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Host rating
100 %
Last replied
8 Feb 2018
Feedback
4
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Badges (1)
Details
Description
Woodland management urgently required.
We are Anne and Grant; we own a quinta (smallholding) near Fundao in Central Portugal we are attempting to live as self-sufficiently and sustainably as possible off grid.
We have a coppiced chestnut woodland which has been neglected, we are now in the process of implementing and designing a woodland management plan. Our aim is to improve fire resilience and biodiversity, and to maintain chestnuts trees for future use.
This work is urgent and involves clearing specific areas to remove fuel ladders and to increase biodiversity. We are also coppicing trees and preparing fence posts, so help is required with this also.
There is opportunity to learn about coppiced woodland management and assist with the management process.
We are looking for one - two people to help at this stage and this would suit a couple because the accommodation is our camper-van with a double bed.
The camper-van is fully equipped with gas powered hobs for cooking and a small gas powered heater. Electricity is provided from two solar panels in our camper-van, there are sockets to charging electrical equipment.
We would provide food for you to cook for yourselves for breakfast and evening meal, lunch will be cooked by us for us to eat together. One or two evenings a week we will cook for us all to eat together.
Any dietary requirements will need to be discussed prior to confirmation, we have many chickens, therefore eggs are a main part of our diet.
Wifi: The van has a USB wifi stick that plugs into a laptop - you will need to charge and pay for the use of the pay as you go wifi yourselves - we do not provide free wifi.
We own 2 hectares of land in central Portugal, the land is situated 1 hour from the largest Portuguese mountains the Serra Da Estrela, and these can be seen from our land and provide views of great sunsets. We are currently completely off-grid – drinking water is obtained either from our own spring or from springs in the village and a compost toilet.
We live in a valley, night time temperatures can drop to below minus at this time of year, therefore you will need to be cold hardy, when the sun shines it can be warm during the day.
You MUST have your own travel insurance
Types of help and learning opportunities
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
General Maintenance
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Ours plans for regenerating the land follow, holistic woodland management, permaculture principles and ethics,
Our aim is to create a tranquil and hopefully inspiring environment that can be used and enjoyed by ourselves and others –a place that people can visit and learn about self-sufficiency, sustainability, permaculture and general rural living in Portugal.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
We are currently renovating a small barn, which we live in whilst renovating, assistance is also required for preparing the vegetable gardens ready for spring planting, building a cordwood veranda, managing the woodland, pruning the fruit trees, building a cob oven and general maintenance of the land, various projects will occur at different stages of the year.
We would want people who are willing to work 5 days a week for at least 5 hours a day, this won’t necessarily be set in stone, the temperature and daylight hours will dictate working hours, but you will be rewarded for your time.
We would expect people to be self reliant/independent. Camper vans and families are welcome.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Portuguese: Beginner
Accommodation
The following accommodation is available depending on the time of year and the amount of volunteers we have: camper-van conversion, a large bell tent or caravan, bedding and mattresses are provided.
What else ...
The land is situated 1 hour from the largest Portuguese mountains the Serra Da Estrela, and these can be seen from our land and provide views of great sunsets. We are located near a village, which has 2 bars/cafes, post office, chemist and a railway station 20 minutes’ walk away. There are a number of lovely Portuguese villages nearby, including 2 lakes as well as the mountains. We are located 3 hrs from Lisbon, there are direct trains/buses to Fundao which is approx. 8 miles away and we can collect you from there on arrival.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.
Space for parking camper vans
It is possible to access our land with a campervan, however, there is a short steep section and all vehicles require good ground clearance.
Can possibly accept pets
It may be possible to accept pets, we have two dogs and two cats so we would need to discuss this first.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
Maximum 5 hours a day, 5 days a week
Feedback (4)
They live in a beautiful and peaceful corner of greenery, the quinta is large. We slept in a cozy camper-van, with our two cats who
have now become true "hippies". We tasted Anna's delicious soups, we carried and then "peeled" chestnut… read more
Spent our time pruning olive trees, planting blueberry bushes and helping to finish off a chook shed. It is very inspiring to see what Anne and Grant have created in such a short time.
They are welcoming, generous and fun… read more
Feedback
They live in a beautiful and peaceful corner of greenery, the quinta is large. We slept in a cozy camper-van, with our two cats who
have now become true "hippies". We tasted Anna's delicious soups, we carried and then "peeled" chestnut… read more
Spent our time pruning olive trees, planting blueberry bushes and helping to finish off a chook shed. It is very inspiring to see what Anne and Grant have created in such a short time.
They are welcoming, generous and fun… read more
