Richard Perkins: Biography

Richard was planted in the rural landscapes of Wiltshire, SW England, where he sprouted, grew and finally flowered joyfully before leaving to live on the canals around the country.  After studying Horticulture and Organic Crop Production at Lackham Agricultural College Richard has travelled extensively exploring the rich tapestries that make up the natural and social worlds.  Richard has lived in various community settings throughout the world during this time and furthered his studies into Sociology, Anthropolgy and Philosophy before completing a Diploma in Applied Permaculture Design.

Richard has managed production on organic farms, worked within the organic food retail industry, consulted and volunteered at various permaculture sites over the years.  Most recently, whilst still residing in the U.K. Richard started a homespun traditional yurt making business based upon permaculture principles.  Currently concentrating on teaching and consulting, Richard works with the ethic of Right Livelihood to support himself in a way that is not harmful to others, but actually supports positive growth and change.

Richard is qualified as a Permaculture Teacher under the Permaculture Association of Great Britain.  His interests are broad and diverse as he likes to constantly expand his horizons academically as well as nurture an ever widening practical skill base.  The desire to live simply and harmoniously with others and the world around him,  has fuelled Richards desire to become increasingly self- sufficient  and teach and share what he has discovered so far. Richard is also extremely excited by how much there is still to learn! 

As much interested in inner processes as external activities, Richard is a keen meditator and traveller on the path of insight and awareness.  Over the years these transformative practices have drawn him to solutions to living a productive, healthy, creative and fulfilling life.  Inherent to this process is a deepening of connection to others, whilst increasing personal drive and energy to maintain an often heavy workload.  These inner processes have formed the foundation that all other areas of life build upon, and combined with solid systems thinking, effectively integrate and connect an ever increasing array of interests towards a more focused personal vision.

Richard spent 2008-9 living/ working/ managing  the Panya Project ( a sustainability and education site) in Northern Thailand and is completing the final year of a M.Sc in Integrative and Collaborative  Eco Social Design and Communication with Gaia University.   Now living on the canals in UK with His partner Michelle, together they are focused on a Land Buying Project for 2010-11