We have transformed an intensively managed 6 acre field into a sustainable and productive forest garden.
We purchased the plot in August 2010 and have transformed an empty field into a Forest garden, planting over 4000 trees to help us, and the wider community to achieve a more sustainable lifestyle. We have planted a diverse range of fruit, nut and fuel trees, as well as willow and hazel trees for weaving and building materials. We are also growing perennial and annual vegetables using organic and permaculture principles. We have dug 4 ponds to improve water capture and improve the area as a wildlife friendly space. We have also reintroduced native wildflowers and put up nest boxes for Owls, Kestrels and other birds.
Jonathan Barker has been vegan for 22 years and has managed Maypole forest garden in Essex for 11 years. We have planted around 4500 trees on our 6 acre smallholding which is managed for nature as well as producing abundant yields of fruits, vegetable and nuts. As well as being a manager for Environmental charity the Wilderness Foundation, Jonathan encourages community engagement with sustainable food production and would like to see the forest garden model spread throughout the UK.
A Vegan Organic Network Production
www.veganorganic.net