Plan a Backyard Forest

# Plan a Backyard Forest

_Map out your own wildlife-friendly food forest_

![Small edible forest garden, wooden planks and woodchip paths](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_390,h_219/v1591005392/plank-edging-forest-garden-169.jpg)

##### [Plan a Backyard Forest mini-course](https://www.natureworks.org.uk/plan/) by [Jake Rayson](https://www.natureworks.org.uk/)

[natureworks.org.uk/plan](https://www.natureworks.org.uk/plan/)

###### **Press `P` to see notes and credits**<br>Work licensed under [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike](http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/), embedded work may have other licenses.

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* [natureworks.org.uk](https://www.natureworks.org.uk/)
* Nature Works [YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/c/NatureWorksGarden)
* Slideshow always available online
* Photo used with kind permission of [Dr Carole Kirk](https://isustainabilityproject.wordpress.com)

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## Jake Rayson<br><span class="u-smaller">Nature Works</span>

[![Jake Rayson pensive face](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_80,h_80,c_thumb,g_face,r_max/v1572195912/jake-pensive.png)](/)

Website: [natureworks.org.uk](https://www.natureworks.org.uk/)  
Email: <hello@natureworks.org.uk>  
Mastodon: [mas.to/@natureworks](https://mas.to/@natureworks)  
YouTube: [youtube.com/NatureWorksGarden](https://www.youtube.com/NatureWorksGarden)

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## Short bio & motivations!

* Jake Rayson moved to West Wales farmhouse in 2015
* Forest garden on 3 acres of hillside
* Forest gardener, designer & teacher

My interest in forest gardening came out because of a desire to engage with the ecological and climate emergency that has been systematically ignored by the mainstream media and politics. In May 2012, I went to a [talk about permaculture](https://ttfaversham.wordpress.com/2012/05/25/permaculture-talk/) by [Narsanna Koppula](https://www.facebook.com/NarsannaKoppulaPermaculture/) in Faversham, Kent in England. By December 2012, I had bought a copy of [Creating a Forest Garden](https://www.agroforestry.co.uk/product/creating-a-forest-garden-2/) by Martin Crawford, and my path into forest gardens was well and truly set.

Me and my young family moved to West Wales on 1st January 2015 and work started on the polytunnel and annual veg beds. In July 2016 I went on Martin Crawford’s 2½ day [forest garden course](https://www.agroforestry.co.uk/product/forest-gardening-food-forests-design-course/) and we have since expanded our forest garden experiment to 3 acres of Welsh hillside.

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# What you’ll learn

![Chalk circles on bark mulch to map out tree diameters](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236/v1589381396/chalk-circles-improved.jpg)

1. Backyard Forest definition
2. Reasons to plan
3. Make plan checklist
4. Measurement techniques
5. How to create a map

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Definition — Plan — Checklist — Map — Measure — Design</h6>

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* Martin Crawford [Creating a Forest Garden](https://www.agroforestry.co.uk/product/creating-a-forest-garden-2/)
* [Agroforestry Research Trust](https://www.agroforestry.co.uk)

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# 1. Definition

<h6 class="breadcrumb"><span class="u-underline">Definition</span> — Plan — Checklist — Map — Measure — Design</h6>

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# 1. Definition

![Small edible forest garden, wooden planks and woodchip paths](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236/v1591005392/plank-edging-forest-garden-169.jpg)

### “Work with nature<br>  to grow edible crops,<br>  emulate woodland edge using<br>  [perennial](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perennial_plant) & [ground cover](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Groundcover) plants”

<h6 class="breadcrumb"><span class="u-underline">Definition</span> — Plan — Checklist — Map — Measure — Design</h6>

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### Other terms

* Forest garden
* Food forest
* Edible landscape

I call it Backyard Forest to emphasise suitability for all gardens.

