Imagine a world where people create a more sustainable, thriving future. Permaculture is an approach to designing human settlements and agricultural systems that mimics the patterns and relationships found in natural ecosystems. It’s an approach that values sustainability, community building, and resource sharing over short-term gain.
With permaculture projects springing up around the globe from greenhouses to gardens it can be hard to know where to start or what kind of project will work best for your particular needs or interests.
But don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with this list of 10 amazing permaculture projects that will inspire you to take action:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Permaculture is a design system that creates sustainable ecosystems. |
| Permaculture techniques maximize efficiency and minimize waste. |
| Permaculture principles can be applied in urban areas. |
| Permaculture gardening offers many benefits for the environment and community. |
| Permaculture gardening is suitable for both beginners and experienced gardeners. |
Panya Project, Thailand
The Panya Project is an organic farm and school located in Thailand. Founded by Montanya Brindley, Panya means “healing” in Thai, as well as “the land of abundance”.
The mission of this organization is to spread the knowledge about permaculture and sustainable living.
The Panya Project offers courses for anyone interested in learning how to garden organically and grow their own food.
They also have a permaculture research center where people can stay for free if they want to learn more about sustainable living, ecovillage design, or even just enjoy the beautiful scenery of Thailand!
Learn how to create a beautiful and sustainable garden using permaculture principles. Our step-by-step guide to permaculture for beginners will help you transform your space into a thriving ecosystem!
The Incredible Farm, Australia
The Incredible Farm is a permaculture farm in Australia that has been operating for over 30 years. This amazing project was the brainchild of a group of volunteers who wanted to create a sustainable food source for their community.
The idea behind this farm is that it can be run by anyone no experience necessary and no special equipment needed!
The Incredible Farm provides free training courses on how to set up your own permaculture garden at home or school. All you need are seeds, soil, water and some hard work. Once established, your new garden will produce enough food for both you and others in your community—and it won’t cost you anything to do so!
Award-Winning Sustainable Farms in Australia
| Name | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Incredible Farm | Djanbung Gardens, NSW | An award-winning permaculture and community-based farm that offers hands-on courses, workshops, and internships. |
| CERES Community Environment Park | Melbourne, VIC | A community-based urban farm that features a market, organic café, and education center, and offers a range of workshops and events. |
| Pocket City Farms | Camperdown Commons, NSW | A sustainable, chemical-free farm that produces seasonal veggies and fruits and offers educational programs and events. |
| Broome Farm | Balingup, WA | A biodynamic and carbon-positive farm that produces organic veggies, fruits, and honey and offers farm tours and a nature playground for kids. |
| Marna Produce | Marna, QLD | A family-owned regenerative farm that produces free-range eggs, pastured pork and beef, and raw honey, and offers farm tours and workshops. |
Spiral Farm, California
The Spiral Farm is a unique permaculture project in California. The farm uses permaculture, aquaponics and earthworks to produce food. It’s run by a group of volunteers who are dedicated to growing healthy fruits and vegetables while educating people about the importance of sustainable farming practices.
The Spiral Farm was built on land donated by the local community, which can be hard to come by these days when so much land has been paved over or used for other purposes—especially in urban areas where space is limited!
Did you know that using permaculture techniques can help you save water, improve soil health, and grow more food in less space? Check out our article on the incredible benefits of permaculture gardening to learn more about how permaculture can revolutionize your garden!
Findhorn Foundation, Scotland
The Findhorn Foundation is a spiritual community in Scotland founded in 1962 by Peter and Eileen Caddy. It is home to the Findhorn Community, which includes people who live there and others who visit to learn about sustainable living practices and spirituality.
Eco-Communities in Scotland
| Name | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Findhorn Foundation Community | Findhorn, Moray | One of the world’s largest intentional communities, the Findhorn Foundation is home to over 400 residents and visitors from around the world who share a commitment to sustainability, spirituality, and personal growth. |
| Camphill Community | Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire | A worldwide network of communities for adults and children with learning disabilities, mental health issues, and other special needs. The Aberdeen community provides daily activities, workshops, and therapies aimed at building meaningful and fulfilling lives. |
| ECOVillage at Findhorn | Findhorn, Moray | A planned ecovillage within the Findhorn Foundation community that offers low-impact, energy-efficient housing and community spaces, shared gardens, and sustainable living practices. |
| The Green Valleys | Brecon Beacons, Powys | A community-led initiative that seeks to create a sustainable and resilient future for the Brecon Beacons area through green energy production, eco-tourism, and community engagement. |
| Gigha Halibut | Gigha Island, Western Isles | A successful and sustainable fish farming project that utilizes natural seawater and clean energy to raise halibut in a low-impact and efficient way. The project also contributes to community development and education initiatives. |
Las Cañadas Verdes, Spain
Imagine living in a place where you can grow your own food, spend time in nature, and enjoy the company of others. Las Cañadas Verdes is this kind of place. It was designed by the architect Luis Viñoly and is located in Alcobendas, Spain. It’s a sustainable community that includes schools, libraries, medical centres and green spaces for children to play in.
