Mini guide to getting land
Getting access to land is a big step that many consider but few actually pull though. Too many doubts and you hesitate. A dream and a reality that differ. Finding the right plot is less about finding a perfect piece of land and more about being ready to get started. If you have this mindset, I am very excited for you! I am sure you will find the right place!
Because it can be a bit overwhelming, I put together a couple tips to help you in the process.
And remember: the aim is not to find a lost paradise. It doesn’t exist! You will make it your Eden yourself! Look for a place where you can work with what is already there. You can adapt your project to the land. It is more difficult to adapt your land to your project.
1. You don’t necessarily need to buy land
Getting a plot doesn’t necessarily mean buying one.
If your goal is to grow plants and food, experiment with permaculture and become part of a local movement, ownership is only one way of getting access to land.
There are many possibilities to explore:
– Renting or leasing a plot from a landowner
– Allotments and community gardens
– Sharing land with other people
– Borrowing unused land from a neighbour, friend or local landowner
– Partnering with a farmer or other landholder
– Community projects where several people work together
– Caretaking or managing land in exchange for using it
– Finding people who have land but don’t have the time or desire to cultivate it themselves
This can open up many more possibilities than simply searching for land that is for sale.
Ask yourself:
“How can I get access to a piece of land?” rather than: “How can I buy a piece of land?”
A small plot that you can use for several years may give you everything you need to start learning, growing and experimenting.
You don’t necessarily need a large investment or permanent ownership to begin.
People get stuck with the idea of the land of their dream and it remains just that, a land of their dream.
Start by visiting areas you like and talking to people. Opportunities often come on the way and when least expected! Manifest them!
Tell people that you are looking for land. Don’t be shy! People will relate to your quest!
Talk to:
– Friends and neighbours
– Local farmers and landowners
– Allotment holders
– Community groups
– Gardening and permaculture groups
– Local organisations
– People with large gardens or unused land
You may discover that someone has a piece of land sitting unused simply because they don’t have the time, energy or interest to manage it.
The opportunity may not be advertised anywhere.
2. Don’t judge a plot by how it looks today
A neglected, overgrown or apparently unproductive plot isn’t necessarily a bad plot.
In fact, it may have considerable potential.
Instead of asking:
“Does this look like a good garden?” ask “What could this place become, and what is the land already giving me?”
Look for existing trees, vegetation, wildlife, water, fertile areas, shelter and other natural assets. Think of access, local markets, eventual customers. Don’t come up with a ready made rigid plan, be open to adapt it to the local setting.
Permaculture starts with observing and working with the characteristics of a place rather than trying to force the land to become something it isn’t.
3. Look at the land, but also look around it
When you visit a potential plot, don’t concentrate only on the boundaries.
Walk around and observe the whole landscape.
Look for:
- Sun
Where does the sun fall?
– Is the plot open or heavily shaded?
– Where are the sunny areas?
– Are there trees or buildings that cast significant shade?
– How might the sun change through the seasons?
- Water
Water can make an enormous difference.
Look for:
– Existing water sources
– Rainwater collection possibilities
– Nearby streams or ponds
– Evidence of flooding
– Wet or boggy areas
– How water naturally moves across the land
– Test water sources!
Don’t just ask “Can I get water here?”
Ask:
“What does water already do here?”
- Trees and vegetation
Existing trees can be valuable assets, providing food, shelter, biomass, habitat and shade.
Look at what is already growing. Healthy, diverse vegetation can tell you a lot about the site’s potential.
- Wildlife and biodiversity
Notice insects, birds, wild plants and other signs of life.
A living landscape is an asset.
The question isn’t simply whether the plot is productive for humans. Consider whether it is already supporting a healthy ecosystem.
4. Look at access
A beautiful plot that you can’t easily reach may become a frustrating plot.
Consider:
– If you don’t plan to live on it, how far is it from your home? How will you get there? Can you walk or cycle there? Train/bus stations near by.
– Is their a city near by?
– Is there vehicle access when necessary? Think trucks and construction machines!
– Will you realistically visit it often?
Distance matters.
A slightly less attractive plot that you can visit regularly may be much more useful than a beautiful piece of land that takes an hour to reach.
5. Look for the things you don’t want to have to create
When comparing plots, notice what is already available.
Existing resources can include:
– Water
– Soil
– Shelter
– Buildings or storage
– Mature trees
– Fencing
– Paths
– Compost or organic matter
– Useful vegetation
– Nearby people and communities
These things represent time, energy and resources you don’t have to create from scratch.
A plot with a few imperfections but lots of existing assets may be far more valuable than an apparently “perfect” empty piece of land.
6. Investigate the history of the land
Try to find out what happened on the plot before you arrive.
Ask:
– Who used it previously?
– What was grown there? What was successful?
– Has it been sprayed with chemicals?
– Has it been used for dumping or storage?
– Has it flooded?
– How has it been managed?
– Are there any known problems with the soil?
Don’t rely entirely on appearances.
A plot can look beautiful while having a history that creates problems. Equally, an overgrown plot may simply have been neglected for years.
Find out the story of the land.
7. Pay attention to the surroundings and talk with the neighbours
The land next door can be almost as important as the land itself.
Look at what surrounds the plot.
Consider:
– Intensive agriculture
– Roads and traffic
– Industrial activity
– Pollution sources
– Nearby houses
– Other gardens or allotments
– Forest or natural areas
– Potential sources of contamination
– Whether the surrounding community is supportive
Also consider the people.
Good neighbours can become a source of knowledge, tools, plants, materials, friendship and collaboration.
8. Find out what your legal context
- What is allowed?
- What could be tolerated?
- This is specifically true in terms of alternative housing/building
- Sometimes paying the mayor a visit is a great idea to share your project and connect. It might be interesting for him/her if you put the right words onto it (“attractivity”, “sustainability”, “tourism”…)
9. Have a flexible plan/business plan
- What will you build, a homestead, a community, a business, a non-profit?
- Is it sustainable? Will you have the time, energy, money to manage it? Starting small seems like a good idea.
- Who can you count on, friends, familly, customers or supporters?
- Plans often change over time. It’s ok to change plans and adapt. But starting with a proper framework is essential
10. Think about the people, not just the land
One of the most important questions is:
Who else is connected to this place?
A plot can become much more than an individual garden.
Look for opportunities to connect with:
– Other growers
– Allotment holders
– Local residents
– Community gardens
– Farmers
– Permaculture groups
– Local organisations
A good plot can become a doorway into a wider community.
And sometimes the best opportunity isn’t an isolated piece of land, it’s joining with other people who already have access to land.
Perhaps the most useful mindset is this:
Don’t look for the perfect plot! Look for a plot with potential.
Permaculture is about recognising relationships, resources and opportunities that are already present.
The best plot may not be the prettiest one.
It may be the one with good access, useful natural resources, supportive people, a manageable agreement and enough potential to work with what is already there.
So get out, start looking, talk to people, visit different plots, and learn to see the possibilities.
Learning and building happen as you get started. Dreaming is postponing.
Good luck to you and happy connection to the land!