### Key points

* Sustainable
* Work _with_ nature
* **Create an ecosystem**
* Grow natives where possible

Photo used with kind permission of [Dr Carole Kirk](https://isustainabilityproject.wordpress.com)

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# Edible ecosystem

![Bumblebee on pinkish flower of sedum (Hylotelephium spectabile)](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236/v1568734751/sedum-185FABF3.jpg)

### “Growing edible crops<br>  in a wildlife garden”

<h6 class="breadcrumb"><span class="u-underline">Definition</span> — Plan — Checklist — Map — Measure — Design</h6>

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**Edible ecosystem**—edible crops in a self-sustaining wildlife garden system

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# Why a Backyard Forest?

![Warming stripes for Wales](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236/v1590831692/warming-stripes-wales.png)

1. ### Ecological Emergency
2. ### Climate Emergency

<h6 class="breadcrumb"><span class="u-underline">Definition</span> — Plan — Checklist — Map — Measure — Design</h6>

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* 1m species threatened with extinction—create ecosystem for wildlife
* 1.5°C rise by 2026, 6-7°C by 2100—resilient local food production
* Raises awareness

## Reference

* [showyourstripes.info](https://showyourstripes.info)
* Work with nature, **everybody** benefits
* BBC [Nature crisis: Humans 'threaten 1m species with extinction'](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-48169783) 6 May 2019
* [15% species under threat of extinction in UK](https://www.bto.org/sites/default/files/publications/state-of-nature-2019-summary-report-uk.pdf)
* Climate Emergency - [1.5°C by 2026](https://climatenewsnetwork.net/warming-exceed-1-5c-limit-2026/)

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# Characteristics

![Comfrey leaves chopped around base of fruit tree](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236/v1544220176/comfrey-mulch-41974058974.jpg)

1. Sustainable 👈
2. Productive
3. Wildlife friendly
4. Layers
5. Perennial

<h6 class="breadcrumb"><span class="u-underline">Definition</span> — Plan — Checklist — Map — Measure — Design</h6>

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* Mineral accumulators & nitrogen fixers
* Wildlife predators for pests
* Permanent “living mulch” ground cover
* Trees, perennials & soil biota sequester carbon.
* Biodiversity encouraged
* Native plants **where possible**
* Low maintenance!

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# Characteristics

![Red round strawberry-like fruit on Cornus kousa tree](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236/v1543873414/cornus-kousa-fruit-39541199411.jpg)

1. Sustainable
2. Productive 👈
3. Wildlife friendly
4. Layers
5. Perennial

<h6 class="breadcrumb"><span class="u-underline">Definition</span> — Plan — Checklist — Map — Measure — Design</h6>

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* Fruit, nuts, leaves, shoots, roots…
* Herbs, wood, canes, dyes etc
* Multi-layered, using all available space efficiently

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# Characteristics

![Toad crawling away on a logpile](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236/v1565379356/toad-D729A6B0.jpg)

1. Sustainable
2. Productive
3. Wildlife friendly 👈
4. Layers
5. Perennial

<h6 class="breadcrumb"><span class="u-underline">Definition</span> — Plan — Checklist — Map — Measure — Design</h6>

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* Native plants, as co-evolved
* [Wildlife features](https://www.naturworks.org.uk/wildlife-features/)
* Create ecosystem, create pest control & nutrients

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# Characteristics

![Lots of trees and shrubs](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420/v1579988540/toona-sinensis-new-zealand-flax-169-41164041491.jpg)

1. Sustainable
2. Productive
3. Wildlife friendly
4. Layers 👈
5. Perennial

<h6 class="breadcrumb"><span class="u-underline">Definition</span> — Plan — Checklist — Map — Measure — Design</h6>

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[Forest garden layers](https://www.naturworks.org.uk/layers/)

1. Canopy
2. Small trees
3. Shrubs
4. Herbaceous perennials
5. Ground cover
6. Climbers 
7. Rhizosphere

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# Characteristics

![Silvery grey pointy leaves of Cardoon](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236/v1588966048/cardoon-leaves-996060.jpg)

1. Sustainable
2. Productive
3. Wildlife friendly
4. Layers
5. Perennial 👈

<h6 class="breadcrumb"><span class="u-underline">Definition</span> — Plan — Checklist — Map — Measure — Design</h6>

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Perennial, mostly, plus easy annuals 🙂

