Southwestern Australia Agroforestry Design

The design above is my initial concept plan for a property in the Margaret River Region of Southwestern Australia.

The Margaret River region in South-West Western Australia has a mild, maritime-moderated Mediterranean climate, defined by warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Summer temperatures are warm but rarely extreme due to constant ocean influence, while winters remain mild with most of the region’s substantial rainfall falling between May and September.

Indigenous Wadandi six-season knowledge highlights subtle environmental shifts throughout the year, offering additional insight for land and resource management that local land managers do well to take into account.

The area’s ancient geology creates well-drained, nutrient-poor gravelly loam soils that limit plant vigour and yet can help produce high-quality agricultural outputs when the right species are grown.

The region is famous for premium wine grapes. Low diurnal temperature variation supports even ripening, natural acidity and consistent yields. Though occasional spring storms and summer bushfire risk pose challenges, the region’s Mediterranean climate, winter-dominant rainfall, and well-drained gravelly soils also create excellent conditions for diversified agroforestry.

Currently the property is used for livestock, and is mostly grass pasture, interspersed with some small areas of native bush.

The client wishes to expand food production on the site in an eco-friendly and sustainable way, while also diversifying the income from the property. They will expand their home to incorporate ‘Earthship’ ideas with an integrated greenhouse, and create a new kitchen garden for their family, while also expanding the range of foods that they produce for the surrounding community and welcoming paying guests in future.

Food Forest & Silvopasture Systems

One of the key priorities for the design is to improve tree cover on the site – both with native tree species and with productive fruit and nut trees suited to the climate and conditions.

The design for agroforestry on the site includes a layered food forest on a slightly sloping area to the east of the property, and the integration of trees throughout livestock areas to create a silvopasture system with areas for rotational grazing.

Water management solutions include on-contour swales, with a spillway to a vegetative swale that sends excess water to the dam system.

Sustainable Aquaculture

The two farm dams are in a somewhat degraded state and one of the plans for the property is to improve these through earthworks that are as non-invasive as possible, and through marginal and aquatic planting. One of the ponds will be stocked with native fish as part of the plan for income diversification on the property.

Eco-Friendly Guest Accommodation

To the north of the site, small areas of existing tree cover will be expanded and joined, to create a beautiful and natural area for paying guests. Wooden ‘glamping’ huts nestled in clearings between the trees and shrubs will eventually allow people to come and relax in this tranquil setting.

If you are interested in a design for your own property, please get in touch to discuss your specific site, requirements and goals.