Thinking Local – Permaculture and you!

Local Environmentalism 

When it comes to conservation and environmentalism, it’s the little things that matter the most.  Not everyone can make sweeping trips to a foreign jungle to rescue endangered monkeys or trawl the depths of the ocean protecting precious coral reefs.  Valuable as they both are to the future of the planet, most of us aren’t in a position to do such things.  But that just makes it all the more important that we take advantage of those things we can do in our own homes to contribute our part to preserving the environment for the future.

 

A large green tree and small bush frame a deer in the distance

Permaculture is one such field that blends elements of conservation with agriculture and garden design.  A multi-faceted discipline originally coined in the 1970’s by Australians Bill Mollison and David Holmgren, it was explained as “a philosophy of working with, rather than against, nature”. 

The idea is to develop a natural site such that it is able to sustain itself and the humans who depend upon it.  This is done by ensuring that everything placed in the garden or plot of land is there for a purpose that is not only limited to its use for humans. 

For example, in traditional agriculture, what is planted or raised where is determined primarily by human and economy desire, with natural plants and animals removed from the site in favour of this single purpose.  By contrast, in permaculture a wider variety of plants and animals are used on the land and everything is there for a purpose.  For example, a fruit tree would be selected not only for its fruit baring abilities, but also the shade it provides for other creatures and plants in the localized ecosystem. 

Permaculture, as a port-manteaux of the words Permanent and Culture, emphasises sustainability and fairness at its heart.  Resources are finite and thus must be managed to the benefit of all the people and creatures living in the eco-system with a view towards ensuring they remain productive for the long term. 

Conservation and Permaculture

Like all conservation, Permaculture is as much about ethics and morality as it is about say, energy efficient housing or garden design.  It emphasizes co-operation between individuals for the common good to ensure that the land being managed can provide for all. 

Of course, not everyone is ready or willing to drop everything and move to a community in the remote Welsh valleys to raise organic goats, but even for the less ambitious conservationist who still wants to do a bit more for the environment, Perma-cultural ideas and principles provide a solid foundation for acting more responsibility towards the planet.   For example, by populating your garden with domestic species you help to maintain natural eco-systems. 

 

Rows of bright asparagus plants are set in rows in a field

So if you’re looking to do a bit more of the local environment give Permaculture a try.  If you need to get started, consider an online course in Permaculture from ADL. Because helping globally starts locally. 

LEAVE A REPLY

BLOG CATEGORIES

MOST POPULAR

Easter 2025 Opening Hours

Easter Opening Hours We will close on Thursday 17th April at 4.30pm and then re- open again on Tuesday 22nd April at 9am due to the Easter break. Feel free to email as normal or leave a message on live chat or on our answerphone 01227 789649 over the weekend and we will get back

Read More »

Christmas 2024 Opening Hours

Merry Christmas, here are the ADL opening hours for Christmas 2024: Monday 23rd December – 9am to 5pm Tuesday 24th December – CLOSED Christmas eve Wednesday 25th December – CLOSED Christmas DAY Thursday 26th December – CLOSED Boxing Day Friday 27th December – CLOSED Monday 30th December – 10am -4pm Tuesday 31st December – 10am

Read More »

At ADL we focus on helping you learn! You have the opportunity to interact one to one with our tutors, so you can approach learning in whatever way and speed that best suits you. This individual service not normally found at most colleges, contributes to successful learning. You decide how you wish to receive your

Read More »

Water Gardening Site Selection

Things to Consider When Selecting Your Water Garden Location Have you ever dreamed of building a Water Garden, but just didn’t know where to start?  ADL’s online certificate course in Water Gardeng provides the necessary knowledge and skills to help you get started. The first thing is to decide on the location of your water

Read More »

SIGNUP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER

Scroll to Top

REQUEST A CALLBACK

To speak to one of our course advisors, please enter your name and phone number below and click the "Please Call Me" button. We will call you back as soon as possible!

By submitting this form, I provide my consent to ADL to contact me via email or telephone, regarding the course I selected. All information provided is protected in conformity with our Privacy Policy.

CONTACT US

required fields are marked with *

By submitting this form, I provide my consent to ADL to contact me via email or telephone, regarding the course I selected. All information provided is protected in conformity with our Privacy Policy.