Permaculture isn’t just about gardening, it’s a way of life that emphasizes sustainability, community, and resilience. Explore the potential of permaculture and how it can help create a better future by reading our article on permaculture as the ultimate solution for a sustainable future!
Zaytuna Farm, Australia
Zaytuna Farm is a permaculture project in Australia founded by permaculture teacher and designer Penny Livingston-Stark. It has a permaculture education center, an eco-village, and a permaculture demonstration site.
The farm provides education opportunities for people seeking to learn about sustainable living practices through its courses on permaculture.
Wheaton Laboratory for Psycho-Botany, Maryland
Wheaton Laboratory for Psycho-Botany is a non-profit organization that focuses on the study of medicinal plants.
They have a permaculture garden, greenhouse, living roof and composting toilet. The Wheaton Lab also has an orchard with fruit trees and nut trees.
Discover the transformative power of permaculture! In our article on how permaculture transformed my life and how it can benefit yours, we share personal stories and insights on the profound impact permaculture can have on your lifestyle and outlook on the world.
Tamera Peace Research Village, Portugal
Located in northeastern Portugal, Tamera is a permaculture-based community that aims to integrate sustainability and self-sufficiency into all aspects of life.
The community wants to create an alternative lifestyle that aligns with the human spirit and natural order. They believe that doing so can bring greater fulfillment, happiness, health and well-being to everyone who lives there and they’re working hard to make it happen.
While you can visit Tamera as a guest or volunteer at any time throughout the year, there are also plenty of ways for you to get involved from afar:
- Donate money or supplies (like seeds) through their website
- Attend one of their annual events like their Fall Festival which takes place every October in Spain
Institute of Applied Ecology, Oregon
This project, a nonprofit organization in Oregon, aims to bring together people from all walks of life to explore and practice sustainable living.
The permaculture design principles guide the Institute’s mission through education and research that supports efforts toward regenerative systems and cultures.
Permaculture is a way of life that integrates design, ecology, and community into harmonious systems for human habitat development.
Permaculture teaches us how to live in greater harmony with our environment so that we can have more abundance in our lives while preserving biodiversity on Earth.
Permaculture isn’t just a hobby, it’s a world-changing movement that’s gaining momentum around the globe. Get inspired by these 10 amazing permaculture projects that are transforming communities, improving lives, and promoting sustainability around the world!
Costa Rica Eco-Village, Costa Rica
An eco-village is a community of people who are dedicated to living an ecologically sustainable lifestyle. It’s a place where they grow their own food, build their own homes and make their own clothes—and they have their own businesses.
The first eco-village was established in 1984 in Costa Rica; today over 100 people live and work on the farm. The community has been so successful that it offers visitors an opportunity to learn about permaculture design through immersive experiences including internships and volunteer work.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for inspiration to start your own permaculture garden or just want to learn more about the fascinating world of food production, these projects are sure to motivate you.
Keep in mind that every single one of these places has its own unique story and culture, so if you visit any of them during your next vacation, make sure it feels right for you!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources to dive deeper into the world of permaculture and sustainable gardening:
Tips on Growing a Permaculture Garden: This article offers practical tips on how to create a successful permaculture garden that’s both productive and beautiful.
Global Green Inspiration: 10 Inspiring Permaculture Projects from Around the World: Take a virtual tour of 10 inspiring permaculture projects from around the world in this photo-rich blog post.
10 Great Permaculture Websites: Explore the online permaculture community with this list of 10 of the best permaculture websites out there.
FAQs
What is permaculture?
Permaculture is a design system that seeks to create sustainable and regenerative ecosystems that mimic the patterns of nature. It involves a holistic approach to gardening and living that emphasizes diversity, resilience, and community building.
What are some permaculture techniques?
Permaculture techniques include techniques such as companion planting, crop rotation, contouring, composting, rainwater harvesting, and using natural pest control methods. These techniques are designed to maximize efficiency and minimize waste while working in harmony with nature.
Can permaculture be applied in urban areas?
Yes, permaculture principles can be applied even in urban areas where green space may be limited. Techniques such as container gardening, rooftop gardens, and edible landscaping can help create sustainable and regenerative ecosystems even in dense urban settings.
What are some benefits of permaculture gardening?
Permaculture gardening offers a wide range of benefits, including reducing waste, conserving water, promoting biodiversity, improving soil health, and increasing food security. Permaculture gardening can also help build stronger communities and promote a deeper connection to nature.
Is permaculture gardening suitable for beginners?
Yes, permaculture gardening is suitable for both experienced gardeners and beginners. While it requires a certain level of knowledge and understanding, there are many resources available to help beginners get started. It’s also a great way to learn about sustainable living and deepen your connection to the natural world.
I’m Hellen James, and I’m an urban farmer and blogger. I’ve been growing food in my backyard for years, and I love sharing what I’ve learned with other people who want to start farming in their own yards.