Hi, I'm Dave. Working in many different fields such as forestry/sawmills, building/construction, horticulture, civil earthworks, landscaping, and contract fencing led me to undertake a Permaculture Design Certificate course with Bill Mollison in 1999. From this, I journeyed to the famous Tagari Farm in Northern NSW under the management of the Permaculture Research Institute led by Geoff Lawton. Due to my diverse skill set and knowledge of farm life, the farm manager quickly became my role there.
Later I ventured to Tasmania to work with the legendary permaculture founder, Bill Mollison. A strong friendship was cultivated which had a profound effect on me to pursue the development of common sense design. One of my greatest honours in life was working, teaching, and fishing with Bill at his home in Tasmania.
From there Docspice Permaculture https://www.docspicepermaculture.com was created and since its creation I have taught and worked extensively on many projects within Australia and internationally, in places such as Morocco, Jordan, Palestine, and New Caledonia, covering a broad array of different soils, topography, and climatic zones. These work experiences shaped I could say, the mastering of practical mainframe design on the landscapes.
Attention to Water, Access, and Structures forms the basis of where I specialise. Water harvesting and water storage earthworks frame all regenerative farming. Good access throughout a property creates good interactions between the designer, operator, and owner of the property. Structures either form comfort or discomfort, my intention is to assist all to enjoy comfortable use and health-promoting structures. Please visit the Ecological Retrofit section of DocSpice Permaculture for more on this topic https://www.docspicepermaculture.com/ecological-retrofit
Lastly, the distinction of being Registered Teacher #5 with the Permaculture Research Institute of Australia has meant a lot to me.
Testimonials...
Bill Mollison “The Bastard from the Bush”
“David has the rare ability to create the concept and to see the concept through to the physical reality. He is an excellent educator with a wide range of experience. David has an incredible pragmatism that allows him to work in any environment and on any budget. His years of experience include working with the founders of Permaculture as a valued contributor to some of the flagship PC farms in Australia.”
Tim Barker
Appropriate Technology Instructor at Koanga Institute
“Dave is the real deal, hardworking with an incredible practical skill set and great at inspiring and drawing out the best in people. If he has a vice it is in not rating himself highly enough. Set Dave on a task and forget it, it’s as good as done.”
Tom, who worked directly with David at Docspice Permaculture
"David has an incredible pedigree. His practical skills are superb (from construction to forestry to food systems and more) and he’s done a lot of work with some of the very best (Mollison, Lawton…). David is committed, shares his knowledge, and is a great guy to work with."
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