class: center, middle # How to create <br>a forest garden plan _Record the earth, water, wind & things_ [](/) by Jake Rayson [@ForestGdnWales](https://twitter.com/ForestGdnWales) [forestgarden.wales/wildlife-forest-garden/plan](https://www.forestgarden.wales/wildlife-forest-garden/plan/) ###### **Press `P` to see notes and credits**<br>This work is licensed under a [Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License](http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), embedded work may have other licenses. --- # What we’ll learn 1. Why plans are useful 2. How to create a plan 3. Measuring techniques 4. Which observations to record  ??? * Photo by Philip Goddard [on Flickr](https://www.flickr.com/photos/philip_goddard/39873117102) * See which way the wind blows! * Plan first * Measurements onto plan --- # 1. Why plans are useful * Plan **communicates** design * Moving symbols easier than things * Documenting aids memory  ??? * A plan is a tool with different functions * “Designing on the ground” _possible_ but often impractical * Plan good at communicating with others * Plan good at focussing the mind (“at least, I think I know what I want”) ??? “[A map is not the territory](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Map–territory_relation#"A_map_is_not_the_territory") it represents, but, if correct, it has a similar structure to the territory, which accounts for its usefulness.” ~ Alfred Korzybski, Science and Sanity, p. 58 --- ## A forest garden plan * Tree heights & diameters * [Spacing](https://www.forestgarden.wales/blog/tree-spacing-forest-garden/) critical for light * Document observations on the plan  ??? * Tree heights & diameter determine light * [Sun Surveyor](https://www.sunsurveyor.com) * Emulate **edge** of woodland! --- ## Cool tools: analogue * 50m measuring tape 👈 * 2-3m marked bamboo * Bamboo & knotted string measurer  ??? * Measuring tape about £10 --- ## Cool tools: analogue * 50m measuring tape * 2-3m marked bamboo 👈 * Bamboo & knotted string measurer  ??? * Bamboo easier than tape for quick measuring --- ## Cool tools: analogue * 50m measuring tape * 2-3m marked bamboo * Bamboo & knotted string measurer 👈  ??? * Knot every 0.5 metres * Mark 1 metre knots distinguishable colour eg RGB --- ## Cool tools: digital * Map web apps 👈 * [QCAD](https://qcad.org) Computer Aided Design * [Sun Surveyor](https://www.sunsurveyor.com) app  ??? * [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps), [Bing maps](https://www.bing.com/maps), try [USGS EarthExplorer](https://earthexplorer.usgs.gov) * [Ground Stability website](https://groundstability.com/public/web/log-order?execution=e1s5) * Ordnance Survey data, [buy custom OS maps The Map Centre](https://www.themapcentre.com) * OS data not always that accurate! * Drones for the future! --- ## Cool tools: digital * Map web apps * [QCAD](https://qcad.org) Computer Aided Design 👈 * [Sun Surveyor](https://www.sunsurveyor.com) app  --- ## Cool tools: digital * Map web apps * [QCAD](https://qcad.org) Computer Aided Design * [Sun Surveyor](https://www.sunsurveyor.com) app 👈  --- # 2. Create a plan 1. Paper plan: scale 2. CAD plan: satellite  ??? * Measuring: house _then_ garden * Use **combination** of digital and analogue * Not covering major groundwork, landscaping or construction! --- ## Paper plan: scale * 1:50 means 1m = 2cm * Average UK garden 16m x 5m * At 1:50 scale, 16m x 5m → 32cm x 10cm  ??? * Your scale depends on size of your garden & paper * Rough measurement of garden * 1:100 means 1m = 1cm * Use largest, simplest scale possible * A3 5mm squared pad 29.7cm x 42cm, less than £10 --- ## CAD plan: satellite 1. Screenshot satellite 2. Pixels per metre 3. Image scale factor 4. Scale image  ??? Screengrab **for personal use only** 1. Screenshot: maximum resolution **with scale**, save as JPEG 2. Calculate pixels per metre 3. Calculate image scale factor 4. Import: create new CAD file, save image in same folder, import image 5. Resize: image automatically scaled at 1 pixel per metre. Select image, open `Property Editor`, enter image scale factor Instructions online: [Forest garden CAD photo](https://www.forestgarden.wales/blog/forest-garden-cad-photo/) --- ## CAD plan: <span class="u-smaller">1. Screenshot satellite</span> * Highest resolution possible * Be sure to include scale, in metres * Save as good quality JPEG  <h6 class="breadcrumb"><span class="u-underline">Screenshot satellite</span> – Pixels per metre — Image scale factor – Scale image</h6> ??? * Resolution varies between vendors --- ## CAD plan: <span class="u-smaller">2. Pixels per metre</span> 1. Measure pixel length of metres scale 2. Work out **_pixels per metre_** ratio 3. Eg _106px ÷ 5 metres_ → _21.2px per metre_  <h6 class="breadcrumb">Screenshot satellite – <span class="u-underline">Pixels per metre</span> — Image scale factor – Scale image</h6> ??? * Use Photoshop or Open Source [GIMP](https://www.gimp.org) --- ## CAD plan: <span class="u-smaller">3. Image scale factor</span> 1. QCAD imports image _1px per metre_ 2. We want **our** ratio eg _21.2px per metre_ 3. Divide 1 by our ratio eg _1 ÷ 21.2 = 0.047169811_ Our _image scale factor_ is **0.047169811** <h6 class="breadcrumb">Screenshot satellite – Pixels per metre — <span class="u-underline">Image scale factor</span> – Scale image</h6> --- ## CAD plan: <span class="u-smaller">4. Scale image</span> 1. `File → Import` , `Select → Select All` 👈 3. `View → Property Editor` 4. `Width & Height Factor:` _image scale factor_ <span class="our-scale-factor">Our <em>image<br>scale factor</em> is<br><strong>0.047169811</strong></span>  <h6 class="breadcrumb">Screenshot satellite – Pixels per metre — Image scale factor – <span class="u-underline">Scale image</span></h6> ??? * QCAD document same folder as image * File → Import --- ## CAD plan: <span class="u-smaller">4. Scale image</span> 1. `File → Import` , `Select → Select All` 👈 3. `View → Property Editor` 4. `Width & Height Factor:` _image scale factor_ <span class="our-scale-factor">Our <em>image<br>scale factor</em> is<br><strong>0.047169811</strong></span>  <h6 class="breadcrumb">Screenshot satellite – Pixels per metre — Image scale factor – <span class="u-underline">Scale image</span></h6> ??? * Select → Select All --- ## CAD plan: <span class="u-smaller">4. Scale image</span> 1. `File → Import` , `Select → Select All` 3. `View → Property Editor` 👈 4. `Width & Height Factor:` _image scale factor_ <span class="our-scale-factor">Our <em>image<br>scale factor</em> is<br><strong>0.047169811</strong></span>  <h6 class="breadcrumb">Screenshot satellite – Pixels per metre — Image scale factor – <span class="u-underline">Scale image</span></h6> ??? * View → Property Editor --- ## CAD plan: <span class="u-smaller">4. Scale image</span> 1. `File → Import` , `Select → Select All` 3. `View → Property Editor` 👈 4. `Width & Height Factor:` _image scale factor_ <span class="our-scale-factor">Our <em>image<br>scale factor</em> is<br><strong>0.047169811</strong></span>  <h6 class="breadcrumb">Screenshot satellite – Pixels per metre — Image scale factor – <span class="u-underline">Scale image</span></h6> ??? * View → Property Editor --- ## CAD plan: <span class="u-smaller">4. Scale image</span> 1. `File → Import` , `Select → Select All` 3. `View → Property Editor` 4. `Width & Height Factor:` _image scale factor_ 👈 <span class="our-scale-factor">Our <em>image<br>scale factor</em> is<br><strong>0.047169811</strong></span>  <h6 class="breadcrumb">Screenshot satellite – Pixels per metre — Image scale factor – <span class="u-underline">Scale image</span></h6> ??? * Width & Height Factor --- ## CAD plan: <span class="u-smaller">4. Scale image</span> 1. `File → Import` , `Select → Select All` 3. `View → Property Editor` 4. `Width & Height Factor:` _image scale factor_ 👈 <span class="our-scale-factor">Our <em>image<br>scale factor</em> is<br><strong>0.047169811</strong></span>  <h6 class="breadcrumb">Screenshot