Tootfinder

Channeling rainwater wisely creates a thriving landscape, providing both cooling shade and food for the public.
Instead of sending it down concrete curb edges and into storm drains,
cuts in the curb move water toward native trees and plants.
As Millison says, this simple change is key to “turning depleted neighborhoods into thriving ecosystems.”

In 1998, a man illegally cut holes in a Tucson street curb. The result changed the law.
Brad Lancaster shares with permaculture expert Andrew Millison how illegal curb cutting to divert rainwater 30 years ago changed Tucson.

Previously an underused site,
the area was transformed using Hügelkultur,
a no-dig permaculture technique that creates highly fertile mounds using woodchip, timber, and organic matter from local tree surgeons.
This approach, combined with forest garden principles, has established a resilient ecosystem for wildlife,
turning the space into an all-year-round green habitat with edible shrubs and trees like blackberries, raspberries, and apple trees.

Vacant site to community ecosystem - Transition Together
Chris Gabe of Bridgehouse Garden Community Group describes an incredible journey from tarmac site in South London to thriving forest garden and a cosy wooden barn, hand built by the local community group after learning a host of new practical skills.