Ridgedale Farm

Ridgedale Farm, located at 59°N in Sweden, stands as one of the most influential small-scale permaculture and agroecology sites in the world. Although it is no longer operating as a commercial food-producing farm, Ridgedale continues to play a vital role as an educational hub and home to Richard Perkins. Guided by permaculture ethics, agroecological design, and regenerative thinking, the farm's mission remains focused on inspiring and preparing the next generation of farmers. Through immersive learning experiences, Richard equips future land stewards with the skills to design profitable, ecologically integrated farms grounded in soil health, circular systems, and resilience.

Central to Ridgedale’s curriculum are regenerative agriculture principles—including Keyline water management, holistic grazing, agroforestry systems, and no-dig market gardening—approaches that restore ecosystem function while enabling high productivity. The farm has long been recognized as a model demonstrating how agroecology can regenerate depleted soils, enhance biodiversity, and harmonize food production with natural cycles. Even in its current phase without active commercial output, Ridgedale maintains its role as a living classroom where students observe perennial design, biological soil-building processes, and community-rooted approaches to land stewardship.

A defining feature of Ridgedale’s work is its commitment to agroforestry and perennial-based systems as the foundation for resilient farming. By integrating trees with livestock, pastures, and food crops, the landscape becomes more ecologically diverse, biologically active, and climate-adaptive. Tree-based systems increase soil organic matter, reduce erosion, cycle nutrients from deep subsoil layers, and provide habitat for pollinators and beneficial wildlife—supporting both agricultural productivity and ecological restoration. Through carefully planned Keyline-patterned plantings, perennial cover, and holistic management, Ridgedale demonstrates how agroecology, permaculture, and agroforestry together form a viable pathway for a regenerative, locally rooted, and economically sustainable future of farming.

Find out more
https://www.ridgedalepermaculture.com/

The vision behind Ridgedale Farm is to continue serving as a catalyst for truly regenerative landscapes and livelihoods—where farming is rooted in ecological responsibility, community resilience, and long-term stewardship rather than short-term extraction. The dream is to see thousands of small farms around the world adopting agroforestry, holistic grazing, and permaculture-based design to regenerate soils, restore ecosystems, and create dignified, meaningful work on the land. Ridgedale aspires to help shape a future where farmers are empowered, ecosystems thrive, rural economies strengthen, and food production becomes a regenerative force that heals rather than harms.