Come and help on a regeneration project!! Once devastated by fires we are back to rebuild on this beautiful, fertile terraced mountain in the mountains. Arganil, Portugal

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  • Last activity: 11 Apr 2023

Availability

  2024 

 Min stay requested: 1 week or less

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    Come and help on a regeneration project!

    Once devastated by fires we are back to rebuild on this beautiful, fertile terraced mountain in the mountains of Central Portugal

    The grass has grown and the fruit trees are shooting from their roots. Our views are truly stunning and the landscape is regrowing in front of us. We have water from two deep ancient mines, rumored to have been left behind by the Romans mining for gold (anyone who wants to try any panning I will probably join them!).

    It is a place for someone who enjoys to be surrounded by nature and who can live simply.

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    Creating/ Cooking family meals
    Help with Eco Projects
    Art Projects
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Volunteers will have the opportunity to learn woodwork, forestry, modern and traditional building techniques. Vegetable gardening and the grafting of fruit trees are also skills which can be taught.

    We are about 10-15 mins walk from a small but thriving village, very typically the central hub is the cafe/bar with a mix of locals and foreigners and while we are truly in the middle of nowhere there are opportunities to socialize.

    Our closest town is Arganil, the market town of the area, very much worth a visit for the Thursday morning market.

  • Help

    Help

    Volunteers are free to choose from the wide range of jobs below as well as working on useful/artistic ideas of your own. There is so much to do as I am in the process of rebuilding everything (!) so most jobs revolve around reconstruction following a disaster. However, all said the area is very beautiful and the views from the land spectacular.

    So, the jobs include:

    Dry stone wall building
    Bush whackin’
    Reviving the vegetable garden.
    Cutting down burnt trees, pruning shoots.
    Grafting onto root stock.
    Building Yurt
    Rebuilding
    Improving Shower.
    Building reservoir/swimming pool.
    Creating small dwellings.
    Building platforms/decking.
    Improving paths.
    Clearing land.
    Planting trees.
    Cooking.

    However, while all of these are important tasks, if people have ideas of their own ideas of how to make the place more comfortable or any art projects you are welcome to spend your time on these as well.

  • Languages spoken

    German: Fluent
    English: Fluent
    Spanish: Fluent
    Portuguese: Fluent

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    Accommodation for volunteers at present is in tents with matresses, duvet, pillows and all bedding is provided.

    We are in the process of building a yurt to sleep volunteers and to provide a communal space.

    Following we will build small dwellings for one or two people on a private terrace with a beautiful view.

    I am not a strict vegetarian but most food cooked on the land is without meat. For all motivated volunteers I am happy to provide whatever foods are preferred and something to drink after the day's works is done.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    In the area there are many beautiful river spots good for diving and swimming. Time off can be spent finding these and exploring the mountains. Locally socializing revolved around the cafes/bars in the villages which is where I would go to meet friends and new people in the area.

    It has always been my intention to create an environment where people live together socially and healthily with the space to pursue their own projects and have time alone in nature when desired.

  • A little more information

    A little more information

    • Internet access

    • Limited internet access

      Limited internet access

    • We have pets

    • We are smokers

    • Can host families

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    More than two

  • ...

    Hours expected

    Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week

Host ref number: 459392581324

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