Help us awaken our forest property from a long slumber and create a solidarity-based agriculture, Leipzig, Germany

Details

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  Description

  For us, “unconventional” doesn’t just mean growing vegetables...
  
  ...because we don't live on a farm, but live with friends in several small witch houses in the middle of the forest. Our project is a combination of several properties in an old pine monoculture, about 30km from Leipzig. However, drought, storms and, last but not least, bark beetles are slowly making our habitat look barren. Therefore we have made a virtue out of necessity; With our own sawmill, we produce our own building materials right on our doorstep.
  
  And we need a lot of that, because our project is still in its infancy - which will give you a wealth of different tasks. Because, among other things, we are awakening a forest property from a slumber of almost 20 years. Roofs need to be re-covered, fences built, paths laid out and cables laid. Houses need to be renovated and outbuildings need to be built for our machines and tools. The mobile chicken coop would like to be completed and the old pool converted into a pond. We fight blackberries and grow new trees.
  
  The long-term goal is to establish solidarity-based agriculture. The aim is to create a garden with fruit trees and bushes, a herb garden and vegetable beds. Greenhouses and cold frames support cultivation.
  An essential part of our cultivation is composting. We transform the barren heath sand into a biologically valuable subsoil.
  We do this in a variety of ways: whether it's a worm farm, fermenting green waste or adding manure - we pave the way for a high proportion of humus with active soil life. Another important component for this is biochar, some of which we produce ourselves.
  All in all, our goal is “Terra preta” – fertile black earth.
  
  We are already familiar with volunteering platform through our project in Portugal, but unfortunately we haven't had the opportunity to host it there yet. We would now like to replicate this in Germany and hope to convey a wide variety of positive impressions and experiences to a wide variety of people.
  Because we love our work and building an alternative, self-sufficient lifestyle; We strive for an environmentally friendly existence that promotes biodiversity. We enjoy the puzzles that come with our construction projects - so we are always motivated and happy to be able to pass on our knowledge and be an inspiration to others.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Animal Care

  General Maintenance
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  UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

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  What's this?
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  You'll learn much about building things from wood, which was before a tree in our forest.. We also have to take care about our machines and theres always something to repair..

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  Help

  You dont need special skills or fitness oder what else. Just be in a good mood and open minded. We have so many different things to do, we will find a job which you'll like and fits to your interesteds..

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  German: Fluent
  English: Intermediate
  Portuguese: Beginner

  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.
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  Accommodation

  You'll sleep in Bauwagen, and if youre not coming as couple you have your own. We do all the meals together, the Lunch ist mostly cooked by my grandma:-)

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  What else ...

  Leipzig is not far away and easy reachable with a bus which is driving from the forest to the mainstation every 1 hour!
  Its always worth a visit!
  Sometimes we also go to a concert or just for buying things there.
  In the evening we often met up with our friends in the forest for sitting on the fire or do a barbecue..

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Can host digital nomads

  We have really good 5g access, but the Internet we provide is not limitless. But as an digital nomad you'll have an own contract with an isp;-)

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  Space for parking camper vans

  We have a lot of space for campervans or campertrucks, also friends all around from germany like to park and stay at our place over the summer:-)

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  Can possibly accept pets

  We can accept pets but we have also free chicken and rabbits. Would be nice if they survive your pet;-) We have also a young female dog who loves all the other dogs to play and hang around..

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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  Hours expected

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