1.6 miles

Pat Bowcock named her homestead 'Ourganics' when she became the caretaker/owner in 1999 as she felt very strongly about the connection between land and community.

Ourganics is a 5 acre Market garden Homestead which is entirely self built and completely off grid designed using Permaculture principles and ethics.

Previously the field was a pony paddock and in the first year Pat planted two acres of native trees which is now a beautiful woodland.

The Forest garden was designed and created by a group of Permaculture students and is now very productive.

An area of raised beds are flooded using a series of sluice gates and channels which is historically how water meadows were managed, which helps with the over all watering. The irrigation system used is based on the ancient system that can be seen throughout the Bride Valley .

Seasonal vegetables, herbs, salads, flowers, fruit are grown on site with Sam the faithful collie watching over the free range hens and is there to welcome everyone who visits.

Pat is also a top bar bee keeper so forever busy!

Amongst the 2 acre woodland of native trees that have been planted on site are five Willow beds which produce materials for local crafters. The forest garden is home to an array of wildlife and where the majority of fruit and herbs are grown

An extremely impressive 28 metre Polytunnel doubles as a growing space, sitting, dining, shower room and washing machine area as well as a classroom for when students are visiting. Pat is extremely grateful to her hard working and willing volunteers who help with the smooth running of Ourganics.

Pat's smallholding is in Litton Cheney, an oasis of peace and tranquillity, a flood garden and a forest garden, all of which she harvests and sells to the local community. The local spring is used to water the crops which then joins the River Bride and a couple of small caravans are potted around that provide a place to stay for those wanting to connect to nature.

Organic's Evolving Systems is a real example of how off-grid living is a labour of love where work and play are interchangeable, living a richer life in her very own Lensomy lifestyle.

Pat grows beautiful salad and edible flowers which she delivers to Modbury Farm Shop just 1.6 miles down the road and the local post office in Burton Bradstock when in season.

Ourganics produce is also found in amongst the ingredients at the much loved (by locals and visitors) Independent Redbrick Café in Bridport or direct from the field.

She is an inspiration to many growers and neighbours in the valley which is all part of her purpose which you can taste in her leaves! If you are lucky you might even be served by her in the shop as she helps us out once a week.

To visit or enquire about permaculture courses or if you would be interested in visiting, please Call Pat (07900) 963228 and leave her a message as she will be out in the field but promises to get back to you!