What is permaculture, and why is it sustainable?

Permaculture is a method of sustainable land management that has been inspired by nature. It involves creating systems that work in harmony with nature, to ensure long-term sustainability. By taking care of the soil and the planet as a whole, we maintain healthy plants and ecosystems as a result. Part of this approach also involves looking after our communities. An important aspect of permaculture involves sharing surplus resources and limiting consumption, to ensure that everyone has sufficient supply. By adopting permaculture principles, we can create resilient landscapes, reduce waste, and build stronger communities.

Permaculture is a design approach that seeks to create sustainable and self-sufficient ecosystems, by mimicking the patterns and relationships found in nature. Originally referred to as “permanent agriculture”, the practice was pioneered by Bill Mollison, a senior lecturer in Environmental Psychology at the University of Tasmania, and David Holmgren, a graduate student at the Tasmanian College of Advanced Education. The term has since expanded to incorporate aspects of ecological building, community resilience, and sustainable living.

When applied to horticulture, permaculture focusses on creating diverse, resilient, and productive landscapes that require minimal external inputs. These permaculture principles are used to design gardens that work harmoniously with nature. This involves practices such as companion planting, where different plants are grown together to benefit each other. Permaculture also promotes the planting of perennials, which live for several years and reduce the need for replanting.

Water conservation is another key aspect of permaculture. Water conservation methods, such as rainwater harvesting and swales, are used to capture and store rainwater, reducing the need for irrigation. Mulching with organic materials, including wood chips or straw, can help to retain moisture in the soil and suppress weeds — further enhancing the garden’s sustainability.

Permaculture gardens are designed to be self-sustaining and resilient. By incorporating a diverse range of plants and creating interconnected systems, these gardens can cope with environmental stresses, such as drought or pest infestations. Not only does this approach benefit the environment, but it also reduces maintenance and reliance on external resources, such as pesticides.

1. Observe and interact – Understand the environment before taking action. Careful observation allows us to design systems that work in harmony with its natural conditions, rather than against it. For example, observing where water tends to pool after a period of heavy rain, or spotting areas that receive full sun or shade.

2. Catch and store energy – Use and store natural energy sources, such as sunlight, wind, and water, to create a resilient landscape. Examples include installing solar panels, or collecting rainwater for irrigation.

3. Obtain a yield – Design systems that provide tangible benefits, including food, energy, or shelter, whilst maintaining long-term sustainability. Growing vegetables in a garden to feed a family and reduce food expenses is an example of this principle.

4. Apply self-regulation and accept feedback – Continuously monitor and adjust the system to prevent overuse or depletion of resources. For example, if soil fertility is in decline, rotate crops and add compost to restore balance.

5. Use and value renewable resources and services – Prioritise natural, renewable resources over non-renewable ones to reduce environmental impact, such as wood from sustainably managed forests.

6. Produce no waste – Design systems where waste is minimised or repurposed into something useful. Composting is a great example; food scraps can be composted to create nutrient-rich soil, instead of sending them to landfill.

1. Earth Care

This highlights the importance of maintaining the health of our planet, including all living and non-living components. It focusses on respecting and nurturing the Earth to ensure its health sustainability, by preserving natural resources and ecosystems for future generations. Restoring degraded land is a part of this, by revitalising any areas that have been affected by erosion, deforestation, or over-farming.

2. People Care

People Care involves supporting the well-being of individuals and communities. Human needs should be met whilst also taking care to promote resilience, collaboration, and equity. An example of People Care is creating a community garden where social bonds can be strengthened, fresh food can be grown, and the well-being needs of local residents can be ensured.

Examples of permaculture in the UK

There are a number of notable permaculture projects that demonstrate sustainable design and community engagement. Some examples include:

The Eden Project, Cornwall

The Eden Project is one of the most famous tourist attractions in the UK. It’s situated in a reclaimed clay pit, and features massive biomes housing diverse plant species and outdoor gardens designed using permaculture principles. It serves as both a horticultural attraction and an educational centre, showcasing the potential of large-scale sustainable design.

Martin Crawford’s Forest Garden, Devon

The forest garden was established over 30 years ago on the Dartington Estate, and is a pioneering example of agroforestry, which integrates trees and various crops to create a self-sustaining ecosystem. Martin Crawford’s work has significantly influenced sustainable agricultural practices worldwide.