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# 2. Plan

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Definition — <span class="u-underline">Plan</span> — Checklist — Map — Measure — Design</h6>

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# 2. Plan

![Tree measurements written on plan](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236,bo_1px_solid_rgb:4a4a4a/v1543418705/ofg-tree-measurements-311003CD.jpg)

1. Document what’s there 👈
2. Be clear what you want
3. Map the land
4. Distil series of actions

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Definition — <span class="u-underline">Plan</span> — Checklist — Map — Measure — Design</h6>

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## Survey observations

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# 2. Plan

![Basket of green apples on stone track](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236,bo_1px_solid_rgb:4a4a4a00/v1544352492/apples-44027074894.jpg)

1. Document what’s there
2. Be clear what you want 👈
3. Map the land
4. Distil series of actions

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Definition — <span class="u-underline">Plan</span> — Checklist — Map — Measure — Design</h6>

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## Wishlist

---

# 2. Plan

![Screenshot of schedule of works](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236,bo_1px_solid_rgb:4a4a4a00/v1591459919/greenroom-satellite-3d-google-south-west-169.jpg)

1. Document what’s there
2. Be clear what you want
3. Map the land 👈
4. Distil series of actions

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Definition — <span class="u-underline">Plan</span> — Checklist — Map — Measure — Design</h6>

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## A map helps design

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# 2. Plan

![Screenshot of schedule of works](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236,bo_1px_solid_rgb:4a4a4a/v1574091236/schedule-of-works-greenroom.png)

1. Document what’s there
2. Be clear what you want
3. Map the land
4. Distil series of actions 👈

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Definition — <span class="u-underline">Plan</span> — Checklist — Map — Measure — Design</h6>

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## Plan of action

---

# Plan → Design → Schedule

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Definition — <span class="u-underline">Plan</span> — Checklist — Map — Measure — Design</h6>

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## The order of things

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## **Plan**: survey, wishlist, map
## **Design**: move things around
## **Schedule**: distil series of actions

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Definition — <span class="u-underline">Plan</span> — Checklist — Map — Measure — Design</h6>

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# What is design?

![Big tree right by back door](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_520,h_293,bo_1px_solid_rgb:4a4a4a00/v1591129476/tree-back-door.jpg)

### “Purposefully putting things<br>  in the right place”

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Definition — <span class="u-underline">Plan</span> — Checklist — Map — Measure — Design</h6>

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* Moving symbols easier than moving things
* What is the _right_ place?

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# What is design?

![Paper forest garden plan](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_520,h_293,bo_1px_solid_rgb:4a4a4a/v1591010170/dan-plan-169.jpg)

### Make the big mistakes early!

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Definition — <span class="u-underline">Plan</span> — Checklist — Map — Measure — Design</h6>

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* Make the big mistakes early, on paper!

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# What is design?

![Hoverfly on small white flowers](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_520,h_293,bo_1px_solid_rgb:4a4a4a00/v1573476908/hoverfly-169-E5ECB490.jpg)

### “Working **with** nature means<br>  designing **for** nature”

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Definition — <span class="u-underline">Plan</span> — Checklist — Map — Measure — Design</h6>

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**Forest garden** design

* Life as the measure
* Native plants because they co-evolved with wildlife
* [Database of Insects and their Food Plants](https://www.brc.ac.uk/dbif/hosts.aspx)
* End human supremacy

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# Communicate plan

![Screenshot of website with illustration](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_520,h_293,bo_1px_solid_rgb:4a4a4a/v1589397817/greenroom-plan-list.png)

### “A plan communicates to others,<br> including your future self”

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Definition — <span class="u-underline">Plan</span> — Checklist — Map — Measure — Design</h6>

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# 3. Checklist

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Definition — Plan — <span class="u-underline">Checklist</span> — Map — Measure — Design</h6>

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# 3. Checklist

![Screenshot of PDF checklist](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_320,bo_1px_solid_rgb:4a4a4a/v1589402918/screenshot-forest-garden-planning-checklist.png)

<strong><a href="https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/v1644877063/forest-garden-planning-checklist.pdf">Download checklist PDF<br> bit.ly/forest-garden-checklist</a></strong>

