareDates: Various
Led by: VariousPhone: +353 61 640 765Email: [email protected]
KENT Venue: Riflemans Cottage, FavershamDates: 17 June - 2 July 2011Led by: Designed VisionsPhone: 01271 817 509Email: [email protected]
KENYA Venue: Nyumbani Village and
Badilisha EcovillageDates: 6 - 19 December 2010 4 - 18 March 2011Led by: Warren Bush & local teachersPhone: +1 8058 867 239
Email: [email protected]
LANCASHIRE Venue: VariousDates: Various weekendsLed by: Angus SoutarPhone: 01254 771 555Email: http://westpenninepermaculture.
org.uk/events
LONDON Venue: VariousDates: Various 2010/2011Led by: Graham BurnettEmail: [email protected]
LONDON Venue: Waterside Centre,
Tottenham MarshesDates: Various 2010Led by: VariousPhone: 020 7272 1950Email: [email protected]
NEW ZEALAND Venue: Takaka, New ZealandDates: Various 2011Led by: Brian J Weston, BSc. Ag., PDCEmail: [email protected]
NIGERIA Venue: Permaculture Design CourseDates: November - December 2010Led by: John Button, Jan FischerPhone: +49 3 089 208 488Email: bueroberlin@permakultur-
akademie.net
NORFOLK Venue: Little EllinghamDates: 6 - 18 June 2011Led by: Richard Perkins, Richard FarnboroughPhone: 07539 973 170Email: [email protected]
NORTHUMBERLAND Venue: The Burnlaw Centre, HexhamDates: November 2010 - March 2011
Led by: Wilf RichardsPhone: 01434 345 359
Web: www.burnlaw.org.uk
PEMBROKESHIRE Venue: The Lammas Project
Dates: 11 - 24 April 2011Led by: Jasmine Dale, Jodie TellamPhone: 07990 684 040Email: [email protected]
PORTUGAL Venue: Varzea da GoncalaDate: 9 - 27 March 2011Led by: Lesley MartinPhone: +351 282 995 060Email: [email protected]
SCOTLAND Venue: Kilmartin House Museum, ArgyllDate: Various weekends 2010Led by: Angus SoutarPhone: 01546 510 278Email: [email protected]
SOMERSET Venue: Frome & countrysideDates: January - June 2011, weekends
Led by: Stephen Pritchard, Gladys Paulus, Chris SmajePhone: 01373 467 884Email: [email protected]
WORLDWIDE Venue: WorldwideDates: Various 2011Led by: Online
Web: www.PermacultureVisions.com
YORKSHIRE Venue: SheffieldDates: 12 - 13 December 2010Led by: Suzi High, Joe AtkinsonPhone: 0777 62537 743Email: [email protected]
YORKSHIRE
Venue: University of BradfordDates: Spring 2011Led by: Andy Goldring, Suzi High,
Dr Ute Kelly, Ros CoultonPhone: 01274 233 210Email: [email protected]
YORKSHIRE Venue: Hollybush Conservation
Centre, LeedsDates: 26 February - 3 July 2011 23 July - 7 August 2011Led by: Andy Goldring, Niels Corfield, Joanna Dornan,
Joe AtkinsonPhone: 01132 047 726Email: [email protected]
YORKSHIRE Venue: Pottery Lane StrensallDates: 17 - 29 April 2011 1 - 13 August 2011Led by: Richard Perkins, Sam TrousdalePhone: 07539 973 170Email: [email protected]
COURSE LISTINGSPlease present all course listings with exact details as shown
in listings above at least 3 months in advance of the course date.
Permaculture Intro/Design Courses are listed FREE.
To cover administration costs Special Courses listings cost £10 per entry.
Courses are also listed on our website for approx. 3 months from publication at:
www.permaculture.co.uk
UK: 0845 458 4150, Overseas: +44 1730 823 311, Email: [email protected]
Advertising your courses means that online subscribers can view your listings via:
www.exacteditions.com/exact/magazine/409/460
Courses compiled with the assistance ofthe Permaculture Association (Britain)
Tel: 0845 458 1805Tel: 0113 262 1718
Web: www.permaculture.org.uk
PERMACULTURE TEACHERS!
