Adrian Patch

Taking new apprentices?
No

My phone number

07814684392
About me

I came upon permaculture while WWOOFing in New Zealand on an extended period of travel beginning in 2003, following an early career of research/teaching in the university sector and public sector policy evaluation (I have an MSc in Organisational Behaviour and Occupational Psychology, which, together with this early work career provided an invaluable grounding in systems thinking and design that has enhanced my appreciation of what permaculture can offer). After my return to the UK I attend the Sustainable Land Use course (includind Permaculture Design Certificate) at Ragmans Lane Farm - this set the direction of my life since then.

I now manage a smallholding of a little over 6 acres (plus grazing on a neighbour's land) on the edge of Dartmoor. The holding has developed in light of my permaculture learning - from a field of permanent pasture to a mixed smallholding, with Dexter cattle, Shetland sheep, rare/traditional breed pigs and poultry. The pasture is managed by a rotational grazing regime that has developed following wide-ranging research and a few years experience of differing seasonal weather conditions. I have also planted an orchard and wind-breaks, and am growing a range of open-pollinated vegetables (trialing different varieties in order to assess what will thrive on the land, as well as building resilience to the extremes of weather that are becoming more frequent).

I sell meat, eggs and other products from my smallholding to the local community and am determined that this be primarily a productive enterprise, with any demonstration and learning activities following on from this. During 2013-2014 I am developing a program of teaching centering on permaculture smallholding (with livestock) & resilient smallholding. Other current priorities include: developing the vegetable production, landworks for water management, planting of multi-function windbreaks/hedges, and more engagement with the community.

I am a member of the Wholesome Food Association (the small-scale alternative to full Organic Certification) and the Devon Association of Smallholders.

I am registered for the Permaculture Diploma on the independent route.