We hope to turn 3 acres of diversd tree nursery into a permaculture smallholding. We would like to be able to prove that food growing in a permaculture way is the best way: i.e. great for the environment, good for the producer and not overly expensive for the consumer. At present we have 2 polytunnels (1 under construction), approximately 1 acre for growing vegetables and herbs and another 1½ acres of plum and pear trees. The other half acre is ornamental nursery trees – from previous incarnation. We have minimum tillage/no dig beds, rainwater harvesting from polytunnel and shed and so far have managed to use local materials (chestnut wood for fencing) and recycled materials (2nd hand polytunnel from 5 miles away) as much as possible.

Oakwood Denbury school is evolving a narrative that includes nature as partner, supported by themes of low-impact living, climate change, sustainability and social responsibility. In essence Oakwood concerns seeds...both actual and metaphorical. Sowing seeds and evolving new stories. What Oakwood is trying to aspire to and help evolve can be distilled into a couple of words, Simplicity and kindness. By simple they mean uncomplicated and by kindness, the extension of the notion of kin, in myriad directions, to include how, where and with whom we live.

A wonderful place with mature forest gardens, formal gardens, new orchards, veg garden, poultry, camping and bed & breakfast in the heart of Cornwall and accessible by bike along the off road Camel Trail.
Courses and visits, very experienced owners Pete & Val Grainger who are both highly qualified in Ecology and countryside management as well as having been practicing sustainable land management and permaculture for many years. Pete works part time as an ecologist and is an expert dipterist and Val is a retired smallholder having been on the farming and smallholding scene for many years.

We started in December 2009 with a 0.36 hectare field. It had been used as grazing for sheep for many years and once we had cleared the field of fencing and posts we started designing the layout of pathways and created a five year plan for planting. Because of our exposed situation, the first task was to plant shelter belt around all four sides of the field. We used willow on the west and south sides and edible native hedging on the north and east sides.

The overall aims of our project are:-

• To produce and distribute fruit, vegetables, nuts, herbs and seeds to friends, family and local markets
• To offer educational opportunities locally such as:-
• an introduction to the principles of permaculture
• sustainable art and craft activities
• animal/bird husbandry
• garden wildlife conservation/observation
• sustainable construction e.g. straw bale building
• designing and constructing a Forest Garden
• preparation and preservation of home grown produce

We have now applied, and been accepted, for organic status from the Soil Association and have two years “in conversion”. 

A food-growers’ co-op and permaculture education centre promoting locally-grown produce, emphasizing storage and preservation techniques. OVHH is located in a 2-acre walled garden which is within a 220 acre park which attracts around 30,000 visitors each year. The project is seeking funding to renovate one section of the Victorian greenhouse, in exchange for which, use of the garden and greenhouse, together with office and storeroom is provided in-kind. OVHH made a start in January 2009 and cultivated one quadrant of the walled garden and planted several fruit trees against the surrounding 15’ high brick walls. They also grew a range of vegetables, and planted 2 kiwi climbers in the updated section of the greenhouse.

Lower Shaw Farm is a Cooperative For the Benefit of the Community. The objects of the Society are to carry out any business and activity for the benefit of the community by aiming to do the following.
1. Provide a venue where educational, recreational, and cultural activities can take place; and where people can develop skills, as well as share, enjoy and benefit from an exchange of ideas, information and experiences.
2. Encourage sustainable use of resources, and due care and consideration for both the immediate and global environment.
3. Increase individual sense of social responsibility; encourage adherence to international co-operative principles and values; and learn to work and live together well.
4. Maintain Lower Shaw Farm, its physical, organisational, and human infrastructure; and seek to ensure its long-term and sustainable future.

L.E.E.P in with Tribal Roots is a collaborative local project working for the co-creation of a conscious and creative sustainable future. L.E.E.P has been running for years and has been a fantastic way for local groups to re-connect with nature and use it for outdoor education. L.E.E.P has now welcomed a new organisation to bring fresh energy into the project and help develop the site to make it an even more thriving educational eco- system. This year Tribal Roots aim to create a community permaculture garden, research and trials of environmental awards scheme and host events involving various aspects of sustainability. Tribal Roots Sustainable Unity Project are a small voluntary organisation and welcome new ideas and people who want to run workshops and projects in Devon. L.E.E.P and Tribal Roots have strong connections with permaculture and use its principles and practical application at the heart of the project. We don’t just want to hear from like minded people and other fantastic projects; we want to involve people from every walk of life, people who want to come create and learn with us and people who want to take permaculture, community, creativity and sustainability to the streets.

Offering “re-skilling” courses, resources, demonstration and inspiration for sustainable living.

Forest Garden, Green woodworking area, Blacksmithing, recycled clothes making, herbalism
Eco holidays

Developing Conscious Eco Community of people living and working together in harmony with nature’s laws.

Oak Tree Farm is a permaculture small holding (15 acres). It is a livestock system based around chickens and goats. The aim is to provide year round food for the family with a sustainable future. The farm has its own spring fed water supply, compost toilet, polytunnel, raised bed veg garden, forest garden and agro forestry area.

18 acre small holding and organic box scheme, currently converting to a community owned cooperative.