Did you know we offer each ofyour new permaculture students:
A FREE recent back issue of PM,25% OFF all books publishedby Permanent Publications and10% OFF other books, DVDs,
tools and products from
www.green-shopping.co.uk
Contact Tony on 01730 823 311or [email protected]
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INTRODUCTION TO PERMACULTURE SPECIAL COURSES
AUSTRALIA
Venue: Permaculture Pathways, EudloDates: Various 2011Led by: Sonya Wallace & guestsPhone: +61 754 573 961Email: permaculturepathways@
yahoo.com.au
AVON Venue: Windmill Hill City Farm, BristolDates: Various 2011Led by: Ruth O’BrienPhone: 07949 294 364Email: [email protected]
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE Venue: LILI, Redfield Community Dates: Various 2011Led by: Bryn ThomasPhone: 01296 714 184Email: [email protected]
DEVON Venue: Trill Farm, Axminster
Dates: 19 - 21 November 2010Led by: George SobolPhone: 01297 631 113Email: [email protected] DORSET
Venue: Dorset Centre for Rural SkillsDates: 8 - 9 January 2011Led by: Designed VisionsPhone: 01747 811 099Email: [email protected]
DORSET
Venue: Kingcombe Environmental CentreDates: 4 - 6 March 2011Led by: Designed VisionsPhone: 01300 320 684Email: [email protected]
EAST SUSSEX Venue: Brighton & Sussex countrysideDates: Various 2011Led by: Pippa Johns, Jen CoglinPhone: 07746 185 927
Web: www.brightonpermaculture.co.uk
FRANCE
Venue: La Brande Woodland, PoitiersDates: Various 2011Phone: 02076 106 452Email: [email protected]
KENT Venue: Near Canterbury Dates: Last Thursday monthly Led by: Jo Barker, John Rudgard
Phone: 01227 832 569Email: [email protected]
LONDON Venue: Cecil Sharp House, NW1Dates: 13 - 14 November 2011Led by: London Permaculture NetworkPhone: 07776 184 666Email: [email protected]
PEMBROKESHIRE Venue: The Lammas ProjectDates: 3 - 6 December 2010Led by: Jasmine Dale, Jodie TellamPhone: 07990 684 040Email: [email protected]
PORTUGAL Venue: Varzea da Goncala, AlgarveDates: Various 2011Led by: Christine LewisPhone: +351 282 995 060Email: [email protected]
SCOTLAND
Venue: Kilmartin House Museum, ArgyllDate: 30 - 31 October 2010Led by: Ed Tyler, David BlairPhone: 01546 510 278
SCOTLAND
Venue: Kilmartin House Museum, ArgyllDate: 27 - 28 November 2010Led by: Jane Wilding, Angus SoutarPhone: 01546 510 278
SCOTLAND Venue: Kilmartin House Museum, Argyll
Date: 29 - 30 January 2011Led by: Lusi Aderslowe, Angus SoutarPhone: 01546 510 278Email: [email protected]
SOMERSET Venue: FromeDates: 13 November 2010Led by: Gladys Paulus, Debbie PowellPhone: 01373 467 884
Email: [email protected]
SOMERSETPermaculture In 5 Days
Venue: Maiden Croft FarmDates: 22 - 26 July 2011Led by: Patrick & Cathy WhitefieldPhone: 01485 832 317Email: [email protected]
USA Venue: Several locations, Mid WestDates: Various 2011Led by: Mark Shepard, Wayne WeisemanPhone: +1 8152 562 214Email: [email protected]
WALES
Venue: Nr CardiganDates: 28 - 30 January 2011Led by: Angie Polkey Phone: 01974 831 300Email: angand@permaculture.
freeserve.co.uk
WALES Venue: Centre for Alternative Technology
Dates: 4 - 6 March 2011Led by: Angie PolkeyPhone: 01974 831 300Email: angand@permaculture.
