Help us create a small sanctuary for animals in Kilkenny, Ireland

  • Favourited 713 times
  • Last activity: 14 Mar 2024

Availability

  2024 

 Min stay requested: at least 2 weeks

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Details

  • Description

    Description

    My name is Marcin "Marcus" (50 years old) and my wife Aneta (50 years old), we have a farm.
    We are Polish and we live in Ireland.
    We have a small farm where the sheep that we saved live - the farmers brought us little 2 - 3 day-old sheep that either their mother lived or died and which would not have survived, we fed them with a bottle and thanks to that they survived.
    We have 34 of them, each has a name, they live with us and are happy, we also have 4 donkeys, chickens, 2 dogs and a cat - all adopted
    We bake sourdough bread using the old traditional method,
    We bake cakes from our own products,
    We make sheep's cheese
    We press oils cold,
    We make and smoke our own cold cuts
    We make preserves - juices, syrups, jams,
    We sell everything in supermarkets and privately to people who want to eat fresh, tasty and healthy products.

    This year we got a notice of termination and unfortunately we have to leave the rented farm.
    For the last 6 months we have been looking for a farm to rent, but to no avail.
    We cannot afford to buy a farm, so with the last money we bought an old house for renovation and an acre of land on which we want to build our new farm and a house for our animals, and if possible, enlarge it a bit to accept more animals.

    We also plan to share our animals and the family atmosphere on our farm with others, so we want to start agritourism (2 houses for those who would like to travel to us in their free time, relax in the bosom of nature), which will also be our source of livelihood for our animals.

    We are also in the SOCJAL FARMING project.
    The program integrates disabled and sick children with the farm and nature.
    We are going a step further and want to do sheep therapy and donor therapy for children with autism and Down syndrome

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Charity Work
    Language practice
    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    Animal Care
    Farmstay help
    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

    1. Work among animals and for animals.
    2. Communion with nature.
    3. Polishing the English language.
    4. Possibility to learn Polish.
    5. Getting to know Polish culture and cuisine.
    6. Create a farm with us to which you will always be able to return as a member of our family.
    7. Getting to know Irish culture as well.
    8. Shared meals, delicious home made food

  • Projects involving children

    Projects involving children

    This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

  • Help

    Help

    We need help to build our dream farm sanctuary from scratch, it must be built by the end of the holidays.

    Planned works this year:
    1. Daily feeding of sheep, donkeys and chickens.
    2. Grubbing up and clearing the area of ​​bushes, trees and weeds.
    3. Site preparation for 2 mobile homes.
    4. Digging, pouring and building foundations for house for animals and mobile home.
    5. Putting a mobile home, building the entire infrastructure (sewage system, terrace, benches, shelter, field kitchen, smokehouse, sauna, hot tube)
    6. Fencing the entire area.
    7. Preparation of the land for housing for the winter for sheep, donkeys, and in the future also for alpacas.
    8. Building these rooms (pouring floors, putting up walls, making a roof)
    9. Building enclosures for sheep, donkeys and alpacas.
    10. Preparation of enclosures for animals on the new farm.
    11. Preparation of fencing in meadows for sheep grazing.

  • Languages

    Languages spoken
    Polish: Fluent
    English: Intermediate
    Russian: Intermediate
    German: Beginner

    This host offers a language exchange
    We are interested in learning Spanish, French and Italian

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    Accommodation: we have 2 double rooms in our house on the old farm where we still live, and in the future there will be a whole mobile home (3 rooms) at the disposal of the volunteers.

    Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner (traditional Polish dishes made from their own and local products)

    Work: 5 hours a day, 5 days a week.

    It is also possible to help those willing to prepare dishes, bake bread, bake cakes, make sheep's cheese, make and smoke cold meats.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    In your free time, you can relax in silence and in the bosom of nature, explore the surroundings, explore Ireland.
    We live near Kilkenny where there is a beautiful restored castle (we also live near the ruins of Castles of Leinster: Ballykeefe Castle.

  • 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

  • Can host digital nomads

    Can host digital nomads

    This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.

  • Space for parking camper vans

    Space for parking camper vans

    This host can provide space for campervans.

  • 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: 155254891551

Feedback (14)



Feedback

These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.

Accuracy of profile: (4.9)

Cultural exchange: (5.0)

Communication: (5.0)


















Join us on our busy small holding outside Wexford town, Ireland
Help me bring an old cottage back to its former glory in Achill Island, Mayo, Ireland