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
Develop a food forest by selecting suitable trees, ensuring proper spacing, and incorporating native plants for biodiversity, while considering environmental factors and ongoing maintenance for sustainable growth.
We will establish cooperative market gardens, utilizing organic no-till methods. Windbreak trees will be planted to protect the gardens. A central tool shed and storage area will be built for easy access.
In the pasture, we plan to stock a flock of sheep in the top paddock, rotating them through smaller paddocks. We'll upgrade and install ring-lock fencing suitable for sheep with lambs. Our cover crop selections include legumes, grasses, and brassicas. To ensure optimal implementation, we'll practice rotational grazing, prepare the soil, incorporate seeds properly, provide adequate watering, and protect newly sown areas with fencing.
Our homestead and farm centers are designed to foster cooperative farming and permaculture principles. The kitchen garden will be our focal point, while the farm centers will be located away from the house. Additionally, we plan to incorporate somatic therapy into our operations.
The proposed plan includes resurfacing the Top Garage Platform, extending the boundary track to the Dam, adding small tracks to the Farm Shed and Market Gardens, and creating access to the Centre for Regenerative Futures.
We aim to rehabilitate the existing dam, improve soil quality through vertical tilling, and consider swales/drains for water management. Additionally, we plan to install a second dam to capture water on the property.
We propose building sustainable, off-grid B&B cabins and small group cabins in various locations on the farm. These accommodations will be regenerative, stylish, modern, and comfortable, with their own energy, water, and waste systems. Additionally, we envision hosting events and workshops in the event space. Possible locations for the cabins are shown in black.
The proposed Centre for Regenerative Futures will be a retreat space with panoramic views for collaborative work on sustainable and regenerative strategies. Outdoor gathering spaces will complement the event space at the hilltop.
In the eastern reforested steep zone, we will transform inaccessible areas with dense forests or pioneer Acacia and blackberries into thriving ecosystems through strategic reforestation efforts.
The riparian zone is our property's starting point for Hemp Hills Creek, which flows downstream and keeps our dam and neighbor's dam full. Our dam requires rehabilitation to maintain water capture.
The western point, with its stunning sunset views, can be reforested and made accessible through the construction of an access track. It overlooks the remnants of the old Drouin to Noojee railway.
Later iteration with larger food forest and simpler fencing line