1. Survey
2. Features
3. Plants
4. Pictures

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Definition — Plan — <span class="u-underline">Checklist</span> — Map — Measure — Design</h6>

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## 3.1 Survey

![Cloudy wooded valley](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236/v1544352348/valley-29724268707.jpg)

* Position
* Elements
* Features
* Situation
* You

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Definition — Plan — <span class="u-underline">Checklist</span> — Map — Measure — Design</h6>

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## 3.1 Survey

![Screenshot of compass app](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236/v1573943302/compass-81E4ABD4.jpg)

* Position 👈
* Elements
* Features
* Situation
* You

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Definition — Plan — <span class="u-underline">Checklist</span> — Map — Measure — Design</h6>

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* Orientation
* Elevation
* Slope

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## 3.1 Survey

![Spade diggingn into dry soil](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236/v1558802530/soil-93FDE823.jpg)

* Position
* Elements 👈
* Features
* Situation
* You

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Definition — Plan — <span class="u-underline">Checklist</span> — Map — Measure — Design</h6>

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* Water
* Earth
* Wind
* Sun
* Climate

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## 3.1 Survey

![Swallows on telephone line](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236/v1589401586/swallows-3-tails.jpg)

* Position
* Elements
* Features 👈
* Situation
* You

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Definition — Plan — <span class="u-underline">Checklist</span> — Map — Measure — Design</h6>

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* Existing plants
* Utilities
* Structures
* Access

Photo by Andrew Gustar on [Flickr](https://flickr.com/photos/andrewgustar/27853457545/)

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## 3.1 Survey

![Slurry spreading tractors](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236/v1573945592/slurry-41371957211.jpg)

* Position
* Elements
* Features
* Situation 👈
* You

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Definition — Plan — <span class="u-underline">Checklist</span> — Map — Measure — Design</h6>

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* Privacy
* Noise
* Smell

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## 3.1 Survey

![Open wide blossom on big green leaves](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236/v1588966049/medlar-blossom-998951.jpg)

* Position
* Elements
* Features
* Situation
* You 👈

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Definition — Plan — <span class="u-underline">Checklist</span> — Map — Measure — Design</h6>

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* Household setup
* Energy
* Knowledge
* Time
* Resources

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## 3.2 Features

![Beautiful river spot](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420/v1544219454/river-27849506157.jpg)

* Wildlife features, eg pond
* Water conservation
* Nutrient budget
* Polytunnel/greenhouse
* Annual veg beds…

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Definition — Plan — <span class="u-underline">Checklist</span> — Map — Measure — Design</h6>

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Features AKA wishlist

## Wildlife features

* Pond
* Native plants
* Meadow
* Hedges
* Cover
* Mature trees & shrubs
* Log pile
* Stone pile

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## 3.3 Plants

![Grey spiky leaves of Cardoon](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420/v1588966048/cardoon-leaves-996060.jpg)

* Wishlist plants, all of ’em
* [Plants For A Future](https://pfaf.org/user/Default.aspx)
* [RHS Plant Finder](https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/Search-Form) with [UK native filter](https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/Search-Results?form-mode=true&context=l%3Den%26q%3D%2523all%26sl%3DplantForm%26r%3Df%252Fplant_native%252Ftrue)
* Think native flowers, [US](https://plants.sc.egov.usda.gov/java/) & [UK](https://www.naturworks.org.uk/wildflower/)

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Definition — Plan — <span class="u-underline">Checklist</span> — Map — Measure — Design</h6>

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## 3.4 Pictures

![Screenshot of Pinterest](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236/v1589402055/pinterest-screenshot.png)

Pictures, collect them all

* Inspiration, motivation, aspiration
* Stick them on your wall
* Upload them to [Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.co.uk/)

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Definition — Plan — <span class="u-underline">Checklist</span> — Map — Measure — Design</h6>

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# 4. Map

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Definition — Plan — Checklist — <span class="u-underline">Map</span> — Measure — Design</h6>

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# 4. Map

![Screenshot of CAD plan overlaid on satellite photo](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_540/v1591013233/hedgerows-satellite-overlay.jpg)

