Learn about Syntropic Agroforestry in Temperate Climate on our family homestead in Kilkenny, Ireland

Informationen

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  Beschreibung

  Regenerative Smallholding & Syntropic Agroforestry Project (Co. Kilkenny, Ireland)
  ​Located in rural County Kilkenny, this 10-acre smallholding operates under agroecological, permaculture, and syntropic agroforestry principles.
  The primary focus is non-commercial food production for self-sufficiency, ecological restoration, soil rehabilitation, and knowledge-sharing. By employing zero chemical inputs ("beyond organic"), the system relies on ecological design and natural plant succession to improve soil biology, optimize crop health, and enhance pest resilience.
  
  ​Project Scope & Ecological Framework
  ​Initiated in Winter 2023 following a comprehensive ecological and land topography survey, the smallholding has systematically implemented water retention and soil-building systems.
  
  ​Water Management & Habitats: Two wildlife retention ponds were constructed to capture rainfall, mitigate downstream flooding risks on neighboring land, create microclimates for crops, and establish natural pest predator habitats.
  
  ​Syntropic Orchard (2 Acres): The orchard features a high-density, multi-strata planting scheme designed across dynamic succession phases. It incorporates over 100 fruit and nut trees—including Walnut, Cobnut, Sweet Chestnut, Cherry, Apple, Pear, and Plum—intercropped with ever increasing planting of soft fruits, Perennial Vegetables, medicinal Herbs and flowers (Honeyberry, Jostaberry, Worcester Berry, Blackcurrant, Gooseberry, Raspberry, Blackberry, Strawberry, Rhubarb, horseradish, jureseleum artichoke, kale, borage, comfry, sweet pea, Yarrow, Fennel, Garlic, nasturciums, Dahlias, Narcissi, fever few, mints, Clovers etc.....).
  
  ​Biomass & Support Species: Fast-growing native and support trees—such as Willow, Alder, Hazel, and Birch—are integrated into crop rows to generate dynamic biomass through periodic management (chop-and-drop pruning).
  
  ​Biodiversity Woodland: Partnering with the organisation such as 100 Million Trees Foundation, The Hare’s Corner, Trees on the Land, and Free Trees Ireland, over 5,400 native Irish trees have been planted to establish a long-term native woodland belt and hedgerows.
  
  ​Structural Habitats: Traditional drystone walls and dead hedging have been built throughout the property to create micro-habitats for beneficial insects and wildlife.
  
  ​The four Phases & Methodology in use with The Syntropic Agroforesty in Temperate Climate are:
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  1. Placenta
  2. Placenta 1
  3. Accumulation
  4. Abundance
  
  The smallholding is currently transitioning from the Placenta phase into Placenta 1, focusing on system establishment, biomass accumulation, and root network development. Reaching full system abundance (Phase 4) is a multi-year ecological succession process.
  
  ​Soil & Food Production: A vegetable garden and greenhouse/polytunnel produce staple crops including potatoes, garlic, onions, tomatoes, carrots, strawberries, and herbs using living-soil methodologies.
  
  ​Regional Context & Location
  ​Castlecomer (10 km / 10 minutes): A historic former coal-mining town featuring the 80-acre Castlecomer Discovery Park (woodland trails, adventure activities, and coal mining museum), a local craft yard (ceramics, jewelry, fine art), and core amenities.
  ​Kilkenny City (30 minutes): A historic medieval city known for its preserved cathedrals, 12th-century castle, and vibrant arts and cultural festivals.
  ​Accessibility: Situated in a rural area with limited public transit; local pickup and drop-off services connect to regional bus and rail networks in Castlecomer and Kilkenny City.

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  Arten von Hilfe und Lernmöglichkeiten

  Sprachpraxis

  Hilfe bei Ökoprojekten

  Leichte Gartenarbeit

  Kreative Heimwerkerprojekte

  Mithilfe auf einem Bauernhof

  Zubereiten / Kochen von Mahlzeiten für die Familie

  Hausarbeiten

  Leichte Instandhaltungsarbeiten
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  Interessengebiete

  

  Haustiere

  

  Musik

  

  Kunst & Design

  

  Geschichte

  

  Strand

  

  Wandern

  

  Outdoor-Aktivitäten

  

  LGBTQ

  

  Technik

  

  Kultur

  

  Nachhaltigkeit

  

  Film & Fernsehen

  

  Farmarbeit

  

  Gärtnern

  

  Heimwerken & DIY

  

  Kochen & Backen

  

  Gartenarbeiten

  

  Fotografie

  

  Tischlerarbeiten

  

  Tiere

  

  Natur

  

  Radfahren
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  UNO-Ziele für nachhaltige Entwicklung, die dieser Gastgeber verfolgt

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  Was ist das?
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  Kultureller Austausch und Lernmöglichkeiten

  Learn about Irish language and old Irish Traditions and cooking.
  We love having Workaways who like cooking and We can learn new recipes from their country and share our love and knowledge of Cooking together.
  We are not vegetarian so prefer for ease of cooking people who eat meat, fish ,eggs.

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  Projekte mit Kindern

  Dieses Projekt schließt möglicherweise den Umgang mit Kindern ein. Mehr Informationen findest du in unseren Verhaltensregeln und Tipps hier.

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  Arbeit

  We are looking for help on our 2 acre Syntropic Agroforestry Smallholding. ( 10 Acres of land in total )
  Lite weeding, planting and general help around the Garden and Land. Food preparation.
  General maintenance and upkeep.
  We are using Agro Ecology principles and Regenerative farm practices.
  We are starting out on this Journey and would enjoy sharing and learning together with other like minded individuals.
  Suit 2 friends or a couple.
  
  Minimum stay 1 week.

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  Gesprochene Sprachen

  Englisch: Fließend

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  Unterkunft

  Peaceful and Private Location Full use of Small Cottage with Double bed.
  With Your own Kitchen and Bathroom.
  Broadband and TV.
  Meals included.

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  Etwas mehr Information

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    Internet Zugang

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    Eingeschränkter Internet Zugang

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    Wir besitzen Tiere

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    Wir sind Raucher

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    Familien möglich

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  Kapazität - wie viele Workawayer maximal

  zwei

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  Meine Tiere/Haustiere

  

  Penny (4 Jahren)

  Penny is everyone friend loves attention and pettings. She is Busy and playful, knows loads of tricks.

  

  Chloe (12 Jahren)

  Husky
  Older Dog very quite and easy going, Likes to keep You company around the Garden.

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