freeserve.co.uk
WEST SUSSEX Venue: Cowdray Chapel, MidhurstDates: 14 - 15 May 2011
Led by: Designed VisionsPhone: 01271 817 509Email: [email protected]
WEST YORKSHIRE Venue: Horton Village Hall, BradfordDates: 6 - 20 November 2010Led by: Suzi HighPhone: 07776 253 743Email: [email protected]
WEST YORKSHIRE Venue: Hollybush Centre, LeedsDates: 29 - 30 January 2011Led by: Suzi HighPhone: 07776 253 743
WEST YORKSHIRE Venue: HullDates: 26 - 27 February 2011Led by: Suzi HighPhone: 07776 253 743Email: [email protected]
AQUACULTURE DESIGN
Venue: Vosges, N.E. FranceDates: Various 2011Led by: Laurence, HutchinsonPhone: +33 (0)565 421 610Email: [email protected]
BEN LAW Venue: Ben’s woodland, West SussexDates: Various 2011/2012Led by: Ben LawPhone: 01730 823 311Email: [email protected]
BUILDING SUSTAINABLECOMMUNITIES
Venue: Brighton & Sussex countrysideDates: Various 2011Led by: Brighton Permaculture TrustPhone: 07746 185 927
Web: www.brightonpermaculture.co.uk
COMMUNITY ORCHARD TRAINING Venue: Stanmer Park, Brighton
Dates: 24 & 29 May 2011Led by: Brighton Permaculture TrustPhone: 07746 18 59 27
CRAFTS, CONSERVATION &SUSTAINABLE LIVING
Venue: Denmark Farm, CeredigionDates: Various 2010-2011Phone: 01570 493 358
Web: www.shared-earth-trust.org.uk
EARTHED - COB BUILDING Venue: VariousLed by: Annabel Fawcus, Alan Cameron-DuffPhone: 07917 361 580Email: [email protected]
EARTHSHIP BRIGHTON TOURS Venue: Stanmer House, BrightonDates: 1 & 3 Sunday of each monthLed by: Low Carbon NetworkPhone: 07974 122 770Email: [email protected]
ECO OPEN HOUSES Venue: Brighton & Hove, East SussexDates: Various 2011Led by: Brighton Permaculture TrustPhone: 07746 185 927
FESTIVE WILLOW CRAFT Venue: Sustainability Centre, East MeonDates: 5 December 2010Led by: GaneshPhone: 01730 823 166
Email: [email protected]
GARDENING & COOKING FORLIFE & A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
Venue: Primrose Earth CentreDates: April and October 2011Led by: Paul & Jan BenhamPhone: 01497 847636Email: [email protected]
GREEN WOODWORK &CHAIRMAKING
Venue: Brookhouse Wood, Herefordshire
Dates: VariousLed by: Mike AbbottPhone: 01531 640 005
Web: www.living-wood.co.uk
HURDLE MAKING Venue: Sustainability Centre, East MeonDates: 20 - 21 November 2010Led by: Darren HammertonPhone: 01730 823 166
INTRODUCTION TO SUSTAINABLELIVING
Venue: Varzea da GoncalaDate: Various 2010/2011Led by: Christine LewisPhone: +351 282 995 060Email: [email protected]
MORE THAN HATHA Venue: Gers, SW FranceDates: VariousLed by: Danuta Karpinska
Web: www.radhacaudet.com
MUSHROOM CULTIVATION
Venue: Brighton & Sussex countrysideDates: 7 - 8 May 2011Led by: Brighton Permaculture TrustPhone: 07746 185 927
Web: www.brightonpermaculture.org.uk
OCN SUSTAINABLE WOODLANDMANAGEMENT
Venue: Sustainability Centre, East Meon
Dates: Rescheduled, early in 2011Led by: Ben LawPhone: 01730 823 166Email: [email protected]
PERMACULTURE AT YOUR PLACE Venue: Your PlaceDates: WheneverLed by: Sustainable DesignsPhone: 08454 582 638Email: [email protected]
PERMACULTURE EDUCATORS
Venue: Friland, DenmarkDates: 22 - 29 October 2010Led by: Andy GoldringPhone: +45 86 680 505Email: [email protected]
PRACTICAL COPPICING Venue: Sustainability Centre, East MeonDates: 23 - 24 October 2010Led by: Darren HammertonPhone: 01730 823 166Email: [email protected]
PRUNING OLD FRUIT TREES
Venue: Stanmer Park, BrightonDates: 15 - 16 January 2011 18 - 19 January 2011Led by: Bryn ThomasPhone: 07746 185 927
Web: www.brightonpermaculture.org.uk
RURAL CRAFTS
Venue: Nr. Montignac, Dordogne,
FranceDates: 2011 monthly Led by: Diane HammillPhone: 07814 313 161Email: [email protected]
SUSTAINABLE LAND USE Venue: Ragmans Lane Farm,
GloucestershireDates: 24 January - 4 March 2011Led by: Patrick Whitefield, Joe Newton, Mike Gardner,
Sarah PughPhone: 01594 860 244Email: [email protected]
WILLOW DOME CONSTRUCTION Venue: Brattleby House Farm, LincolnDates: 20 November 2010Led by: Jason Hadley Phone: 07969 533 504Email: [email protected]
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OCN COPPICING with Ben Law & Darren Hammerton
Sustainability in Action
OCN Sustainable Woodland Managementwith Ben Law
Hurdle Makingwith Darren Hammerton
Festive Willow Craftwith Ganesh
Practical Coppicingwith Darren Hammerton
Green BuildingPermaculture
Campcraft
Craft Skills,Renewable Energy & much more...
