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Springing from our first pair of workshops on
Permaculture by Patrick Whitefield, we have now started the Isle of
Wight Permaculture Group. Almost everyone who attended his courses
wanted to join up, and so did some who couldn’t make it. We meet
monthly to talk about learning and progress, and explore practical help
we can give each other. We are looking to new members,
presenters and advisers.
In a Nutshell, Permaculture is…
Permaculture is a mix of many ideas and skills, a combination of
traditional farming practices and modern science and technology. It is
very closely modelled on ecosystems which are natural communities of
wild flowers and animals. This makes it different to most problem-focussed
methods of agriculture and gardening.
Key concepts include ‘creating edible
ecosystems’ and ‘designing sustainable human habitats’. It applies
to window-boxes, veggie-plots, gardens, allotments, community parks, field shelters
and even farms!
Some of the
important benefits are:
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Much less digging – as-good or better techniques save
you time and backpain!
o
Much more crop – scientific approach to planting gets
you more food
o
Much more variety – practical approach gets you more
space utilisation
o
Less chemical use – optimising design to reduce pests
and bought-in fertilisers
o
Less electricity use – creative design means less
heating cost
o
Cheaper water – use free rainwater for irrigation
More
info: national action at www.permaculture.org
Our local group: www.islandpermaculture.org
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Our own Isle of Wight
Local Permaculture Group
Our structure and aims for minimal
administration and bureaucracy - hence the minimal statement:
organic organisation, minimal money, maximum cooperation, range of
interests, range of resources (skills / tools / books / seeds / cuttings / materials / and other opportunities), monthly meetings, Aldermoor
base, visits to members' projects, guest speakers, word-of-mouth &
adverts, FUN, Permaculture Magazine subscription?, 6month review.
Agenda 21:
We also support local Agenda 21 action, which is
based on the following statement
by
the United Nations Environment Programme.
“Humanity stands at a
defining moment in history.
We are confronted with a perpetuation of disparities between and
within nations, a worsening of poverty, hunger, ill health and
illiteracy, and the continuing deterioration of the ecosystems on which
we depend for our well-being.
However, integration of environment and development concerns and
greater attention to them will lead to the fulfilment of basic needs,
improved living standards for all, better protected and managed
ecosystems and a safer, more prosperous future. No nation can achieve
this on its own; but together we can - in a global partnership for
sustainable development.”
Interested in joining?
Talk to us:
Vav & Dave Simon, Aldermoor
Farm, Upton Road, Ryde
01983 614795 or permaculture@aldermoor-farm.co.uk
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