### “The map is not the territory”

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Definition — Plan — Checklist — <span class="u-underline">Map</span> — Measure — Design</h6>

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* [Map is not the territory](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Map–territory_relation), it has a function

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# 4. Map

![Screenshot of CAD plan overlaid on satellite photo](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_540/v1591013233/hedgerows-satellite-overlay.jpg)

* Mark important features
* Try tree positions
* Paper, online or CAD

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Definition — Plan — Checklist — <span class="u-underline">Map</span> — Measure — Design</h6>

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* I use CAD **and** paper printouts
* Paper, 5mm square A3
* Online eg [Scribble Maps](https://www.scribblemaps.com/)
* CAD: [QCAD](https://qcad.org/en/) & [LibreCAD](https://librecad.org/) are free

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## Paper map

![Boundary of property on paper plan](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_480,h_270/v1573743144/paper-plan-191114.jpg)

### Work out your scale!

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Definition — Plan — Checklist — <span class="u-underline">Map</span> — Measure — Design</h6>

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## Paper map

![Boundary of property on paper plan](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_480,h_270/v1573743144/paper-plan-191114.jpg)

* 1:50 means 1m = 2cm
* Average UK garden 16m x 5m
* At 1:50 scale, 16m x 5m → 32cm x 10cm

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Definition — Plan — Checklist — <span class="u-underline">Map</span> — Measure — Design</h6>

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* 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

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## CAD map

![Screenshot 3D satellite window](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_480,h_270/v1591459919/greenroom-satellite-3d-google-south-west-169.jpg)

1. Satellite screenshot
2. Metres per pixel
3. Scale in QCAD

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Definition — Plan — Checklist — <span class="u-underline">Map</span> — Measure — Design</h6>

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Screengrab **for personal use only**

1. Screenshot: maximum resolution **with scale**, save as JPEG
2. Calculate metres per pixel
3. Same as your 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.naturworks.org.uk/blog/forest-garden-cad-photo/)

OS maps onscreen from [groundstability.com](https://groundstability.com/public/web/log-order)
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## CAD map: <span class="u-smaller">1. Satellite screenshot</span>

![Screenshot 2D satellite window, including browser chrome](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_480,h_270/v1573757850/course-screenshot-satellite-photo.jpg)

* Highest resolution possible
* Be sure to include scale, in metres
* Save as good quality JPEG

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Definition — Plan — Checklist — <span class="u-underline">Map</span> — Measure — Design</h6>

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* Resolution varies between vendors

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## CAD map: <span class="u-smaller">2. Metres per pixel</span>

1. Measure pixel length of metres scale
2. **_Metres per pixel_**  `5m ÷ 106px = 0.047169811`
4. Image scale factor = metres per pixel

![Closeup of scale in metres on satellite screenshot](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_560/v1573759452/course-satellite-scale.jpg)

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Definition — Plan — Checklist — <span class="u-underline">Map</span> — Measure — Design</h6>

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* Use Photoshop or Open Source [GIMP](https://www.gimp.org)
* QCAD imports at 1 metre per pixel

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## CAD map: <span class="u-smaller">3. Scale in QCAD</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>metres per pixel<br><strong>0.047169811</strong></span>

![Screenshot of CAD program, showing Import image](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_580/v1573817365/scale-image-01-import.png)

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Definition — Plan — Checklist — <span class="u-underline">Map</span> — Measure — Design</h6>

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* QCAD document same folder as image
* File → Import

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## CAD map: <span class="u-smaller">3. Scale in QCAD</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>metres per pixel<br><strong>0.047169811</strong></span>

![Screenshot of CAD program, showing Select All](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_580/v1573817366/scale-image-02-selectall.png)

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Definition — Plan — Checklist — <span class="u-underline">Map</span> — Measure — Design</h6>

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* Select → Select All

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## CAD map: <span class="u-smaller">3. Scale in QCAD</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>metres per pixel<br><strong>0.047169811</strong></span>

![Screenshot of CAD program, showing Property Editor](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_580/v1573817366/scale-image-03-propertyeditor.png)

