High Missies Farm
Design 7
My parents wanted to make more use of the field at the back of their house. Presently it is used for grazing a friends sheep which they want to continue to do. They request that no channels be dug into the field including swales or streams
There was a lot of time between the first P.A.S.E interview and any implementation, in which time they had changed their minds about various elements of the design.
There was a lot of time between the first P.A.S.E interview and any implementation, in which time they had changed their minds about various elements of the design.
The main principles at work in this design are...
Creatively use and respond to changeMum and Dad wanted time to consider the design and decided on a simpler version of the first one with less elements.
The problem is the solution
Observe and interactNortherly wind is sharp through this field so I have suggested planting honeysuckle along the hedge to as a wind break for the ducks in winter. I didn't suggest trees because this fence line is likely to move in the future.
Catch and store energy
Produce no wasteChickens
Veg peelings/compost>Chickens>Chicken poo>fertilizes veg bed>vegetables |
Each element performs many functionsDucks, Geese and Chickens
Observe and interactDad has lost many geese and ducks through the years to foxes and also through escaping, especially during the laying season, so we have a shed to keep them penned in over night.
I would have liked to make the run off from the pond more of a feature and have it meander down the slope of the field with copses of trees and flowers in the bends. Unfortunately there is not a consistent amount of water to support the plants survival. |
Base Map
PlantsHawthorn
Blackthorn Elderberry Garden giant mushroom Oyster mushroom Osier willow Oak Silver Birch Sweet Chestnut Raspberry Apple Pear Blackberry Water Lilly Pond Iris Plum (lots of) Budlia Assorted low growing fruit trees |
AnimalsSheep
Chickens Hedgehogs Birds Bees Butterflys Dragonflies Newts Frogs Toads |
StructuresRecycling shed
Fruit cage Benches Fire pit/free standing burner Earth oven |
EventsNature walks
Small gatherings BarBQ's Permaculture demos i.e. hedge laying if funding for hedges comes through. |
To see which plants would grow well on the land I Contacted Anne Blackburn to carry out a soil analysis.
Design 1
There were various different ways in which the pond could be used, as a swimming area, water plant/food area and for fish. Because of the field being used for sheep this idea was wiped off the agenda due to the risk of liver flukes.
Revised PASE sheet
PlantsHawthorn
Blackthorn Silver Birch Weeping willow Sweet Chestnut Water Lilly Budlia Oak |
AnimalsSheep
Hens Wild birds Ducks Geese Butterflies Newts Toads Frogs |
StructuresBenches
Duck houses Fences |
EventsRelaxing
Filming nature Nature walks |
Design 2
Costings
Hen shed
Duck/Goose shed Pond digging Trees Fencing and gate Water piping Pipe and drainage Wild flower seed Aviary panels |
£240
£320 £625 £4 £840 £330 Reclaimed pipe £3.50 Reclaimed |
Due to time and aesthetic value my parents chose to buy the sheds and the fencing rather than have them made from reclaimed materials.
What went well
What went badly
Next steps
- Parents happy with design
- Water catchment taking on board
- Ducks, Geese and hens alive
- Trees maturing and look beautiful
What went badly
- Left it too long before implementing each phase of design
Next steps
- Collect saplings
- Collect honeysuckle cuttings