What is Permaculture?

Permaculture

The only ethical decision is to take responsibility for our existence and that of our children.

The essence of Permaculture is the creative design of an ecologically sound way of living in our households, gardens, communities and businesses. It is created by cooperating with nature and caring for the earth and its people.

It tackles how to grow food, build houses and create communities, and minimise environmental impact at the same time. Its principles are being constantly developed and refined by people throughout the world in very different climates and cultural circumstances.

It is a practical method of developing ecologically harmonious, efficient and productive systems that can be used by anyone, anywhere.

By thinking about the way we use our resources - food, energy, shelter and other material and non-material needs - it is possible to get much more out of life by using less. We can be more productive for less effort, reaping benefits for our environment and ourselves, for now and for generations to come.

Permaculture is not exclusive - its principles and practice can be used by anyone, anywhere!

Design in Nature

Permaculture combines three key aspects:

1. an ethical framework

2. understandings of how nature works

3. a design approach

This unique combination is then used to support the creation of sustainable, agriculturally productive, non-polluting and healthy settlements. In many places this means adapting our existing settlements. In other cases it can mean starting from scratch. Both offer interesting challenges and opportunities.

The word 'permaculture' comes from 'permanent agriculture' and 'permanent culture' - it is about living lightly on the planet, and making sure that we can sustain human activities for many generations to come, in harmony with nature. Permanence is not about everything staying the same. Its about stability, about deepening soils and cleaner water, thriving communities in self-reliant regions, biodiverse agriculture and social justice, peace and abundance.

One thing is for sure. Its a fascinating subject, with many aspects, and its still evolving. In this section of the website we present more details about the different aspects of permaculture, and examples of how it is being used in Britain and around the world.

You can find out a lot more from the Permaculture Assoication's Website and you can also become a member.

Ethics

Earth Care

Caring for all life systems so they can continue and multiply.

People Care

Look after yourself, family and community.

Fair Share

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

Principles

1. Observe and Interact

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

2. Catch and store energy

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

3. Obtain a yield

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

4. Apply self-regulation & accept feedback

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

5. Use & value renewable resources & services

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

6. Produce no waste

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

7. Design from patterns to details

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

8. Integrate rather than segregate

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

9. Use small and slow solutions

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

10. Use and value diversity

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

11. Use edges & value the marginal

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

12. Creatively use and respond to change

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

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