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Help develop an agro-ecological and sustainable project in the the region of the Canal Navarres (Valencia), Spain

  • Favourited 1910 times
  • Last activity: 28 Mar 2024

Availability

  2024 

 Min stay requested: at least 2 weeks

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    We are three friends from Valencia who some years ago acquired a land in the mountains in order to develop an agro-ecological project. During this time we have restored the ancient stone house there to make it habitable. We also created an organic garden, we started to restore the abandoned olive grove, and made the henhouse. The goal of the project is to continue improving the orchards, the house and rest of elements in order to reach agronomic viability and a permanent way of living in peace with the environment and with higher levels of selfreliance .

    The "finca" is in the region of the Canal Navarres (Valencia), it consists of an area of 4 hectares of organic olive groves with some carob trees, and other 2 ha of arable land in different mountain terraces.

    It is located 14km away from the nearest town Bolbaite and is surrounded entirely by public forest. The nearest inhabited house is about 5km, so the feeling of peace is permanent. As the place is very isolated it is highly recommended to come with your own vehicle. If you dont,you will need flexibility with arrival and leaving dates because we try to avoid using the car as much as possible.

    We are not permaculture experts, neither a spiritual community. However we try to follow some of its principles and also enjoy some kind of comunity life when we have several volunteers. The project is focused mainly in the practical aspects of living of the grid and about mountain agriculture.

    We seek also: Meeting new people and share experiences, learning together, exchange of ideas and knowledge on agroecology, agroforestry, permaculture, self-reliance, alternative energy etc. We are always open to listen new ideas and proposals. The land offers many possibilities.

    On the farm is living permanently one of us, which will guide the volunteers in their daily tasks and will arrange meals and solve their needs.

    Leisure: At leisure volunteers can relax and unwind in the house, enjoy the pool Or explore the farm and whereabouts. The place can be perfect if you like hiking.

    Nearby attractions: - Bolbaite River, Puddles of Quesa. - Gorgo de la Escalera in Anna- Rio Fraile -- Caves and shelters with cave paintings. You may visit those places if you come with your own car but maybe we do some visit.

    We speak spanish and english. We are omnivorous, but we adapt to any type of vegetarian diet

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Help with Eco Projects
    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    Animal Care
    Farmstay help
    Creating/ Cooking family meals
    Help around the house
    General Maintenance
  • UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN goals
    No poverty
    Zero hunger
    Good health and well-being
    Quality education
    Gender equality
    Clean water and sanitation
    Affordable and clean energy
    Decent work and economic growth
    Industries, innovation and infrastructure
    Reduce inequality
    Sustainable cities and communities
    Responsible consumption and production
    Climate action
    Life below water
    Life on land
    Peace, justice and strong institutions
    Partnerships for the goals
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    The cultural exchange and opportunities lo learn here will be mainly about:
    1. Practical and technical aspects of living offthegrid. This way of life has many special things that make it different.
    2. Agriculture- volunteers can learn about recover an abandoned olive grove and reconvert to organic cultivation, management of soil, management of limited resources like water, organic gardening, taking care of animals etc
    3. Natural environment.- This place is in the middle of the forest completely surrounded by nature. You could learn many things about aromatic herbs in mediterranean forest and nature.
    4. Building and matenance. We do sometimes some basic works of masonry, carpentry, plumbery, electricity etc.
    5.Languages. The host can help you with your spanish learning mainly by conversation. If you bring your own spanish books or notes the host can help you also with gramatics and theory. You can also improve your english skills practicing with other volunteers.
    6. Spanish culture.- As we will live together you can learn about spanish culture in general. We usually cook together and share recipes from our different countries.
    You can also visit the village and visit nearby places of cultural interest if you come with your own vehicle but isolation of the place makes it not easy to do often.

  • Help

    Help

    We seek collaboration mainly at the orchards but also at home and around.

    Main tasks: trimmer machine, pruning, weeding, and organic fertilizing of the olive orchad,harvesting etc. Theres also basic daily tasks like taking care of the animals and the garden, gathering wood etc. At home theres always some fixings improvements and mantenance to do.

    Volunteers are expected to help around 25 hours per week. Usually 5 hours per day/ 5 days per week. Schedules are flexible but some results are expected. This way of life demands a lot of work then it is important to be active and involve in the needs of the prjoect.

    We dont demand any specifical skillset or experience but people with the following traits will adapt better and enjoy here the most:
    Initiative, adaptability, practical and downtoearth mentality, self starter, self motivated.

  • Languages

    Languages spoken
    English: Fluent
    Spanish: Fluent

    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.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    It consists in an ancient stone house. Most of it is already finished but with few improvements remaining. We have electricity by solar panels and running water (from a small aquifer within the farm). The house has two floors, with several bedrooms on the upper floor. a bathroom, heating (wood stoves) etc. Life here is basic and not luxurius but everyday improving.

    By the time we access the Internet via mobile phone. Despite the isolation we enjoy 4g connection most of times at home. If your mobile connection doest work at some point we could share ours creating a hotspot.

    We also have irrigation pond, which in summer we use as swimming pool.

  • 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

  • Space for parking camper vans

    Space for parking camper vans

    This host can provide space for campervans.

  • Can possibly accept pets

    Can possibly accept pets

    We accept pets but with limitations. We have here two dogs and one cat. Dogs stay outside. Normally our dogs are very friendly with other dogs from visitors but you never know. If theres some problem we cant accept extra distractions and probably stay will not continue.

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    More than two

  • ...

    Hours expected

    Maximum 5 hours a day, 5 days a week

Host ref number: 729644168279

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