Foreword
by David Holmgren

The permaculture concept, developed by Bill Mollison and myself in the mid 70’s, is the conscious design of our working relationship with nature. Further development, application and extension to a wider public have resulted in an explosive growth towards a worldwide network of activity and influence.

Many would see this growth as part of a fad and fashion element in the “global village”. Others see it as the result of Mollison’s personal energy and charisma. While these factors are undoubtedly elements in the growth of permaculture over the last twenty years, in the absence of any organisational structure and management for growth, it is reasonable to suggest that permaculture does provide some of the conceptual links and practical solutions needed to re-establish our working relationship with nature.

It is now widely accepted, almost to the level of cliche, that design is the central organising skill of the post-industrial revolution. That enough basic knowledge exists, but that this knowledge is theoretical and divided into specialist disciplines rather than being practical and integrated, is increasingly understood.

Permaculture involves the integration of ecological design principles, the ethics and values of working with nature and the detailed situation and site-specific practical realities of life. In trying to combine these three very different spheres of human activity, there is constant tension and the need to re-assert balance.

In The Basics of Permaculture Design we see the results of one experienced permaculture practitioner, designer and teacher’s efforts to maintain this balance. Ross Mars has written a clear and readable guide to permaculture design. The personal experience in dealing with the realities of the affluent society and the West Australian environment come through as hallmarks of practical knowledge, while the design process orientation and frequent examples provide a link to a wider readership.

The mass solutions in land use, livelihoods and language of our industrial culture have failed us. The hope and search for new mass solutions contradicts the site and situation specific characteristics of nature. What we need are universal, powerful and comprehensible design principles for guiding practical and diverse development.

This is the “holy grail” of permaculture which needs ongoing effort and focus. However, in life, we always lack complete understanding and yet, we must act. Ross Mars has provided a useful tool for effective action now.

David Holmgren, Hepburn. August 1996