Permaculture combines three key aspects:
1. an ethical framework
2. understandings of how nature works, and
3. a design approach
This unique combination is then used to support the creation of sustainable, productive, non-polluting and healthy settlements and communities. In many places this means adapting our existing settlements. In other cases it can mean starting from scratch.
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. It’s about stability, about deepening soils and cleaner water, thriving communities in self-reliant regions, biodiverse agriculture and social justice, peace and abundance.
I completed my Permaculture Design Course with Angus Soutar in Lancaster and Chorley in February 2012. I am an associate of the Permaculture Institute of North Britain, and am keen to see how I can integrate Permaculture thinking and design throughout my practice.