Course giftvouchers
available forChristmas
Contact Raina:01730 823166
Courses all year roundEcohostel & camping
available
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www.permaculture.co.uk No. 66 75Permaculture Magazine
fruit trees – bush & soft fruitunusual edibles – nut trees
seeds – books – Rootrainers
www.agroforestry.co.uk
Agroforestry Research Trust46 Hunters Moon, Dartington, Totnes, Devon, TQ9 6JT
Tel/fax 01803 840776 Catalogue: 4 x 1st stamps
Advertising &
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76 Permaculture Magazine No. 66 www.permaculture.co.uk
Advertising
Week-long stays for couples or singles.Private accommodation in cosy cob cottage and
tasty meals in exchange for enthusiastic help,such as:
Woodland: logging, stacking, clearing, polesawing, bird box, bridge and path building.
Smallholding: stock fencing, soil improvement,herb garden, winter tidying and animal husbandry.
Green building possibilities.
Permaculture Activist
An authoritative journal containing indepth articles on broadscale andgarden design and community action.Published in the USA with stories fromaround the world.
LATEST ISSUE 77 – AUTUMN 2010:
ECO-NOMICS
Available from: The Permaculture Activist
PO Box 5516, Bloomington, IN 47407, USA Web: www.permacultureactivist.net
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Classified Exchange© T h
e B a n d / S h u t t e
r s t o c k
When you advertise in PM your classified alsoappears on both our website
www.permaculture.co.uk
and the online version of the magazine:
www.exacteditions.com/exact/magazine/409/460
Next issue deadline: 30 November 2010
Tel: 01730 823 311Email: [email protected]
ACCOMMODATION
CENTRAL LONDON B&B, family run.Quote ‘Permaculture’ for a 10% discounton standard rooms. Tel: 0207 837 9140.Email: [email protected] Web:www.stathanshotel.com
DOUBLE BEDROOM IN SHARED HOMEavailable in beautifully wooded PembrokeshireValley renowned for people living self sufficiently.
Shared area includes south facing terraces forgrowing, large kitchen and garden. 2 miles fromNewport town. Non-smoking vegetarian(s)preferred – would suit active couple. £300 pcm+ bills. Call Emma on 01239 820 951.
REMOTE ISLAND RETREAT. Cottage to leton island of Hoy, Orkney Islands. Long term letpreferred. This pretty, stone built two bedroomedcottage has solid fuel central heating, attractivegarden and stunning views over the PentlandFirth towards the uninhabited islands of Stromaand Swona and Scottish mainland. There is avibrant local arts community which includestheatre. Safe environment for children. Would
suit writer or artist. Rent £500 pcm. Contact:[email protected]
TWO BEDROOM TERRACED COTTAGE tolet (long term), near Blaenau Ffestiniog, North Wales. Handcrafted interior, gardens (veg, fruitand flowers). Great views! Rent £95/week.Contact Nicola: [email protected]
WANTED REMOTE COUNTRYSIDELOCATION. Looking to rent detached property.Need to get back to nature to restore my health.Perhaps an outbuilding on a farm or in woodland. Anything considered. Contact Ryan 020 81330451. Email: [email protected]
COURSES
A WAKE-UP CALL – Kickstart your own creativitywith a basic course in practical useful skills. Earth-works, drystone, tile mosaic, wet carved concrete,decorative cement, composting and general gardenrelated arts. Surprise yourself this winter-spring.Comfortable Greek island estate. Email: [email protected] Web: http://tothegarden.org
COURSES contd...
GARDENING & COOKING FOR LIFE & A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE. Covering perma-culture design, the theory & practical skillsinvolved in developing & maintaining the awardwinning sustainable Primrose Organic Centre nrHay-on-Wye; low carbon food; wild foraging;preparing and preserving food to maximiseflavour, nutrients and vitality. April and October2011. Telephone Paul on 01497 847 636.Email: [email protected] Web:www.primroseearthcentre.co.uk
PERMACULTURE DESIGN COURSE Brian J Weston BSc. Ag., PDC Special emphasis on smallproperties. Economically priced! Contact: Brian J Weston, Box 125, Takaka, New Zealand.Email: [email protected] Detailed info:www.pohara.com/weston
RESIDENTIAL VEGETARIAN/VEGAN COURSES available throughout the year. Improve yourhealth and your life style in a stunning environment.
