A unique learning opportunity focused on how we can provide nutritious affordable food while enhancing biodiversity.

We are on a mission to discover methods of landscape management that can provide nutritious affordable food while enhancing biodiversity. We are delighted to be offering a unique opportunity to take part in our study, would you like to join us ?

What are we doing ?

We are undertaking a multi year study of market gardening growing herbs, vegetables and perennial fruit and nut polycultures. The study aims to compare our polyculture plots with conventional organic plots, record levels of biodiversity in the gardens and look at set up and running costs (in terms of finances and time) and outputs in terms of produce and income.

Diversity of high quality biologically produced food from our polyculture gardens 

The approach we take to market gardening goes way beyond "organic". We design biological systems that rely on the native ecology to function as opposed to external manufactured inputs, and as a result our gardens service not only our needs but the needs of other organisms too.

Click here to view our results so far 

Permaculture/Polyculture Market Garden @Balkan Ecology Project

What will you be doing ?

You'll be working closely as a team producing food from the market garden for yourself, local markets, and a food co-operative and will be recording all aspects of the process including how long it takes to develop, maintain and manage the associated costs, the fertility requirements, the returns in produce weight and income derived from the sale of the produce.

Our Polyculture Market Garden - photo by Huma

We will also be working on a new experimental garden growing perennial polycultures providing fruits, nuts, vegetables, biomass, timber and wildlife habitat.  You can find out more about our perennial polyculture trail gardens here 

Perennial Polycuture Trial Garden

​
Click here for the Garden location (labelled as  East Side Trial Garden on our Project map)

We are planning to record all aspects of the project including observed levels of invertebrate diversity  and soil analysis. We’ll be looking closely at inputs i.e set up/running costs, fertility/water requirements and time, and outputs i.e produce, income, soil fertility and invertebrate diversity.

The aim of the trials is to test the ecological and economical viability of growing these polycultures in market gardens and farms in order to meet the following needs/wants:

• production of high quality, high value food 
• cash crops from secondary/ tertiary polyculture partner species
• improvement of soil fertility
• provision of biomass for use as mulch
• timber supply for use as vegetable supports and larger round wood material for farm infrastructure
• enhanced levels of biodiversity

Some of the resident wildlife from our permaculture market garden. 

Finally, this year we'll be starting the development of a new Bee Garden - Eudaimonia

Why should you take part ?

​This is an excellent opportunity if you are considering starting a garden enjoy landscape design and/or are interested in ways to provide affordable healthy food whilst increasing biodiversity.

As a participant of this study -

• You will gain valuable insight into what it takes to actually run a market garden. As well as the practical skills you will develop, we'll dedicate time each week to covering essential theory including site design and implementation, plant propagation, polyculture management, basic botany, record keeping, harvesting, irrigation, marketing and advertising, and budgeting/financial planning. 
• Enrollment to the 6 month program entitles you to participate in courses and training events that take place during the program. 
• You will be contributing to an area of research where little information exists i.e the productivity of polycultures and associated biodiversity dynamics. 
• This study will be published online and freely available to all for future reference and you will be credited accordingly.
• You will be spending time in a truly unique area of the world, working as part of a dynamic team of fellow enthusiasts in an inspiring environment.

Previous participants in the gardens  

Where will you be?

The project is based in the town of Shipka, Bulgaria on the foothills of the Central Balkan mountain range in the Rose Valley. It's an area of high biodiversity, beautiful countryside and historical sites of global, cultural and scientific significance. The project site is located on an abandoned piece of agricultural land on the western outskirts of the town that we call the Paulownia Garden. See Map for Paulownia Garden Location.

Shipka Town - home to Balkan Ecology Project 

You'll also be learning from our existing garden, a 10 year old residential property with a highly productive and well established forest garden composed of over 400 species of plants. Our central garden is a good example of small scale intensive ecological design and includes examples of rainwater harvesting, wildlife ponds, multiple composting facilities and hosts a small plant nursery. We practice various methods of biological vegetable production including guild planting and crop rotation, and have reared pigs, chickens and rabbits from this property.

The Home Garden

How to take part?

The study will run from April 1st - September 30th. Ideally you will be able to commit to the project for the full duration of time. We are also willing to accept applications for shorter periods of time if you feel passionate about joining the project but cannot dedicate 6 months, 4 week being the minimum.

The contribution for joining the study for the full 6 month period ( April 1st - September 30th) is €650. This includes rent and bills for the whole period and admission to all courses and events held during those dates.

If you would like to participate for less than the full 6 months the fee is €150 per month, (price includes rent and bills.)

