Help with eco-system restoration in Magheracloone , Ulster, Ireland

Details

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  Description

  My name is Conan. I live on my family's small farm in Magheracloone Co. Monaghan.
  Here we are carrying out ecosystem restoration work.
  I have practice regenerative agri-culture.
  Regenerative agriculture is crucial to curbing the negative environmental effects of the current food system, to building soil, to sequestering carbon and rebalancing the water, C and N cycles.
  I have a small flock of sheep and some poultry for regenerative grazing and soil building (and of course eggs) and a cat.
  There is also an orchard and food garden.
  
  As part of this work we have also formed a cooperative group with others in the area. We envision a more connected world where ecosystems are restored and thriving. Humans are working in cooperation with wider nature and one another and we all have the opportunity to explore our full human potential.
  We are also a part of the global network of Ecosystem Restoration Camps. We are planning to host camps for ecosystem restoration and are building an education centre for this work nearby.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Art Projects

  Language practice

  Help with Eco Projects

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Animal Care

  Farmstay help

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  We have lively Irish folk and traditional music with regular sessions in the local pubs.
  Listeners musicians and singers are very welcome to join in and share the craic.
  There are varietiy of beautiful forest walks nearby in Dún na Rí Forest Park and many km of quiet country roads to explore by bike or by foot.
  Castles, ancient megalithic tombs, wells and fairy forts are waiting to be discovered.
  
  There is a visitor centre to one of Irelands most important poets Patrick Kavanagh, in nearby Inniskeen and a tour which takes in many local sites immortalised by Inniskeen's most famous son, with anecdotes, historical facts, wild rumours and, of course, poetry.
  
  There are many lakes around to fish or swim in.
  There is an adventure centre where canoes can be hired water-skiing, wakeboarding, orienteering, nature trails also available.
  
  There is a local craft tradition inspired by Italian lace that originated in the 19th century, Carrickmacross Lace was made famous by its inclusion in the wedding dresses of Princesses, Lace was introduced to Ireland in 1820 and lacemaking was learned by local women so they could earn some extra income. This tradition is maintained today, with beautiful lace, still hand-worked, by craftspeople at the Market Square gallery in the town.

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  Projects involving children

  This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

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  Help

  I need help to clear old spaces, to plant new trees and hedges, to plant, tend and harvest food and making compost.
  We are at the early stages of this work so for now the only produce is eggs and only for own consumption.
  We want to grow food growing beds, to build soil and compost bays.
  There is some cleaning and painting to be done.
  You can learn about permaculture design as it is ongoing.
  You can learn about ecosystem restoration, soil health.
  
  In the mornings you will be working mainly outside, after that we will share lunch and you will be free for the afternoon and evenings to relax
  
  We will all share out the other small daily chores (cooking, washing dishes, fire, feed animals, clean) on a rota.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Intermediate
  Spanish: Intermediate
  Irish: Intermediate
  Greek: Beginner
  French: Beginner

  This host offers a language exchange
  This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
  You can contact them directly for more information.
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  Accommodation

  Workawayers will have a private room inside.
  There is shared space to sit and relax to cook.
  There is WiFi
  Work schedule, Cleaning, Food prep etc will be on a weekly rota

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Space for parking camper vans

  This host can provide space for campervans.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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  Hours expected

  4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week

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