It is a rare and exciting opportunity for a school community to design its future school, and even more unique that it will be a farm-based school. The design and planning of the new campus started in February 2015 and came together into a master plan in August 2016. Nineteen months of meetings, research and observation were pulled together using a permaculture approach. Here are some key features.
20% of the farm will be set aside for nature restoration as a mixture of native trees, wetlands and lake.
About 6.5 ha are to be developed for productive farming.
A woodlot will be planted for firewood as a carbon neutral source of heating fuel.
Wastewater will be treated on-site and used for irrigation.
A new pond will be created for stormwater management and habitat.
Locations have been determined for roads, walking tracks, outdoor classrooms, buildings, orchard, gardens, sports field, wastewater and car parking.