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Definition — Plan — Checklist — <span class="u-underline">Map</span> — Measure — Design</h6>

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* View → Property Editor

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## CAD map: <span class="u-smaller">3. Scale in QCAD</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>metres per pixel<br><strong>0.047169811</strong></span>

![Screenshot of CAD program, showing Property Editor](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_580/v1573817366/scale-image-04-propertyeditor.png)

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Definition — Plan — Checklist — <span class="u-underline">Map</span> — Measure — Design</h6>

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* View → Property Editor

---

## CAD map: <span class="u-smaller">3. Scale in QCAD</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>metres per pixel<br><strong>0.047169811</strong></span>

![Screenshot of CAD program, showing Property Editor Width Factor](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_580/v1573817366/scale-image-05-widthfactor.png)

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Definition — Plan — Checklist — <span class="u-underline">Map</span> — Measure — Design</h6>

???

* Width & Height Factor

---

## CAD map: <span class="u-smaller">3. Scale in QCAD</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>metres per pixel<br><strong>0.047169811</strong></span>

![Screenshot of CAD program, showing Property Editor Height Factor](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_580/v1573817366/scale-image-06-heightfactor.png)

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Definition — Plan — Checklist — <span class="u-underline">Map</span> — Measure — Design</h6>

???

* Width & Height Factor

---

## CAD map: <span class="u-smaller">3. Scale in QCAD</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>metres per pixel<br><strong>0.047169811</strong></span>

![Screenshot of CAD program, showing scaled image](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_580/v1573817366/scale-image-07-complete.png)

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Definition — Plan — Checklist — <span class="u-underline">Map</span> — Measure — Design</h6>

???

* Width & Height Factor

---

# 5. Measure

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Definition — Plan — Checklist — Map — <span class="u-underline">Measure</span> — Design</h6>

---

# 5. Measure

![Measuring tape extended on grass](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_500,h_281/v1573473746/measure-08D1AA7E.jpg)

1. Direct line
2. Running dimension
2. Triangulation
3. Offsets

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Definition — Plan — Checklist — Map — <span class="u-underline">Measure</span> — Design</h6>

???

* **Always** use physical measurements where you can, don’t rely on satellite photos or Ordnance Survey maps. Measure twice!
* Information comes from [Gardenzine.co.uk](https://www.gardenzine.co.uk)
  * Triangulation: http://www.gardenzine.co.uk/triangulation.html
  * Offsets: http://www.gardenzine.co.uk/offsets.html
  * Plot measuring: http://www.gardenzine.co.uk/plot-measuring.html

---

# 5. Measure

![Paper plan, showing direct line measuring](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_500,h_281/v1591612057/measure-direct-03.jpg)

1. Direct line 👈
2. Running dimension
2. Triangulation
3. Offsets

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Definition — Plan — Checklist — Map — <span class="u-underline">Measure</span> — Design</h6>

---

# 5. Measure

![Paper plan, showing direct line measuring](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_500,h_281/v1591612057/measure-direct-04.jpg)

1. Direct line 👈
2. Running dimension
2. Triangulation
3. Offsets

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Definition — Plan — Checklist — Map — <span class="u-underline">Measure</span> — Design</h6>

---

# 5. Measure

![Paper plan, showing running dimension measuring](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_500,h_281/v1591612057/measure-running-03.jpg)

1. Direct line
2. Running dimension 👈
2. Triangulation
3. Offsets

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Definition — Plan — Checklist — Map — <span class="u-underline">Measure</span> — Design</h6>

???

* Running dimension good for houses
* Measure house, then garden

---

# 5. Measure

![Paper plan, showing running dimension measuring](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_500,h_281/v1591612057/measure-running-04.jpg)

1. Direct line
2. Running dimension 👈
2. Triangulation
3. Offsets

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Definition — Plan — Checklist — Map — <span class="u-underline">Measure</span> — Design</h6>

---

# 5. Measure

![Paper plan, showing running dimension measuring](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_500,h_281/v1591612057/measure-running-05.jpg)

1. Direct line
2. Running dimension 👈
2. Triangulation
3. Offsets

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Definition — Plan — Checklist — Map — <span class="u-underline">Measure</span> — Design</h6>

