Citizen Science at the Permaculture Network
Across Europe, people are observing, testing, and learning from the landscapes they live and work in.
With the Citizen Science layer of the Permaculture Network, we make these observations visible and shareable.
Our Citizen Science layer is about simple, practical methods that can be applied in gardens, farms, forests, and community spaces - and of course about building a collective understanding from many small contributions.
What can be measured?
We are currently focusing on a set of simple soil and ecosystem indicators:
- DAFOR vegetation analysis
- Soil pH
- Soil texture (jar test)
- Water infiltration
- Soil compaction
These methods were chosen because they are:
- low-tech
- repeatable
- meaningful for design decisions
They can be carried out without expensive equipment and are suitable for both - beginners and experienced practitioners.
| Label | Place | Location | Entered on |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soil_texture observation 2026-03-19 | Beyond Buckthorns | Compost Area |
Why does this matter?
In permaculture, observation is the foundation of design.
Citizen science strengthens this by:
- making observations more structured
- allowing comparison between sites
- supporting better-informed decisions
- creating a shared evidence base
Over time, this can help answer questions like:
- How does soil health differ between regions?
- What impact do certain practices have?
- What patterns emerge across climates and contexts?
How it connects to the platform
Citizen science entries are linked to:
- members (who carried out the observation)
- places (where the data was collected)
This creates a connection between:
observation → design → implementation
It also complements the design directory by adding a layer of measurable insight.
How to participate
You can contribute by:
- Choosing a test method
- Carrying it out in your context
- Entering the results on the platform
It only requires curiosity and a willingness to observe!