Once we have received your registration we will contact you and arrange a Skype meeting to talk through the process and answer any questions that may arise.

Following this, if you decide you would like to take part, the fee for the duration of your stay should be paid in full to secure your place. Payment can be made via PayPal (processing fees apply ) or bank transfer in £,€ or BGN.

Accommodation

Our self catering volunteer house is basic but comfortable in a beautiful location at the edge of Shipka and around 15 - 20 minutes walk away from the project site. The house has Wi-Fi internet, a shared kitchen and bathrooms and a garden. ​

The Volunteer House -  a view from the east 

Fruits and vegetables produced from the gardens are available to you from June onwards, and quality products such as eggs, milk, cheese, honey and meat can be purchased from local producers. The cost of living is relatively low here and estimates of living costs based on the experience of previous participants is between €90 - €120 per month.

There is plenty to do around Shipka and our location is perfect for exploring. The wild coasts of the Black and Adriatic Sea are just a few hours away, extensive trails deep into the Balkan mountains start from your doorstep. Istanbul, Bucharest and Thessaloniki are a bus ride away and there are great day trips includng Koprinka Lake, Kalofer waterfalls, Buzludja and Etara living Museum to name but a few.

Why are we undertaking this study ?

Industrial agricultural practices often result in destruction of habitat for many organisms. We believe this is unnecessary, and want to provide healthier models of agriculture that can provide nutritious affordable food while at the same time promoting biodiversity and general ecosystem health.

Industrial methods are heavily researched and funded, and there is a general belief among many farmers that this is the only practical way of operating. Following 12 years of cultivating polyculture gardens we are seeing that small scale biologically cultivated polyculture gardens are a realistic and practical way of providing food for humans whilst preserving biodiversity in the environment. Furthermore we believe this type of agriculture can help create thriving local economies that strengthen community and enhance the amenity value of an area.

Little data exists showing the productive capacity of polyculture systems and the economic viability of them. There is a big need to fill this gap and provide solid data and concise coherent models that can be replicated easily and provide real solutions to the environmental damage caused by industrial agriculture. This project intends to go some of the way in filling this gap.

Registration is now open. Register here.

Here's what previous year's participants said!

Last years polyculture study team 

"Taking part in the Polyculture Study was a life-changing and inspiring time for me. I learned loads about permaculture, about Bulgaria and to reconnect with the simple things in life. On top of that Paul, Sophie and their kids are awesome people! I'd recommend this to anyone wanting to learn more about permaculture, experiencing rural life or just thinking of a change of career and lifestyle!" - Ute Villavicencio

"I took part in the 2016 Polyculture Market Garden Study with the Balkan Ecology Project. I started without much knowledge of gardening at all, but the hands-on work at the study sites, alongside the weekly theory lessons, helped me build an understanding of permaculture principles. By putting these into practice, I learnt how to create a productive polyculture market garden, and how to apply sustainable, eco-friendly design to a plot of land.
I also had time to complete an online Introduction to Permaculture course, travel to other Bulgarian towns on weekends, walk in the mountains and work in the home garden. Paul, Sophie and the boys are wonderfully warm, supportive and knowledgeable hosts, the study team were fantastic and Shipka is a very special place. I highly recommend getting involved! " - Marika Wanklyn

" Being a part of the Polyculture Study was a very special period of my life. I realized how inspiring it is to be in touch with soil and plants, and creatures inhabiting the garden I worked in, and also to be in good touch with the people I worked with. I am happy to have had this opportunity to support the Study and the wonderful family behind it, and to be supported by them in return." Anna Boncheva

   

If you would like to create a forest garden and gain some practical hands on experience join us this Spring. We'll be covering site surveying, landscape design software, installing access, beds, irrigation channels, planting tree, shrub, herb and ground layers and making a small wildlife pond. All in 3 days! And plenty of follow up material to take away with you to digest slowly.

Design and Build a Forest Garden Course

Would you like to be involved in the project? We are currently offering 1 - 6 month positions on our polyculture study.

Permaculture and Regenerative Design Internships 

We offer a diversity of plants and seeds for permaculture and forest gardens  including a range of fruit and nut cultivars. We Deliver all over Europe from Nov - March. Give a happy plant a happy home :) 

The Bionursery

Would you like to grow your own polycultures? Check out our range of seeds, tubers and cuttings available all year around - delivery worldwide.

Grow your own permaculture polycultures -  seed, tubers, bulbs and cuttings

 If you appreciate the work we are doing you can show your support in several ways.

• Make a purchase of plants or seeds from our Bionursery

• Consider joining us on for one our  Regenerative landscape design training courses. 

• Donate directly to our Polyculture Project crowdfunding campaign. 

