Profile information
Host rating
80 %
Last replied
21 Oct 2022
Feedback
14
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Details
Description
Our names are Enrique and Helena. An anthropologist and a hydrologist focus on helping promote awareness trough practice of the agroecological and energy transition our organizing systems urgently need in order to become sustainable for all inhabitants of our planet. While we both are permaculture designers Helena is more inclined to the agroecological part of the project while I focus more on the mychological systems.
The project is based in a 15th century Water Mill in the Alcarria Conquense, a cultural park just one away from Madrid and 70km fromCuenca, a World Heritage Site.
We have only been here for 3 year and half now refurbishing the mill and setting up our project through agroecological and permaculture techniques so there is plenty to do and plenty of different tasks to learn and perform. Here, apart from enjoying living nature you can help us on the multiple tasks associated to manage a small scale market garden in a permaculture site on a little more than an acre, around 6500 square meters.
We welcome people not afraid to get their hands dirty and people who is able to adapt and thrive on an ever changing profesional landscape, also people with initiative and willing to learn!
A young Permaculture project composed of three main aspects:
- Production: our aim is to demonstrate that scientific permacultural techniques can make the depleted soil reach again, fertile and productive and attract biodiversty helping to create a soil teeming with life. We also focus on preserving water and helping to fight against desertification, a huge problem in Spain.
-Education: We aim to promote environmental education and sensibility within our community through workshops, events, gatherings etc.
-Design: As designers we aim to provide comprehensive techniques and land and water management methods to move away from the toxic techniques permeating industrial agriculture after the so called Green Revolution.Types of help and learning opportunities
GardeningDIY and building projectsGeneral MaintenanceCreating/ Cooking family mealsFarmstay helpHelp with Eco ProjectsHelp around the houseHelp with Computers/ InternetUN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Apart from the cultural and language perks associated to living in a traditional Spanish village located in a European cultural park (Alcarria Conquense), the volunteers will get to learn and participate in tasks and projects related to: Permaculture, Gardening, Mycology (interior and exterior production),composting, seed preservation, environmental education...etc.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
We are looking for environment lovers willing to help advancing a Permaculture project in the heart of Spain in all aspects, mainly gardening tasks and also general farming tasks, Mycology, Networking & Social Networks, Sales and Marketing... We appreciate open minded and creative individuals willing to make a difference and to innovate in the application of environmental and community projects.
Our volunteer program runs from April to November. We won't be ready to host any volunteer out of that period.Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Fluent
French: Fluent
Galician: Fluent
Portuguese: 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
Volunteers would have their own furnished room with double bed or a twin beed room. The Mill is a 420 square meter building with 2 toilets, two living rooms and a big kitchen.
There will be 3 organized meals at day provided by us and will take turns on cooking so we can all learn different flavours and cooking styles from each other. (There is a small shop at the village for special groceries or snacks if you need food at any time) We will be eating mostly from the garden depending on the season, tomatoes, kale, lettuces, potatoes, beetroots, turnips, spinachs, cucumbers, mushrooms... you name it!!!.
We do not eat meat but we occasionally eat eggs, cheese and fish depending on sources.What else ...
the project, is located on a 1562 water mill in "La Alcarria Conquense", a cultural park in the heart of Spain on the province of Cuenca.
Barajas de Melo, the village, is conveniently located 1 hour away from Madrid by car and only 70 km away from the city of Cuenca protected by Unesco as a world heritage site. The nearest mid size town, Tarancon, is only 17 km away.
There is plenty to do at the mill in any given day but, whenever you want to take some time off, you can visit Cuenca or Madrid or lose yourself in the area visiting historic villages like Ucles, or Archeological parks like Segobriga or, if you prefer, you can also stay outdoors and head to breathtaking locations like Las Chorreras, La Ciudad Encantada, or any of the local river beaches.A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
Maximum 5 hours a day, 5 days a week
Feedback (14)
Staying in the old Mill was an amazing experience with very beautiful surroundings, waking up to the birds every morning and wandering down the stream path to collect water, getting to know the locals with the essential aperitif mid day, allows you to slow down and take… read more
Staying in the old Mill was an amazing experience with very beautiful surroundings, waking up to the birds every morning and wandering down the stream path to collect water, getting to know the locals with the essential aperitif mid day, allows you to slow down and take… read more
Nonetheless, my three week stay in January 2021 has been great. I got picked up by Kike and before even going home we went to check out… read more
Feedback
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Accuracy of profile:
(4.8)
Cultural exchange:
(4.8)
Communication:
(4.9)
Staying in the old Mill was an amazing experience with very beautiful surroundings, waking up to the birds every morning and wandering down the stream path to collect water, getting to know the locals with the essential aperitif mid day, allows you to slow down and take… read more
Staying in the old Mill was an amazing experience with very beautiful surroundings, waking up to the birds every morning and wandering down the stream path to collect water, getting to know the locals with the essential aperitif mid day, allows you to slow down and take… read more
Nonetheless, my three week stay in January 2021 has been great. I got picked up by Kike and before even going home we went to check out… read more
I had the privilege of being a part of… read more
We spent 2 weeks at Kike and Helenas place and we had such a great time! They were great at communicating and you are not doubting the passion and energy they… read more
I only stayed for a couple of weeks but it gave me a great overview of Permaculture and I'm now really interested in starting my own farm!
If you're gonna walk around the town and… read more