Proposed Permaculture Farm Areas
We’ve marked out our farm areas for different types of farming, and we've tried to take into account the geography of the land and our intended uses of the land. Much of the property is very steep and not really suitable for market gardens. But there are some areas along the ridge that are flatter. There are some areas that are very steep, and very hard to get a tractor on to which we intend to either reforest or leave as forest, and use these as a nature corridors, as well as our places to explore when people are on the land.
We think there's an opportunity to use the long north west paddock as a food forest by establishing Groves of the trees and fruit trees, interspersed with other sporting plants, and interwoven with a winding track that leads down to the lower circumnavigating track.
Would like to rehabilitate the water catchment, and the dam, and we propose to fence this off from livestock to help and is re-established native vegetation in this riparian zone. Our intention here is to only improve the quality of the water that we capture, but also improve the quality of the water that flows into Hemp Hills Creek. This area is very overgrown at the moment and seek with blackberries along with fallen trees into the dam. The dam itself looks okay but needs a bit of work.
Relevant Permaculture Principles
All permaculture principles inform all aspect of the permaculture design.
By taking the time to engage with nature we can design solutions that suit our particular situation.
By developing systems that collect resources when they are abundant, we can use them in times of need.
Ensure that you are getting truly useful rewards as part of the work that you are doing.
We need to discourage inappropriate activity to ensure that systems can continue to function well.
Make the best use of nature’s abundance to reduce our consumptive behaviour and dependence on non-renewable resources.
By stepping back, we can observe patterns in nature and society. These can form the backbone of our designs, with the details filled in as we go.
By putting the right things in the right place, relationships develop between them and they support each other.
Small and slow systems are easier to maintain than big ones, making better use of local resources and producing more sustainable outcomes.
Diversity reduces vulnerability to a variety of threats and takes advantage of the unique nature of the environment in which it resides.
The interface between things is where the most interesting events take place. These are often the most valuable, diverse and productive elements in the system.
We can have a positive impact on inevitable change by carefully observing, and then intervening at the right time.
Proposed Permaculture Farm Areas
Utilize the long paddock for a food forest, selecting diverse trees and ensuring optimal conditions for growth while minimizing wind exposure and maximizing exploration.
Establish commercial-scale organic no-till market gardens at Mistwood Farm, incorporating windbreak trees and a central tool shed for efficient operations and accessibility.
Consider a flock of sheep for the top paddock, evaluate stocking rates, enhance fencing, and explore local sheep sources while integrating cover crops to boost pasture health.
Establish a cooperative farm alongside a homestead, integrating a kitchen garden, food production areas, and spaces for therapy and events while ensuring access and functionality.
Resurface the Top Garage Platform for parking, extend the boundary track to the Dam, and create small tracks connecting the garage to the Farm Shed, Market Gardens, and top paddock.
Enhance water catchment by rehabilitating the existing dam, employing vertical tilling, assessing swale needs, and exploring a potential second dam for better water management.
Propose eco-friendly B&B cabins and camping areas to support regenerative farming while enhancing visitor experiences through stylish, sustainable accommodations integrated into the landscape.
Establish a Centre for Regenerative Futures atop a hill, facilitating gatherings and workshops with panoramic views, enhancing sustainability and community engagement through design and collaboration.
Identify steep areas for reforestation, leveraging existing forests and pioneer species like Acacia and blackberries to enhance biodiversity and improve land accessibility.
Rehabilitate the dam to enhance water capture from Hemp Hills Creek, ensuring compliance with relevant permaculture principles for effective design and operations.
Reforest the steep western point and construct an access track to enhance visitor experience, offering breathtaking sunset views and a historical perspective of the old railway.
Later iteration with larger food forest and simpler fencing line