Permaculturemagazine readers quote ‘Permaculture’for a 10% discount. Email: [email protected] Web: [email protected]
WOODLAND COURSES with Ben Law.Roundwood Timber Framing, PracticalCoppicing, Charcoal Burning, Woodlands &Permaculture each booking for 2011. OpenDays at Ben’s Woodland House booking for2012. View: www.ben-law.co.uk
DESIGN SERVICES
EDIBLE LANDSCAPE LLP. Challenging themonocultural mindset. Food forests, fish andfungi; permaculture systems designed andimplemented. Tel: 01761 434 349. Web: www.ediblelandscape.co.uk
FRESHWATER SOLUTIONS: Self-Sustaining
Ecological Aquaculture Systems. Site ResourceEvaluations. Action Plans and Designs.Environmental Habitat Enhancement. Lake andPond Restoration. Quality Freshwater SwimmingPools. Develop your natural freshwaterresources. Contact Laurence Hutchinson(Director). Tel: +33 (0)565 421 610 (France).Email: [email protected] Web:www.ecological-aquaculture.co.uk
INTEGRALPERMANENCE Integrative Eco-social Permaculture design/consultancy/teachingservices. For details call Richard on 07539 973170 or email: [email protected] Web: Integralpermanence.org
NEED HELP? Want to permaculture yourgarden, smallholding, farm or woodland? Forexpert, friendly advice call Patrick Whitefield on01458 832 317 or email: [email protected]
EVENTS
EUROPEAN BIONEERS CONFERENCE 2010.Findhorn is please to collaborate with thesuccessful Bioneers network in the USA to bringinspiration from the heart of nature to Europe.Speakers: Kenny Ausubel, Vandana Shiva, NinaSimons, Ann Pettifor, Maddy Harland, PeterHarper and many more. 30 October to 2November 2010. For more info contact [email protected] or see www.findhorn.org
GREEN EVENTS. The ‘Time Out’ of alternative
living. Includes a comprehensive calendar ofupcoming events, demonstrations, seminars,courses & exhibitions and a directory of servicesthat empower participants to lead conscious,sustainable and purposeful lives. A4 6 issues peryear 12pp. INK Subscription Rate 2 years UK:£12. Web: www.greenevents.co.uk/london
FOR SALE
COPPER GARDEN TOOLS handcrafted,hardwearing, unattractive to slugs, guaranteedto last. Contact: Implementations PO Box2568 Nuneaton CV10 9YR. Tel: 08453 303148. Web: www.implementations.co.uk
EXQUISITE WOODEN JEWELLERY lovinglyhand carved in Scotland from reclaimed off-cuts. As featured in PM60 (pages 27-30). Buy online:www.woodlandtreasures.co.uk
FOR SALE. VICTORIAN FORMERSCHOOL BUILDING, stone built, wallsabout 2 feet thick. Approx 60ft x 22ft(internal measurements). For conversionto domestic dwelling(s). Water andelectricity to site. Located NorthernScotland (Caithness) with sea views. 1/3acre of land. More land could be availableto people interested in organic veg and
soft fruit production. £75,000. For moredetails phone 01593 751 343. [email protected]
GENERAL
CHARCOAL PEOPLE – FILTERING WATER,NATURALLY. Bamboo charcoal for a refreshinglysimple and eco-friendly way to filter your tapwater. Try it and see! For details call 020 85492772 or visit www.charcoalpeople.co.uk
DOWNSHIFTING, SUSTAINABLE LIVING,SUSTAINABLE SMALL BUSINESS. Are you
earning a stressful living when you’d rather beliving your dream? Have a helping hand inquitting the rat race with personal coaching,courses, articles and a free email newsletter fromwww.sallylever.co.uk
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Classified Exchange
GENERAL cont...
