Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
13 Apr 2024
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 2 days
Feedback
16
Email verified
Badges (2)
Details
Description
The ecovillage is set in forested hills about an hour from Florence, was founded in 2003. The interests and talents of the community include permaculture design, synergic agriculture, nonviolent communication, mindfulness, biodanza and “do it yourself” construction (self build).
At present we are 8 residents living in the completed stone buildings and the two straw bale cabins that comprise the ecovillage. The photovoltaic system (we’re ‘off grid’), solar panels, firewood from the forest and water from various springs ensure self sufficiency in energy and water.
Besides the 2.4 acres (one hectare) that we own – mostly forest with several small vegetable gardens, fruit trees and a large chicken coop – the association has been granted 26.4 acres (11 hectares) in concession. On this land we have cleared a large field for growing grain, potatoes and vegetables. A member of the ecovillage is a certified permaculture teacher.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Charity Work
Gardening
DIY and building projects
General Maintenance
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We believe that to live in a community in this extraordinarily beautiful natural setting can be a wonderful experience. The forest, which we think of as a ‘teacher’, is rich with many species of trees, animals and plants. Our lifestyle is frugal, with care and attention given to saving energy and using natural resources with awareness. Care is also given to the relationships between the members in the group, using nonviolent communication and consensus to make decisions.
Volunteers will be able to acquire knowledge and experience in synergic gardening, permaculture and the use of herbs.
We use tools with mindfulness and ask volunteers to do the same.
Help
We need help in the forest. That includes collecting, splitting and stacking firewood; the gathering of fagots of small branches and twigs to put into a chipper. The wood chips are then spread as mulching on the vegetable gardens.
Volunteers can also work at maintaining the paths and garden spaces in the forest, including clearing them of brambles. They will also create little terraces with stakes and logs and plant them with vegetables and fruit trees.
We value help in the building and repairing of dry stone walls.
Help is welcome collaborating in the daily domestic chores: cooking, cleaning and gardening.
Languages
Languages spoken
German: Fluent
English: Fluent
Spanish: Fluent
French: Fluent
Italian: FluentThis 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.
Accommodation
Accommodation for the volunteers is in the building just remodeled. There is a guest room with 6 twin beds, sanitary facilities, (bathroom, shower and washing machine), and communal spaces.
During the spring and summer, it is possible, and very pleasant, to sleep in a tent in the woods, with a compost toilet, and an outdoor shower.
The volunteers will have their meals with the residents of the ecovillage. Meals are mostly vegetarian and organic, but meat, from animals raised in an ethical way, may be occasionally offered.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.
Can possibly accept pets
No, we cannot accept volunteers with animals
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 6 days a week
Feedback (8)
The communication with Davide running up to my arrival was very clear and easy, which, as a first-time workawayer, I really appreciated. Arriving into a community of strangers can be daunting, especially if you're not very accustomed to such a way of life. But from the moment I… read more
Esperando que te vaya muy bien y que encuentres lo que estás buscando...
Te mandamos todas/os un gran abrazo!
Los… read more
Accurate, reliable and competent person. For the days he stayed with us, it was… read more
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.8)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(4.9)
The communication with Davide running up to my arrival was very clear and easy, which, as a first-time workawayer, I really appreciated. Arriving into a community of strangers can be daunting, especially if you're not very accustomed to such a way of life. But from the moment I… read more
Esperando que te vaya muy bien y que encuentres lo que estás buscando...
Te mandamos todas/os un gran abrazo!
Los… read more
Accurate, reliable and competent person. For the days he stayed with us, it was… read more
It was really easy to live together, thank you and please come back!
The work was well organised which allows us to have a real free time all the afternoon and evening (we were working on the morning). And they were really trying their best to vary the tasks… read more
Thanks to Elisa for her precious help and for her great… read more
Super recommended workawayer!
Ragazzo simpatico ed affidabile. Lavoratore presente e disponibile.
Workawayer super consigliato!
