Wish-list for food forest land

Posted by James Samuel on February 20, 2009 at 4:57am
After the second (almost full house) screening of The Food Forest film at the cinema, Gary Wilton (bless you Gary) came up to me and asked if we could provide a list of wants for the ideal land for a Waiheke Food Forest.
Here's what has come up so far in this discussion, and in conversations I have had with people. Please add more if you think of it, and I will add it here:
  • North Facing - preferable
  • With water - not necessary
  • Already tree'd or only grass - less important, can work with either
  • Visible/Access - preferable it is close to bulk of population. Could be a walk-in site, though heavy machinery access might be needed in the beginning.
  • How big - An acre would be good - five would be better.
  • Slope - gentle rather than steep, could be 'flat' as nothing is really flat and water which lands on it can still be harvested even on land that appears flat (see video below)

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Replies

  • James Samuel February 23, 2009 at 10:10pm
    I have edited the discussion to reflect the wish list from your comments (see top of the page). I also added a video of Geoff in a project in the desert just to contrast the Queensland experience. Please add more ideas, otherwise this is the wish list as it stands to date.
  • James Samuel February 23, 2009 at 8:44pm
    When the Waiheke Primary School was built in the valley at the head of the wetlands flowing out into Putiki Bay, the Pukekos simply moved further up. I was living on the top of Seaview Rd (just below View Rd) on top of the hill. The Pukekos had no trouble finding stuff in my elevated garden which they liked. Worth thinking about location in relation to these guys, but we may find they migrate if we provide an environment they like. Then we will need to look at other solutions...

    Christy Ralphs said:
    not an 'expert' comment by any means but especially after my current battles at my place i would say away from any established populations of pukeko, so i guess that means no wetland areas nearby (although a wetland area at bottom would absorb excess water in winter for swale system but don't underestimate the puks!)
  • Claire Mummery February 23, 2009 at 10:49am
    Hey James, more than happy to be involved in the food forest for sure. You have great vision my friend
  • Christy Ralphs February 21, 2009 at 11:11am
    not an 'expert' comment by any means but especially after my current battles at my place i would say away from any established populations of pukeko, so i guess that means no wetland areas nearby (although a wetland area at bottom would absorb excess water in winter for swale system but don't underestimate the puks!)
  • Richard February 21, 2009 at 6:48am
    Hi All

    Firstly I think we should be asking, do we want a food forest contour swale system or a food forest without the earth works.

    Swales are designed to infiltrate water into the landscape, which is probably a good thing on Waiheke through the summer months but during the winter it could mean that landscape below the swale can become waterlogged. Which is something to be aware of. Contour swales are not really appropriate for steep areas as well as they can possibly lead to slips later down the track.

    So really the wish list probably includes bare, gentle north sloping land that is easily accessable.

    If a swale system is preffered its probably then worth assessing any potential sites based on some other criteria around soil type, catchment, etc.

    cheers
    Richard
  • Gary Wilton February 20, 2009 at 5:22am
    Other questions - visible to passing motorists? Flat? How big? Drive on access or walk on access?
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