---

# 5. Measure

![Paper plan, showing running dimension measuring](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_500,h_281/v1591612057/measure-running-06.jpg)

1. Direct line
2. Running dimension 👈
2. Triangulation
3. Offsets

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Definition — Plan — Checklist — Map — <span class="u-underline">Measure</span> — Design</h6>

---

# 5. Measure

![Paper plan, showing running dimension measuring](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_500,h_281/v1591612057/measure-running-07.jpg)

1. Direct line
2. Running dimension 👈
2. Triangulation
3. Offsets

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Definition — Plan — Checklist — Map — <span class="u-underline">Measure</span> — Design</h6>

---

# 5. Measure

![Paper plan, showing running dimension measuring](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_500,h_281/v1591612057/measure-running-08.jpg)

1. Direct line
2. Running dimension 👈
2. Triangulation
3. Offsets

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Definition — Plan — Checklist — Map — <span class="u-underline">Measure</span> — Design</h6>

---

# 5. Measure

![Paper plan, showing triangulation](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_500,h_281/v1591612058/measure-triangulation-02.jpg)

1. Direct line
2. Running dimension
2. Triangulation 👈
3. Offsets

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Definition — Plan — Checklist — Map — <span class="u-underline">Measure</span> — Design</h6>

???

* Measure house first
* Triangulation. Off fixed point ie house
* Alternative is to use [trigonometry to calculate angles](https://www.triangle-calculator.com/?what=sss&a=8.0&b=4.8&c=10.9&submit=Solve)

---

# 5. Measure

![Paper plan, showing triangulation](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_500,h_281/v1591612058/measure-triangulation-03.jpg)

1. Direct line
2. Running dimension
2. Triangulation 👈
3. Offsets

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Definition — Plan — Checklist — Map — <span class="u-underline">Measure</span> — Design</h6>

---

# 5. Measure

![Paper plan, showing triangulation](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_500,h_281/v1591612058/measure-triangulation-04.jpg)

1. Direct line
2. Running dimension
2. Triangulation 👈
3. Offsets

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Definition — Plan — Checklist — Map — <span class="u-underline">Measure</span> — Design</h6>

---

# 5. Measure

![Paper plan, showing triangulation](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_500,h_281/v1591612058/measure-triangulation-05.jpg)

1. Direct line
2. Running dimension
2. Triangulation 👈
3. Offsets

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Definition — Plan — Checklist — Map — <span class="u-underline">Measure</span> — Design</h6>

---

# 5. Measure

![Paper plan, showing triangulation](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_500,h_281/v1591612058/measure-triangulation-06.jpg)

1. Direct line
2. Running dimension
2. Triangulation 👈
3. Offsets

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Definition — Plan — Checklist — Map — <span class="u-underline">Measure</span> — Design</h6>

---

# 5. Measure

![Paper plan, showing triangulation](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_500,h_281/v1591612058/measure-triangulation-07.jpg)

1. Direct line
2. Running dimension
2. Triangulation 👈
3. Offsets

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Definition — Plan — Checklist — Map — <span class="u-underline">Measure</span> — Design</h6>

---

# 5. Measure

![Paper plan, showing triangulation](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_500,h_281/v1591612058/measure-triangulation-08.jpg)

1. Direct line
2. Running dimension
2. Triangulation 👈
3. Offsets

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Definition — Plan — Checklist — Map — <span class="u-underline">Measure</span> — Design</h6>

---

# 5. Measure

![Paper plan, showing triangulation](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_500,h_281/v1591612058/measure-triangulation-09.jpg)

1. Direct line
2. Running dimension
2. Triangulation 👈
3. Offsets

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Definition — Plan — Checklist — Map — <span class="u-underline">Measure</span> — Design</h6>

---

# 5. Measure

![Paper plan, showing offset measuring](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_500,h_281/v1591613660/measure-offset-02.jpg)

1. Direct line
2. Running dimension
2. Triangulation
3. Offsets 👈

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Definition — Plan — Checklist — Map — <span class="u-underline">Measure</span> — Design</h6>

