As summarised by Deborah in notes from 2011_04_07 meeting: General brief for Quadrangle Forest Garden: To put former pasture field to productive use using permaculture principles To create a place of beauty To encourage and enhance wildlife habitats To include campsite – approx 20 tent pitches To include space for parking of approx 20 cars To involve ‘partners in practice’ in planting, managing and harvesting produce To be developed as a model forest garden and used as a teaching/learning resource Additional requirements: Space for a large tent or yurt Place for bonfires Compost Compost toilets Access to water Rainwater harvesting Toolstore Propagation area Above was based on Josef reading out key points from below: * put field to productive and sustainable use for a community vegetable or fruit growing project * enhance it as a wildlife habitat * follow permaculture principles * design and plant a forest garden combined with a campsite * involve ‘partners in practice’ who will develop a long term relationship with the forest garden, be involved in its creation, its maintenance and in its products * an example of permaculture in practice which can be used as a teaching resource for training courses, demonstrations * recycling – composting, compost toilets, water harvesting * The main aim is not maximum production of fruit or vegetables but the creation of a forest garden - which can be enjoyed for its beauty - can be used as a teaching resource - can be shared with others who will help in its maintenance and in the gathering of the harvest * space for car parking for say 20 cars * camping spaces for 60 people, say 20 pitches * space for a large semi-permanent yurt or tipi * gathering/social/ bonfire place/s * composting toilets * composting areas * water supply – rainwater harvesting * lockable tool store on site What trees? Apples, pears, quince, plums Shrub layer – soft fruit: raspberries, red and white currants, gooseberries Coppicing/pollarding to supply wood for camp fires The produce – what happens to it? Fruit juicing, drying? A mobile juicer? Conversion of part of the stables? A micro food enterprise based in the barn ? Food dryer Fruit juicer Asking question – How can the quadrangle be an asset for the community? Car Parking space Fire spots Meditation space Unloading space and wheel barrow point to move luggage Fruit Compost loos A yearly rhythm of woskshops that would sustain the site An ‘enchanted world’ feeling A big gathering space Cutting edge experimental use of plants and design Access to river A fire safety spot Food outputs A juicing / drying unit that could roam and be lent out Outreach to local abandoned orchards Shower / handwashing space with hot water Lockable shed Wheelchair accessable Space for chicken tractor Storage system for fire wood Efficient heating and fire wood system Water Time to tend What happens to harvest – dealing with surplus Fruit preserving and drying techniques and equipment ---- Currently in woodland: Alder Ash Sycamore Field Maple Elder Hazel Poplar Snow berry