How to Design and Build A Forest Garden - Part 1. Surveying

Last Autumn we tried out a new course format, the "Design 'n Build", an intensive practical course where we go through the whole design process and complete the build of a project within 3 days.

We had an amazing group join us for our first course and managed to complete the design and build of a 100 m2 forest garden consisting of around 120 plants representing 22 species (not including the local plants).

Forest Gardens are an excellent way to produce food and other resources for humans while enhancing biodiversity by providing a range of habitat for wildlife within the design. They are very enjoyable to design, build and interact with. Creating a forest garden is an intellectual pursuit as well as a physical one. It’s like a living, 3D, amorphous puzzle that you can eat : )

Produce and Residents from Our Forest Gardens

We have another Design n' Build A Forest Garden Course April 25th -28th - 2019  coming up in the Spring but if you can't make it to the course to experience for yourself the creation of this new  garden, you can use this post as a guide to get going wherever you may be.

The design for the garden we built in Autumn 2018 

The Forest Garden, depicting the garden when initially planted and when mature  

I'm also planning to run a live interactive session hosted on Zoom to discuss in more depth and answer any questions related to the design and implementation of this garden.

The session will be around 2 hours long and will include :

• Overview of the Design - Design Goals and Objectives 
• Starting Point - How we approached the design of this landscape
• Rationale - Why we laid out access, water, drainage, and planting locations where we did    
• Species Selection   -  How and why we selected the various species    
• Technical Discussion - Software and tools we used 
• Closing Questions and Answers 
• Access to design spreadsheets and databases including a number of unique species lists.

The participation fee will be €30 (or the equivalent value in the currency of your choice). This will be the first time I have tried this and I hope to be able to share my experience and attract people that are interested in polyculture design in order to build a network of designers and practitioners while raising some funds to help support and develop our project's activities.

If you would like to take part please preregister by entering your name, email and timezone below and we'll get back to you once we have a fixed date. If you cannot access the form below for some reason you can find it here.

We’re super excited to start what we hope will become a regular activity to engage more people around the world.



So back to the original post -  here is how we designed and built a forest garden.

Photos from the Design n' Build A Forest Garden Course in Autumn 2018

The Site Specs   

​Climate: Temperate
Köppen Climate Classification - Dfc borderline Cfb
USDA Hardiness Zone: 5b - 7a
Latitude: 42°
Elevation: 574 m
Average Annual Rainfall: 588.5 mm

Ataraxia - Forest Garden -  before and after

A great starting point for any land based design is surveying the plot and surrounding area. On the first day of the course following a brief introduction we got straight to work with the climate surveys. This work that can be largely achieved with a PC and the internet. 

Climate Survey

We start with the climate survey that helps to define the boundaries of our options. The kind of information we are looking for here is as follows:

Mean temperatures and the average amount of rain your site receives each year and in what months that rain is received. It's very useful to have the extreme records for this info too, i.e, what is the most amount of rainfall recorded in any one event in any one month and what were the hottest and coldest days recorded.     

How much light your site receives throughout the year and how that light is distributed on the ground (which objects create shade)

If relevant, how many days of snow cover will you receive  

Temperature patterns of your site. The lowest and highest recorded temperatures are very important to know, as are the dates of your first and last frosts

The wind patterns of your site, from which direction does the wind blow and how intense is that wind?  

You can find the above information with the charts at www.meteoblue.com

Botanical Survey

We then moved onto the site to take a look at the botany, taking note of the vegetation, specifically the layers that are already growing on the site. Obviously we did not have time to record all of the plants (best achieved by surveying in each season)  but we have been making these records for the last few years. We looked at a few indicator species and methods to categorise and record plants. 

Making a botanical survey is a great way to really get to know your site and of course, the resident  plants.

Some of the amazing polyculture that already exists on the site (photos from spring- summer)

Here's a list of some of the existing plant species from this site.

TREES	HERBS
Crataegus sp. Hawthorn	Hypericum perforatum Perfoliate St John's Wort
Prunus cerasifera Myrobalan Plum	Verbascum thapsus Great Mullein
Cornus Mas Cornelian Cherry	Veronica sp. Speedwell
SHRUBS	Cruciata laevipes Crosswort
Rosa Canina Dog Rose	Galium aparine Cleavers
Rubus fruticosus var. Blackberry	Bellis perennis Daisy
Prunus spinosa Sloe	Malva alcea Malva
HERBS	Vicia lutea Yellow Vetch
Mentha longifolia Horsemint	Medicago arabica Spotted Meddick
Cichorium intybus Chicory	GROUND COVER
Origanum vulgare Oregano	Lamium maculatum Spotted Dead Nettle
Ranunculus spp. Buttercup	Clematis vitalba Travellers Joy
Aristolochia clematitis Birthwort	Hedera helix Ivy
Vicia hirsuta Hairy Tare	BULB
Plantago major Greater Plantain	Ornithogalum sp. Ornithogalum
Plantago media Hoary Plantain	Muscari neglectum Grape-hyacinth
Vicia cracca Tufted Vetch	Corydalis bulbosa Corydalis
Orlaya grandiflora White Lace	Scilla bifolia Alpine Squill

