West Cork Permaculture

I moved from West Dorset to West Cork in 1992 leaving behind a full time job and with a dream to do a “back to the land trip”! I bought 20 acres of wild mountainside overlooking Bantry Bay on the Sheep’s Head Peninsular. I became in inspired by Permaculture in 1993 after reading Bill Mollison’s Permaculture Manual and then invited Patrick Whitefield over to do an introduction to Permaculture course, which was very stimulating. I have been working on my project here for the last 13 years building a home and barn, planting woodlands, improving meadows, designing a productive garden, chicken system, small ponds and an orchard area.

I have endeavoured to use permaculture principles, ethics and design methods in all aspects of my life. I recently completed a permaculture design course and have just enrolled for the diploma in applied permaculture design. In addition to keeping busy on the project I have been raising my 2 daughters,(Rosie 14 and Rachel 12) involving them in the project.

Work outside of the farm has included garden design work and selling surplus produce. I am currently engaged in creating new woodlands.

Most inspiring has been the opportunity to get to know this piece of land so intimately and to observe the changes over time.

We aspire to live as sustainably as possible whilst acknowledging the challenges and inevitable contradictions that this creates, living in today’s society and preparing for an uncertain future.