THE spirit of Portland will be evident this weekend as the community comes together to learn about living sustainably.

The first Portland Permaculture Fayre will take place this Saturday.

Over the last year, a group of volunteers have been working to organise this event which they hope will include many local people, projects and initiatives to demonstrate the variety of resources that are available on the island.

Permaculture is a global movement that provides a framework for developing sustainable and self-sufficient systems to grow food – and support everyday living. It focuses on three core ethical principles – care for the Earth, care for the people, fair share.

Supported by the charity Transition Town Weymouth and Portland, the Portland Permaculture Club has been applying those principles through community gardening in the last year.

But members wanted to go further than just doing gardening, hence the fayre.

Agatha Rodgers from the club said the event aims to demonstrate “the great potential of adopting permaculture principles, and how they can bring new life and hope for the future”.

The fayre, at St George’s, Reforne, from 10am-4pm, will include stalls, crafts and produce.Entrance is £3.50, children free.

Amongst many others the group is pleased to welcome ICA, Dorset Wildlife Trust, Memo, Portland Sculpture and Quarry Trust, RSPB, Portland Heritage Trust, Andrew Cowling, Island Voices, Dorset Recycling and Fair Trade.

Maddy Harland, co-founder and editor of the Permaculture Magazine will be there to present her new book Fertile Edges.

For more information about the event contact Agatha on 07973 280943.