In all of the perennial polycultures I design, my intention is to retain all of the existing species and to add more edible/productive plants along with fertility/support plants to assist them. More often than not many of the plants already growing on your site will be edible, medicinal, attractive to wildlife and fascinating organisms that are well worth getting to know. 

Soil Survey

Next we made a simple but effective soil survey to gauge the quality of the soil we are working with.

The soil test covers the below:

1.GROUND COVER - What is covering the surface of the soil
2.PENETROMETER - How easy is it to penetrate the soil
3.INFILTRATION - How quickly the soil drains water
4. DIVERSITY OF MACROLIFE - Quantity of visible soil organisms present on the surface
5. ROOT DEVELOPMENT - How the plant roots are distributed throughout the soil profile
6. SOIL STRUCTURE - How the solid parts of soil and the pore space between them are arranged
7. AGGREGATE STABILITY - How stable is the structural arrangement
8. EARTHWORMS - How many
9. LAB ANALYSIS - pH - the mineral content of your soil

Katrin, Andreas and Frances Making the soil test.

Apart from Lab Analysis, all of the tests can be carried out with materials you will likely have around you. This soil test, when repeated each year, is a great way to track the progress of your soil overtime and to see how your methods are increasing or decreasing the health of your soil. The tests were developed by Northern Rivers and you can find full instructions and more info here.

Cadastral and Topography Survey 

After lunch we were back on site for the cadastral survey, to  mark the perimeter of the design area and to make a topography survey in order to gain an understanding of the shape of the ground i.e where it slopes, high points and low points etc.

Cadastral - In this case the boundary for the garden was defined by existing features of the site, i.e, a hedgerow to the west, a main access path to the east, the property boundary to the south and an overflow swale for the main pond to the north. When marking the boundaries of the design we made sure to include a 1 m wide pathway around the entire area.

The corners of the plot were staked and we measured the distance between each corner with a measuring wheel taking note of each distance between each point in order to recreate the design on software later. You can also do this with a very accurate GPS (RTK based) and an orthophoto (an aerial photograph or image geometrically corrected such that the scale is uniform and corresponds to the GPS data).

A standard smart phone GPS and google earth do not provide anything of practical use at this scale. For a multi hectare plot they are adequate to gain a general impression.

Topography Survey - Next we embarked upon the topography survey

Using a transit level we established the contour lines on the site and measured elevation distance from the highest to the lowest point of the site. 

We found we have a mild slope from the North to the South and towards the East. Given that we have an irrigation channel to the west of the garden this meant that we could arrange irrigation channels and  planting patterns to take advantage of gravity to irrigate all of the plants on the site.

The irrigation channel design we choose determined the layout of our access which in turn provided  us with a number of subdivisions within the plot.

That's all for this post, and in How to Design and Build A Forest Garden - Part 2 - Creating, we will look at how we selected plants for the design, the rationale behind our plant placement , how we prepared the site for the work to begin,  how we established the irrigation channels, pathways and planting zones for the plants, our planting out techniques and how to manage the garden.

If you enjoyed this post please leave us a comment and a like and even better share it with your friends on social media. The more our articles are shared the more likely they are to appear in search engines and the further we can reach people with our message and grow our project.

Registration for our April course is now open with 15% discount on accommodation and food fees when you register as a group (2 or more).

Design and Build a Forest Garden Course

Would you like to be involved in the project? We are currently offering 1 - 6 month positions on our polyculture study.

Permaculture and Regenerative Design Internships 

We offer a diversity of plants and seeds for permaculture and forest gardens including a range of fruit and nut cultivars. We Deliver all over Europe from Nov - March.
Give a happy plant a happy home :) 

The Bionursery

Grow your own permaculture polycultures -  seed, tubers, bulbs and cuttings

 If you appreciate the work we are doing you can show your support in several ways.

• Make a purchase of plants or seeds from our Bionursery

• Consider joining us on for one our  Regenerative landscape design training courses 

• Donate directly to our Polyculture Project crowdfunding campaign. 

• Comment, like and share our content on social media.