The aim is to create a low input, high output system that benefits people and the environment, providing a great range of products. A forest garden is designed and established according to site and the needs of the client.  

The course will assist participants to visualize, plan, establish and continue to maintain, harvest and learn from a forest garden, be it at home or on someone else's land such as a community garden, school garden, etc.

The basic 2-day course will cover:

• Benefits of forest gardening
• Site selection and design
• Integration of permaculture principles and design process
• Species selection
• Plant propagation
• Site preparation, establishment and maintenance; harvesting
• Processing of produce
• Integration with other farm and garden systems
  

Karuna is located within an area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB) at Picklescott, on the lower slopes of the Long Mynd, facing far-reaching open views of the Stretton Hills and surrounding countryside. This area, once covered in trees, is now naked compared to what it once was. Being lovers of trees and the land we have a desire to restore a small part of it. Karuna is an 18 acre site of three separate woodlands (approx 9 acres). Over 50 species were planted in the winter 2006, with additional planting since, including many traditional fruit trees, nitrogen fixing trees, plants and herbs. This lays the foundations for agroforestry and forest gardening using permaculture and natural farming techniques/principles for production of fruits, nuts, vegetables and medicinal plants. The project exists to demonstrate that sustainable land management is the only way forward if the present climate crisis is to be reversed. That is if there is to be any future for our children.

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Website: www.karuna.org.uk