FRUIT TREES. Quality fruit trees –apples, plums, pears, cherries, etc.delivered direct to you from the growers– Walcot Organic Nursery. Sustainablygrown, competitively priced & Soil Association certified. Available bare-
rooted when dormant. Detailed catalogueavailable. Phone 01905 841 587 or onlineat www.walcotnursery.co.uk
WEBSITES, ONLINE SHOPS, INTRANETS –£250 inclusive of design, setup, personal tuitionand hosting. Established 2003, with dozens ofsatisfied customers, we specialise in easy amend-it-yourself websites for permaculture projects,charities, green businesses, craftspeople etc. Tel:07729 103 263. Email: [email protected] Web: www.ethicalinternet.co.uk
HOLIDAYS
BEAUTIFUL, RUGGED PEMBROKESHIRE.Two eco-friendly converted barns on small-holding. Each sleeps 4. Coastal path 2 miles. Tel:01348 891 286. Email: [email protected] Web: www.stonescottages.co.uk
BRITTANY. COSY COB AND STONECOTTAGE on developing permaculturesmallholding. Sleeps two. Wood stove. Privatewoodland. Close to Dinan and beautifulbeaches. Tel: +33 296 274 465. Websites: www.brittanycountrygite.com and www.permacultureinbrittany.blogspot.com
CORNISH STRAW BALE BARN ON ORGANIC
SMALLHOLDING Self-contained studio withkitchen, shower & woodburner, compost loooutside (treebog style). We grow organic veg &are trying to live as sustainably as possible.Energy from wind-turbine, solar panels &woodburners fuelled by our managed woodland.Beautiful location. Would suit 1-2 people. £200per week inc food. Tel: 01726 844 867. Email:[email protected] Web: www.cotna.co.uk
EXCITING HOLIDAY SELF-CATERINGaccommodation in Yorkshire. FlamboroughPeninsular – house sleeps 8, cliff walk to RSPBBempton sea birds, nature reserve – 100,000breeding seabirds (puffins, gannets, etc.), Aprilto October. Also, house sleeps 4 at SkiptonCastle Woods, ideal base to explore the YorkshireDales. Contact Jill and Nick on 01756 790 934.Email: [email protected]
FRANCE DORDOGNE. Stone farm house tolet November – May/June or to suit. Largegarden, 3 bedrooms, living room, kitchen,woodstoves. Situated in quiet hamlet nearvillages and towns. £450 per month plus bills.House and caravan also available for summerholidays. Tel: +33 553 603 416. Tel: 01629 824960. Web: www.frenchfarmhouse.org.uk
NORTH CORNWALL, GYPSY CARAVANS.St Breock Downs near Wadebridge. Two bow
top gypsy caravans with a hut containing kitchenand shower room with wc, outside open fire.From £60 per night. For more information call01208 815 436 or 07966 231 609. Email:[email protected]
GENERAL cont...
OFF-GRID B&B – as far as we know, the only onein England. Smallholding, workshops, vegetarianfood, en suite rooms, local craftsman madefurniture, organic bedding, incredible wildlife.Children welcome. North Pennines AONB.01388 537 292. Web: www.slackhousefarm.com
SEASIDE HOLIDAY HOUSE. Superb for familyholidays and romantic hideaway breaks, 1minute’s walk from sea. Cosy Victorian housein Seaview, Isle of Wight, sleeps 5. Next towetland wildfowl reserve on one side andwooded estate on the other. Sizeable gamesroom/kid’s zone at end of garden. Accessible bypublic transport. Bike hire available. Contact:[email protected] for PM readers’ off-season discounts. Web: www.oaksatseaview.info
THE ECOLODGE – a simpler way to relax. Setalone in woods & meadows, near Lincolnshirecoast and wolds. Sleeps 4. Short Breaks £180.One week £360 Discounts for returners, trainand bike travellers. Contact Geri Clarke 01205
870 062/871 396. Web: www.ecolodge.me.uk
WEST CORNWALL – BEAUTIFULLY RESTOREDGRANITE BARN near Lands End. Peacefulrural eco retreat 5 miles from Penzance, 10minutes walk from Boscawen-noon stone circle.Surf beaches within 3 miles. The barn is heatedby two wood burners and sleeps between 2 and6. Reduced rates for lower occupancy. Wild foodforaging and yoga workshops available to bookduring your stay. Phone Caroline on 01736 810156. Email: [email protected] or see www.fathen.org for further information and tariff.
WEST DORSET, PEACEFUL SELF-CATERING
organic garden cottage. Axe valley countrysideviews. Near Marshwood Vale and Lyme Bay.Sleeps 2+2. Ideal walking and sketching. Arttuition/ceramics. Tel: 01460 220 201. Email:[email protected]
OPPORTUNITIES
COMPETENT WOODWORKING/BUILDING/GARDENING volunteers, male or femaleneeded in return for good food and comfortableroom on Greek island garden estate, perfectoutdoor weather, salvaged oak, good creativefun at the handbuilt hotel and gardens. Email:[email protected] Web: http://tothegarden.org
COUNTRYSIDE JOBS SERVICE. The place to finda job, volunteer position or course in the country-side, environment & conservation sectors. Tel:01947 896 007. Web: www.countryside-jobs.com
INQUIRIES ARE INVITED by the Peredur Trustfrom market gardeners interested in organic/biodynamic production on 2 acres with 3greenhouses plus the possibility of additionalland. SW Rudel, Peredur Trust, Basill Manor,St Clether, Launceston, Cornwall PL15 8QJTel: 01566 86075.
