Smallholding design: Permaculture, nature and the importance of observation

Its very early days in terms of cultivating the smallholding, but the design of the site is being actively considered. However, this is not a process to be rushed, and the wider ecology, social dynamics, physical geography and even the concept of "natural" all need to be appreciated, before any development is undertaken.

I am “observing” the land over the coming months before I implement any radical plans, and then continuing to listen to the messages the land sends to me as I immerse myself in its ecology. No, I haven't lost the plot, I am describing one of the principles of permaculture design, and these principles are something all horticulturists should be mindful of. The aim of observation, is to slowly tune into the ecology, topography, orientation, geology and geography of the land and, as time moves on, add structures and create planting areas in a way that works with the site and the way we tend to it. In many ways the concept of observation is already familiar to me, and to many of us, in the sense it is similar to the process of property renovation and design, and the broader concepts applied in architecture. Although this is a bit of a crude analogy, it is generally accepted that it is best to live in a house for some time before you design the space and make changes, so subtle nuances in orientation, light, space and practicality are understood and incorporated so things feel and work better. This is similar to planning planting areas on a permaculture site.

Although we have only been on the Smithy field a month or so, I can already see how the winter sun has changed as the seasons have shifted, and I can get a good idea of the way the light bathes the site through the day. I can see that the sloping terrain can be quite onerous with heavy loads, and this needs to be considered, especially in regards to the shed, compost heap and vegetable growing area - a bit like the sink, fridge and cooker "triangle" that interior folk harp on about in kitchen design. I can see there appears to be a natural spring at the top of the site nestled in the woodland, and this could provide useful irrigation to the soil below. I can also see how natural tracks are being created by our movements on the land, and these could be used to define future paths, on the basis they presumably signify the most efficient routes between A and B that we have subconsciously trod. Most of all, I can see what plants are already growing naturally, and will be making a list of the 5 most common plant species (aside from the main grasses), and then researching their habitat requirements. This should then tell me more about the specific habitat, conditions, and soil type of the Smithy field.

This is, I know, somewhat simplistic as the land is to a degree farmed, and the use and consequent ecology will change with my presence and continued farming. However, the point is that these observations will help me work with the land rather than to the land, and therefore hopefully bring about more seamless, productive, symbiotic and sustainable results. Interestingly, the Yellow Meadow Ants (Lasius Flavus) that occupy the fascinating anthill micro habitats throughout the Smithy field have been doing this for years, and are worthy of a bit of additional research for those who are interested. While we consider ecosystems, it is also worthwhile making a point about what constitutes "natural" in my view, as many people seem to think humans are not natural. Despite the fact we are often environmentally destructive, we are still animals, and our activities are therefore natural. I don't think we are supernatural beings, but I may be wrong. Even our polluting endeavours are natural, by virtue of the fact we have done it, all pollutants and the mechanisms behind them essentially derive from nature, and we (the polluters) are animals. The fact we are conscious of our actions is an irrelevance in terms of this definition. So on that basis, for example, global warming is a natural process, although not necessarily desirable. I make this random point, not to be a controversial teenager who's just discovered acid, but because it's really important to view yourself as a natural and integral part of the land, and appreciate your impact on it, good and bad. Of course, it is the good we are championing here, and its through positive concepts, such as permaculture, that this impact will lead to a better, more productive and sustainable natural relationships. This is the relevance of the random point, and perhaps our efforts to understand and reverse global warming would be more successful, if the problem was defined in this context. Anyway, enough dribble. My observations so far have already allowed me to start mapping, in my minds eye, the potential lay out of the site, start thinking about what I may grow and start considering the zones. Although, still very much in conception phase, I am hoping that the 4 acres will roughly encompass the following:

• 1 acre woodland: This is an already established area, mostly of mature Ash and Oak, that will provide firewood through windfall and coppicing, as well as through a regular cycle of replanting. The wood can also be used in construction as and when needed. There will also be the interplanting of woodland fruits and nuts, such as blackcurrants and hazel to encourage a forest garden.

• 0.25 acre orchard: This will need to be planted from scratch, and will include a mixture of apples, plums, cherry and pear. I anticipate this will be best between the vegetable area and the woodland.

• 2 acre pasture: this area will be set aside for sheep and will include the steepest sloping areas of the site and the areas furthest away from the house.

• 0.25 acre vegetable and herb growing area: This will be near the house and include the composting area, tool shed and a 10mx3m polytunnel, as well as walkways and service paths.

• 0.1 acre fruit growing area: This will be slightly further from the house and adjacent to the orchard, and include a netted isolation area for a range of fruiting bushes, such as raspberry, blueberry and strawberry.

• free range chicken zone: I am not certain of the location of this one, but the eggs will need collecting daily, the manure will need to be moved frequently to the compost area, and the chickens will need tending to (and talking to) regularly so they know they are loved. Therefore, a location to meet these requirements is desirable.

This approach allows at least 0.5 acres of marginal areas of "natural" transitions between zones, and scope for further tree planting and perhaps hedgerow.

A final point would be the consideration of social dynamics. As i have already mentioned, and possibly lost half my readers in the process, we are animals, and our relationships with fellow homosapiens in regards to the smallholding, can be as important as those with birds, foxes, microorganisms and ash trees. For instance, the chap down the lane runs a gardening business, and therefore has lots of garden waste. I have befriended him as he is a really nice chap (not just because he has lots of garden waste), although I am not sure this is reciprocal, and he is happy to dump some of his garden waste on my drive as he has no use for it. This waste is local, and can be turned to compost and reunited with the local ecology - as opposed to landfill. I will give him some vegetables in return and he will be happy and healthier, give me more garden waste, and maybe even start to like me. In a way, I guess, that's permaculture! Anyhow, these are just ideas, and my interpretations and thoughts on permaculture and I am a complete novice to date. A full sketched plan of the site will be forthcoming as soon as I get over this weird hippy observation fase I'm currently going through, which is probably the result of weeks of isolation due to Coronavirus.