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An introduction to Permaculture
Permaculture was first conceived
of by Australian ecologist, Bill Mollison, in 1978. As a wildlife
biologist he had observed the operation of ecosystems and their
destruction by mankind. He concluded that natural systems such
as forests and wetlands are inherently sustainable, and wanted
to work with solutions that were based on the same principles.
He wrote:
- "Permaculture is a philosophy
of working with, rather than against nature; of protracted and
thoughtful observation rather than protracted and thoughtless
labour; of looking at plants and animals in all their functions,
rather than treating any area as a single-product system."
Mollison published a design manual,
and through the eighties taught courses on permaculture. Since
then it has grown into a worldwide movement.
Useful Sources
- Naturewise -a community organisation launched in
the summer of 1990 in North Islington, they work towards raising
environmental awareness and enabling people to move towards living
more sustainably. Activities include running permaculture courses,
creating and promoting forest garden, and giving advice and consultations
in inner London and West Wales.
- Patrick Whitfield Associates -courses in Somerset and Gloucestershire from
one of the leading permaculture teachers in Britain. Patrick
Whitfield is an author, broadcaster with the BBC and a prominent
Green Party member. He teaches ranging from permaculture design
to sustainable land use.
- Permaculture Association -website of the national organisation, with courses,
knowledge base, projects, notices and briefing sheets.
- Permaculture Forum
-a forum for the discussion of permaculture and related subjects,
withreads on design, training, events and .projects.
- Permaculture Magazine -quarterly magazine aiming to keep in touch with
the cutting edge of the sustainability movement - ideas, advice
and inspiration with practical news and articles on permaculture,
self-sufficiency, farming, gardening, smallholding and sustainable
living.
- Ragmans
Lane - a farm in the
Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire that uses permaculture as a
guiding design principle and is primarily about educating and
employing people to work the land sustainably, and learn on the
job. It also produces shiitake and oyster mushroom logs and organic
apple juice.
- Sarah
Pugh -runs inspirational
permaculture courses in Bristol and Hampshire
- Skye Permaculture
-a forest garden and permaculture retreat on Rubha Phoil, a 16
acre peninsula of the island, complete with eco campsite.
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