PLANNED COMMUNITY based on permacultureand cohousing principles seeks like minded
individuals and families to join with us. Somecapital will be required. Currently looking forsuitable property in the Devon area following group preparatory work. Call Lyn on 01837 840 516or see www.prospectcommunity.org.uk
PERSONAL DUNCAN, YOUNG 54, calm, jovial, verypractical & realistic, self-reliant bloke, into vegand soft fruit growing, coppice, chickens and acat, has 1.75 acres near Inverness. WLTM busy,fun, tolerant lady to share the future. Apparentlyattractive, fair, slim and 1.75m. Please phone01667 453 501 or email duncanstuart2020@
btinternet.com
EARTH WISE SINGLES. Find friendship andromance with people who practice Earthcare,Peoplecare and Fairshare. Free to post yourprofile. Free to send messages. We make it easyfor you to connect! www.EWSingles.com
PROPERTY & LAND
BARGAIN HOUSE FOR SALE. Spaciousecohouse in alternative hamlet in SouthernSpain. Ideal place for small permaculturecommunity. One acre orange and olive orchardwith veggie garden and water rights. Includessmaller self contained annexe with own garden
now only £125,00. For more information seewww.cathylotus.co.uk
BLUEBELL WOODLANDS FOR SALE. Essex/Suffolk border, near Sudbury. Mature oak andash with hazel understorey. Varied habitat,ponds, good access. 6.25 acres for £58,000 or4.25 acres for £45,000. Further details call 01223208 035 or view www.treesandbees.me.uk
CHIOS ISLAND – GREECE 2400m2 land forsale, 500m from sea, mastic and olive treesurroundings, sea view, caravan on permanentbase with pergola, shower toilet storage facilities,water, no electricity, young fruit and mastic
trees, 3km from lively village, shops, post office,etc. ‘Blank canvas’ for creativity.E35,000. Also,355m2 plot (builds 200m2)E24,000, two storeyrenovated 1741 stone house 150m2 E185,000in traditional village. Details tel: +30 2271 061119. Email: [email protected]
COTTAGE FOR SALE – Ireland – £72,500/p86,500. See: www.ballinamorecottage.webspace.virginmedia.com
DISS, NORFOLK. 2 bed end of terrace cottagein private lane. New Scan woodburner and DG.Large timber studio and guest annexe withbathroom and south facing veranda. Raised bedveggie patch, wild garden to Suffolk WildlifeTrust’s Roydon Fen. About ¼ acre. £247,500.Email: [email protected]
DORSET COHOUSING – TWO BEDCOTTAGE for sale £130,000. Emphasis ongreen lifestyle including car pool, shared laundry,veg garden, guest rooms etc. Tel: 01392 211 794for cottage details. Visit www.thresholdcentre.org.uk for info on the centre.
FRANCE. FOR SALE OR TO RENT. Traditionaltwo bedroom stone cottage in beautifulNormandie countryside, near to unspoiltbeaches. Great potential for permaculture/organic growing, forest gardening, sustainable
building etc. Offers in region of £240,000. Rentnegotiable in exchange for assistance inmaintaining and developing cottage and landusing permaculture methods. Phone: 01534 522331. Email: [email protected]
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www.permaculture.co.uk No. 66 79Permaculture Magazine
Classified Exchange
PROPERTY & LAND contd...
GALICIA, NORTH SPAIN. Beautiful rurallocation. Self-sufficient. Large renovated house,3 bedrooms. Barn conversion needs completing.Half acre, organic/permaculture vegetablegarden, orchard. Own electricity (solar/wind),well, 2 full bathrooms + composting toilet inhouse. Greenhouse, henhouse. £138,000/offers.