---

# 5. Measure

![Paper plan, showing offset measuring](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_500,h_281/v1591613660/measure-offset-03.jpg)

1. Direct line
2. Running dimension
2. Triangulation
3. Offsets 👈

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Definition — Plan — Checklist — Map — <span class="u-underline">Measure</span> — Design</h6>

---

# 5. Measure

![Paper plan, showing offset measuring](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_500,h_281/v1591613660/measure-offset-04.jpg)

1. Direct line
2. Running dimension
2. Triangulation
3. Offsets 👈

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Definition — Plan — Checklist — Map — <span class="u-underline">Measure</span> — Design</h6>

---

# 6. Design

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Definition — Plan — Checklist — Map — Measure — <span class="u-underline">Design</span></h6>

---

# 6. Design

![Sketch of paths on plan](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236/v1589464246/plan-169-A6FA43BA.jpg)

### “Add observations to the map,<br>  put wishlist things in the right place,<br>  then distil series of actions”

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Definition — Plan — Checklist — Map — Measure — <span class="u-underline">Design</span></h6>

---

# 6. Design

![Sketch of paths on plan](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236/v1589464246/plan-169-A6FA43BA.jpg)

* Zoning 👈
* Right plant, right place
* Tree spacing
* Protect

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Definition — Plan — Checklist — Map — Measure — <span class="u-underline">Design</span></h6>

???

* Start with house
* Most used, nearest
* Highest maintenance, nearest
* Think of paths & functions
* [Permaculture term](https://www.permaculture.org.uk/design-methods/zoning)
---

# 6. Design

![Dangly line of white flowers on droopy stalk](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236/v1588629860/solomons-seal-474729.jpg)

* Zoning 
* Right plant, right place 👈
* Tree spacing
* Protect

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Definition — Plan — Checklist — Map — Measure — <span class="u-underline">Design</span></h6>

???

* Plant size
* Sun
* Soil
* Native

---

# 6. Design

![CAD plan of tree spacing](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236/v1573738171/tree-spacing-169.png)

* Zoning 
* Right plant, right place
* Tree spacing 👈
* Protect

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Definition — Plan — Checklist — Map — Measure — <span class="u-underline">Design</span></h6>

???

* [naturworks.org.uk/spacing](https://www.naturworks.org.uk/spacing/)
* Spacing: ¼-½ average diameter
* Plant for **final size**

---

# 6. Design

![Dead hedge](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236/v1555776614/deadhedge-39D0EDB7.jpg)

* Zoning 
* Right plant, right place
* Tree spacing
* Protect 👈

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Definition — Plan — Checklist — Map — Measure — <span class="u-underline">Design</span></h6>

???

* [Windbreaks](https://www.naturworks.org.uk/windbreak/)
* [Nurse trees](https://www.naturworks.org.uk/nurse-tree/)
* [Dead hedge](https://www.naturworks.org.uk/dead-hedge/)

---

## Useful tools

![Box of gardening tools](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236/v1584654698/tools-15846545948871.jpg)

* 2-3m bamboo
* String & bamboo
* Measuring tape

Remember, “measure twice, plant once”!

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Definition — Plan — Checklist — Map — Measure — <span class="u-underline">Design</span></h6>

???

* Clipboard!
* Gloves, secateurs, hand saw

---

# Mini-course takeaways

![Chalk circles on bark mulch to map out tree diameters](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420/v1589381396/chalk-circles-improved.jpg)

* Write it all down
* Make the big mistakes early
* Take your time

**[Download checklist PDF](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/v1589400082/forest-garden-planning-checklist.pdf)**

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Definition — Plan — Checklist — Map — Measure — Design</h6>

---

# The End

![Small edible forest garden, wooden planks and woodchip paths](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420/v1591005392/plank-edging-forest-garden-169.jpg)

<hello@natureworks.org.uk>

[natureworks.org.uk/newsletter](https://www.natureworks.org.uk/newsletter)

Music: _[Chegsticks](https://iamthemightyjungulator.bandcamp.com/track/chegsticks-3) by [I Am The Mighty Jungulator](https://iamthemightyjungulator.bandcamp.com)_