Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Aquaponic Nursery Project Poole Dorset UK

Hello all

My name is Leigh and I am a garden pond designer / builder based in the UK.

In an effort to increase my business I have obtained a 50% share in a small plant nursery in Dorset.

Over the coming months I will be transforming my area approx 1000 sq metres into an aquatic plant nursery and display area for my work.

Having fell accross AP last week I believe this to be a fantastic formula on which to base my Nursery for growing.

I have plenty of space for several good size poly tunnels as well as outside beds and I am currently looking at integrating different areas of the project together.

IE

Individual systems within the polytunnels.
Connecting the outside display ponds to the outside growing beds.

The land has a slight slope and once a plan is completed I think will prove advantageous in the design and circulation of water within the systems.

I will be looking to grow Aquatic pond plants for retail sale by myself but will also be looking at crop growth.

At present the site is being cleared of weeds so that we can see what we have. Also a 120m new access road has to be installed which will also provide access to a good size car park.

The whole project is still in the early stages but I hope to have the first polytunnel up and running by spring 2012 once all planning permissions have been obtained.

The site has a water supply and that is it.

I am looking at solar and wind power for electric as many good pumps these days run on low wattage outputs.

I have just completed a trade on some work with a client for 8 IBCs to be delivered next week.

I have yet to set up the web site for the nursery but that will not be long in coming.

If anyone has any good sound advise on AP growing in the UK it would be very welcome.

Exciting times ahead (Actually lots of hard work I think with my current business work load)

Thats it for now.

Thanks

Leigh Instone
Owner Outside Water
www.outsidewater.co.uk

Welcome Leigh,
It sounds like you have got a lot of hard work ahead of you.
We have one or two of our ex-students who live within your county and we know that Paignton Zoo has an aquaponic system up and running.
The chap at aquaallotments.com has had a system for a number of years now.

We wait with interest to see your progress.
If we can help in any way - please ask.

WD and OH

Thanks Welsh Dragon

I will be getting the web site up and running very soon and will post photos and updates on a regular basis.

Leigh
OSW

Hi Leigh and welcome to the forum!!!

Hope we can all help you out on your most exciting journey.

Hi Leigh! I love the idea of combining aquaponics with watergardens/feature fish ponds. I think if we could create beautiful aquaponics setups, we could bring the idea to a whole new set of people. That's what I'd like to do for my backyard. If I didn't live on the other side of the pond, I'd be applying for a job with you!
-Kristen

Hi Leigh, I live in london and my set up is been sunning for now 7 months without big issue, only minor correction and tuning, everything is been growing nicely but sun loving vegetable are an hard issue, as long as you stick to herbs and salad or ornamental plants and flowers shoul be fairly easy. Any question or help please just ask.
Cheers mate