"The project, launched at the Rhayader Green Fair in July 2009 is attracting members from across the region.

We were rushed off our feet all day, answering questions, taking names, and helping people choose free plants from the several hundred donated by keen local gardeners.

The event produced a lot of new contacts and the nucleus of a local seedsaving group, eager to learn more about seed collecting and storage. There are plans to put this to good use by organising a Seed Swap event in the spring.

Other plans for the network include visits to members' plots to share ideas and find solutions to growing problems which are often geographically specific in an area like Mid Wales.

Many people living in elevated positions in the region would like advice about what to grow and how to protect it.

There are also smallholders and farmers keen to learn how to integrate Permaculture methods into farming practice, because of the growing awareness of the implications for farming of Peak Oil.

The recent BBC film 'A Farm for the Future' highlighted this issue for many people, and there was a fresh wave of interest after it was screened again by the Llanidloes Transition Town group.

The commonest question at the Green Fair was "What is Permaculture?" The answer is that it is concerned with sustainability, in how we grow our food, and how we utilise resources.

It is as relevant to urban living as it is to rural communities, and centres around the three principles of earth care, people care and fair share.

The Network for Mid Wales will seek to foster affordable and local learning opportunities, and sharing of expertise and resources.

It will encourage seed collecting circles, to preserve vanishing varieties suited to local conditions, and aims to help communities become more self-sufficient.

A website is under construction, and, when up and running, will enable people to find others near them for co-operation and exchanging practical know-how.

To become part of the Network contact me, Roz Brown, Mid Wales Permaculture Network. email: roz.brown@btinternet.com "

Article by Roz Brown