Meeting: February 2018

The talk given at our February meeting was by Chris Evans on ‘Permaculture in the Welsh Marches…and Globally’. Chris and his partner Looby run Applewood Permaculture Centre at Waterloo Farm, up on Orleton Common.

This is a 20 acre smallholding which includes many varied habitats and is a haven for wildlife. They are developing it as a centre for demonstration and learning that promotes regenerative
lifestyles, livelihoods and landscapes. Permaculture is all about principles and patterns, nicely summarised as ‘abundance’ rather than specific techniques although Ethics (caring for the earth and caring for people through Fairtrade), Ecological principles and a strong Design concept are all part and parcel of permaculture.

It is practised globally through a range of climates and cultures, in both rural and urban landscapes with wide ranging architectural styles. Chris and Looby run a variety of courses at their Applewood Permaculture Centre.

They feel that with permaculture, you need to see it to believe it, and then need to be able to learn it, and then acquire the resources (seeds, plants, books, friends and networks) to do it! Courses include Grafting and Pruning, Bio-fertilizers, Orchard Management, Pest Management and Forest Gardening. Please see their website or phone them direct if you are interested in learning more.