Details, photos email: [email protected]
LANDDEWI BREFI, WEST WALES. One acre,3 greenhouses, raised beds, workshop, hugegarage, log cabin. Stone and slate house, 3receptions, 3 bedrooms, full oil c.h. plusmultifuel stove. Village has 2 pubs, shop, visitingPO van, frequent buses, junior school, River Teifinearby. £275,000. Tel: 01974 298 586. Email:[email protected]
SMALLHOLDING FOR SALE, NORTHWESTFRANCE. Situated in lovely rural village in thepays de l’Loire region, only 1.5hrs from ferry.Spacious 2 bedroom house with wood fuelledcooking and heating. Separate holiday cottage
(sleeps 4-6) with bookings for 2011. Planningpermission granted for loft and outbuildingconversion if more accommodation required.Set in 2.5 acres of fertile organically farmed land.Mature orchard, huge vegetable and soft fruitgarden, sheep paddock, chicken housing. Dutchbarn and several outbuildings for storage oranimal shelter. Excellent opportunity forcommunal living, self sufficiency/permaculture.Offers in the region of E205,000. Tel: +33 243030 304 or [email protected]
SOUTH WALES – NEAR CARDIFFlovely maisonette for sale in sought after
village. South-facing organic garden withherbs, fruit, shrubs, lots of birds! 2 doublebedrooms, gch, double glazing, quiet.Good amenities including local shop,allotments, PO, primary school, library,surgery. Lovely country walks & pubs. 5miles main rail station & on frequent busroute. Good first-time buy or downsize£108,950 ono. Phone Chris on: 07745758 204 or email for further details via:[email protected]
TAKE YOUR PLACE IN NATURE. A beautiful,unique property looking for a family. So, if youwould like to live sustainably, intimatelyconnected to nature, walk in any direction, listenand swim in the river, and watch the night sky,come and meet the house and land. House,extensive barns, 2¾ acres, hydro powereddevelopment approved, wood fired water andheating, spring water and organically managedfor 30 years. Mid-Wales. For details contactSusan: 01974 282 323.
3 BEDROOM HOUSE FOR SALE or rent intown on edge of Brecon Beacons, (SA18 1BG).Solar hot water, wood burner, conservatory,large south facing garden with polytunnel, fruitbushes and trees. £125K Tel: 01269 822 786 oremail [email protected]
YOUNG FAMILY SEEKING LAND to planttrees, grow veg and live simply. Would consideranything, anywhere. £45,000 budget. Tel: 07849726 852. Email: [email protected]
PUBLICATIONS
THE DENDROLOGIST, the quarterlynews and information to bring all treeenthusiasts and interest groups together. Join by sending £10.00 to ‘TheDendrologist’, PO Box 341, Chesham,Bucks, HP5 2RD.
FUNKY RAW exists to help you to eat a healthyraw vegetarian diet. Our quarterly magazinecovers cleansing and rebuilding, spirituality, ecolife and has recipes, events, etc. Also online shop,workshops, summer festival and more. Tel:0845 003 9515. Web: www.funkyraw.com
‘SENSITIVE PERMACULTURE’, new book by Alanna Moore, now available from Amazon.See pythonpress.com
WANTED
GARDEN WORKSHOP CO-ORDINATOR
WANTED. The Camphill Village Trust DelrowCommunity has a vacancy for an experiencedgardener to work alongside adults with alearning disability and/or mental health issues,in our garden workshop. The hours are 09.00to 17.00 with an hour lunch break, Monday toFriday. Pay is £16.41 per hour with a stakeholderpension available. Duties include: Teachinghorticultural skills to people with learningdisability and/or mental health issues; growingorganic/bio-dynamic vegetables/fruit/herbs forthe community. Camphill strongly believes inthe earth as a living being and this is reflected inhow the organisation works with the land.Closing date for applications 1st November
2010. For more information and to request anapplication form please contact : HumanResources, c/o Tom Leonard at Delrow House,Hilfield Lane, Aldenham, Watford WD25 8DJ.Tel: 01923 856 006 or email [email protected]
LIFE SHARING EXPERIENCE – West of Ireland.Female Carer needed, aged 25-40, to enable ayoung woman aged 19 who is wheelchair boundto live independently alongside the main familydwelling, in her own home. Beautiful land,beautiful lifestyle. Please contact the +353 61924 186 for payment and further instruction.
2 MOTIVATED SUPPORT WORKERS WANTED, preferably 1 with building skills forminimum 6 months, to help run commercial,organic business on inspiring permaculture +education centre; sustainability, education + adeep respect for the earth. £50/week + food andaccommodation. Contact Paul, PrimroseOrganic Centre, Felindre, Brecon, Powys LD30ST. Tel: 01497 847 636. Email: [email protected]
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED. We are a permaculturefarm in the central mountains of Portugal. Would you like to be a part of an ecologicalstrawbale and roundwood chestnut framebuilding project, create a natural pool and forest,
in exchange for accommodation and fresh homeproduced organic food, all abilities and interestswelcome, the projects and landscape can bechallenging. For more information email us at:[email protected]
WANTED contd...
WANTED ACCOUNTS MANAGER & Administration Assistant for Permaculture Magazine /PermanentPublications, based here at the Sustinability Centre,Hampshire. See the advert on page 28 of thisissue for details on how to apply.
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The first libraries date back to almost 5,000 yearsago. The main objective has always been to bea source of knowledge and a means to share thatknowledge with others. Libraries fit into the ideaof sustainable culture – offering people a wayto share books, CDs, DVDs, computers and ofcourse to access information on permaculture.
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