permaculture

Workshop Module 10: Animal Systems 289

Field activity : Fences for chicken/duck and vegetables (Animal Ex. 3)

Method   :  Participatory   field   activity

Tools    :  See chicken/duck    and vegetables  (Animal Ex. 2)

References : PC Book MOD 10 – Animal Systems; PC Book MOD 7 – Farming;

PC Book MOD 6 – Home and Community Gardens;

PC Book MOD 8 – Forests, Tree Crops, and Bamboo

Objective : Participants practice making fences for an integrated animal system

This exercise involves building swales on contour, with living fences of legume trees
planted on them. The living fences create sections for the animals, reduce erosion,
protect the soil, and provide food for the animals. Even mostly flat land will benefit from
using the contoured swale technique for dividing the land into sections.

• This exercise can be designed and constructed on land already used for
  vegetables and/or on a new piece of land.


• Temporary fences can be made so that the system can be used immediately,
  and long-term living fences grown using legume trees like gliricidia or leucaena.


• The temporary structures will need to be strong enough to:
  
  
  • Last for at least 1 year.
  
  
  • Protect the new trees from the chicken or ducks.
  
  
  • Stop the chickens from escaping.
  
  
  
  

Running this exercise

• Ensure that all the tools and materials needed are on hand.


• Together with the participants survey the site.


• If there is a slope on the land, any long, straight sides/fences in the design
  should be contoured to maximise soil and water retention.


• The participants can divide themselves into groups to each complete a section
  of the fence. Each section will also need a gate.


• Mark out where the living fences will be planted.


• Prepare the ground for planting and swales.


• Build the swales and plant out the legume tree seeds or cuttings.


• When they are done, the whole group can work together to water and mulch
  the legume tree seeds or cuttings.

Review and feedback

Review the results of each work group’s construction with all of the participants and

discuss the functions and benefits of the different system. Answer any questions.

See PC Book MOD 6 – Home and Community Gardens, PC Book MOD 8 - Forests,

Tree Crops, and Bamboo, PC Book MOD 10 - Animal Systems, and other exercises

in this book for reference and ideas.

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