Performing many functions therefore creates diversity of yield, resourcefulness, greater opportunity and, by allowing energy to flow throughout the system, enhances efficiency. Here are three examples. Take, for example, the humble yet marvellously multi-functional comfrey plant. In a monoculture, battery chickens are solely reared for eggs. Meat pies are a by-product, not a part of the main function.
Hedgerows can have many functions.
In our garden the mixed species hedgerow provides privacy and a valuable windbreak for the fruit trees. Most of the species in the hedgerow are native, thus supporting a diversity of species of birds and insects. The trees have been grown from locally harvested seed in Hampshire and provide a gene bank for conservation garden designers on our LETScheme. The hedges also provide shelter for our chickens and ducks, and berry bearing plants and insects provide them with forage at the lower levels and berry harvests for us higher up. The trimmings are converted into mulch, kindling and woodchip.