satellite – Pixels per metre — Image scale factor – <span class="u-underline">Scale image</span></h6> ??? * Width & Height Factor --- ## CAD plan: <span class="u-smaller">4. Scale image</span> 1. `File → Import` , `Select → Select All` 3. `View → Property Editor` 4. `Width & Height Factor:` _image scale factor_ 👈 <span class="our-scale-factor">Our <em>image<br>scale factor</em> is<br><strong>0.047169811</strong></span>  <h6 class="breadcrumb">Screenshot satellite – Pixels per metre — Image scale factor – <span class="u-underline">Scale image</span></h6> ??? * Width & Height Factor --- # 3. Measuring techniques 1. Running dimension 👈 2. Triangulation 3. Offsets  ??? * Measure house, then garden * Direct line, A to B! * Running dimension good for houses --- # 3. Measuring techniques 1. Running dimension 2. Triangulation 👈 3. Offsets  ??? * Measure house first * Triangulation. Off fixed point ie house --- # 3. Measuring techniques 1. Running dimension 2. Triangulation 👈 3. Offsets  --- # 3. Measuring techniques 1. Running dimension 2. Triangulation 👈 3. Offsets  --- # 3. Measuring techniques 1. Running dimension 2. Triangulation 👈 3. Offsets  --- # 3. Measuring techniques 1. Running dimension 2. Triangulation 👈 3. Offsets  --- # 3. Measuring techniques 1. Running dimension 2. Triangulation 3. Offsets 👈  --- # 3. Measuring techniques 1. Running dimension 2. Triangulation 3. Offsets 👈  --- # 3. Measuring techniques 1. Running dimension 2. Triangulation 3. Offsets 👈  --- # 3. Measuring techniques 1. Running dimension 2. Triangulation 3. Offsets 👈  --- # 4. Survey observations 1. Position 2. Elements 3. Features 4. Situation  ??? 1. Position: the **aspect**, the orientation, elevation, slope 2. Elements: water, wind, sun, earth 3. Features: existing plants, utilities, structures, access 4. Situation: neighbours, privacy, noise, smell * Photograph extensively! Landscape shots. closeups of features. Shots from different angles eg upstairs window * [Cloudinary](https://cloudinary.com), storing images --- ## 1. Position * Orientation 👈 * Elevation * Slope  <h6 class="breadcrumb"><span class="u-underline">Position</span> – Elements — Features – Situation</h6> ??? * Orientation, standard compass on iPhone --- ## 1. Position * Orientation * Elevation 👈 * Slope  <h6 class="breadcrumb"><span class="u-underline">Position</span> – Elements — Features – Situation</h6> ??? * Elevation, [GPS coordinates](https://www.gps-coordinates.net) website map, screenshot --- ## 1. Position * Orientation * Elevation * Slope 👈  <h6 class="breadcrumb"><span class="u-underline">Position</span> – Elements — Features – Situation</h6> ??? * Ordnance survey map gives you an idea of contour lines * Important for creating swales, which are more important for dry areas * You can survey more accurate contour lines using a [bunyip](https://permaculturenews.org/2016/06/13/bunyip-water-level-measure-contour-lines-swales/) & 2 people --- ## 2. Elements * Water 👈 * Earth * Wind * Sun * Climate <img class="right-img" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_460/v1544352625/ripple-44722376371.jpg" alt="B&W ripple in water"> <h6 class="breadcrumb">Position – <span class="u-underline">Elements</span> — Features – Situation</h6> ??? * Water - drainage and surface water --- ## 2. Elements * Water * Earth 👈 * Wind * Sun * Climate <img class="right-img" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_460/v1550874437/pond-483C5342.jpg" alt="Pond half dug out"> <h6 class="breadcrumb">Position – <span class="u-underline">Elements</span> — Features – Situation</h6> ??? * Geology - local farmers, archeology. Or, dig! * Here is shale, just under the surface --- ## 2. Elements * Water * Earth 👈 * Wind * Sun * Climate <img class="right-img" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_460/v1558802530/soil-93FDE823.jpg" alt="Digging spade in dry soil"> <h6 class="breadcrumb">Position – <span class="u-underline">Elements</span> — Features – Situation</h6> ??? * Soil - pH test, sausage test, jar test. And local farmers coop for nutrients NPK test --- ## 2. Elements * Water * Earth * Wind 👈 * Sun * Climate <img class="right-img" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_460/v1574167346/meteoblue-windmap.jpg" alt="Wind map from Meteoblue"> <h6 class="breadcrumb">Position – <span class="u-underline">Elements</span> — Features – Situation</h6> ??? * Wind * Wind map from [Meteoblue](https://www.meteoblue.com) * [Met Office Weather Observations](https://wow.metoffice.gov.uk) --- ## 2. Elements * Water * Earth * Wind * Sun 👈 * Climate <img class="right-img" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_460/v1542489153/sun-nov.jpg" alt="Screenshot of Sun Surveyor app"> <h6 class="breadcrumb">Position – <span class="u-underline">Elements</span> — Features – Situation</h6> ??? * Our friend, Sun Surveyor again! --- ## 2. Elements * Water * Earth * Wind * Sun * Climate 👈 <img class="right-img" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_460/v1573944261/met-office-weather-obs-website.png" alt="Screenshot of Met Office Weather Observation Website"> <h6 class="breadcrumb">Position – <span class="u-underline">Elements</span> — Features – Situation</h6> ??? * Climate - wind, precipitation, temperatures * Over long periods of time * UK climate data available from [Met Office](https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/services/data) --- ## 3. Features * Existing plants 👈 * Utilities * Structures * Access  <h6 class="breadcrumb">Position – Elements — <span class="u-underline">Features</span> – Situation</h6> ??? * Access - vehicles, pedestrian * Existing plants -- trees, hedges existing, plants existing. Effort to remove * Photo of trees * Utilities * Electricity - photo of electic cables or phone cables, tree underneath! * Telephone lines * Drains * Water - old photo of drains being dug in forest garden * Gas pipes --- ## 3. Features * Existing plants * Utilities 👈 * Structures * Access  <h6 class="breadcrumb">Position – Elements — <span class="u-underline">Features</span> – Situation</h6> --- ## 3. Features * Existing plants * Utilities * Structures 👈 * Access  <h6 class="breadcrumb">Position – Elements — <span class="u-underline">Features</span> – Situation</h6> --- ## 3. Features * Existing plants * Utilities * Structures * Access 👈  <h6 class="breadcrumb">Position – Elements — <span class="u-underline">Features</span> – Situation</h6> --- ## 4. Situation * Privacy 👈 * Noise * Smell  <h6 class="breadcrumb">Position – Elements — Features – <span class="u-underline">Situation</span></h6> ??? * Privacy - overlooked, enclosed, * Noise - eg workshops nearby, smell --- ## 4. Situation * Privacy * Noise 👈 * Smell  <h6 class="breadcrumb">Position – Elements — Features – <span class="u-underline">Situation</span></h6> ??? * Photo Dad's Radio by Alan Levine on [Flickr](https://flickr.com/photos/cogdog/6138240034/) --- ## 4. Situation * Privacy * Noise * Smell 👈  <h6 class="breadcrumb">Position – Elements — Features – <span class="u-underline">Situation</span></h6> ??? * Photo What An Impressive Slurry Set up.... ££££££££ by Rab Lawrence [on Flickr](https://flickr.com/photos/p300njb/41371957211) --- # Forest garden takeaways 1. Plans are a **tool** 2. Move & document things 3. Observe your situation  ??? * Photo by Philip Goddard [on Flickr](https://www.flickr.com/photos/philip_goddard/39873117102) --- class: middle, center # The End <hello@forestgarden.wales> [forestgarden.wales/wildlife-forest-garden/plan](https://www.forestgarden.wales/wildlife-forest-garden/plan) --- # Appendix: resources * [Sun Surveyor](https://www.sunsurveyor.com) mobile app * [QCAD](https://qcad.org/en/) Open Source CAD software * [Gardenzine](http://www.gardenzine.co.uk/measureyourgarden.html) info on measuring * [Cloudinary](https://cloudinary.com) for storing images * [Meteoblue](https://www.meteoblue.com) weather data * [MetOffice](https://www.metoffice.gov.uk) weather data