Italy
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In 1977 I inherited and have run this traditional bee farm which was started in 1917 by my maternal grandmother who introduced moveable beehives (one of the first to do so in Sardegna). I have three apiaries in the countryside and the wildflowers and rare endemic plants of this area make it an ideal place to keep bees. The area of Monte Arci, near the west coast of Sardinia, is of the highest quality environmentally and historically. It is part of Parco Geominerario della Sardegna and is poised to become the first natural park on the island. As an environmentally friendly activity our beekeeping is of the highest standard. I work the hives and farm organically (certified) and my ‘Mieleria’, powered by a photovoltaic system is built in the traditional clay bricks used in Sardinia. In addition to the bees, we have, distributed in several plots around the farm, an orchard consisting mainly of olive, apple, almond and pear trees.
From the beginning of May, GICOIAS, an important social farming project, will start in Mieli Manias. Five vulnerable people will be placed on the farm for a training and professionalisation course.
Volunteers are welcome, but the basic requirement is that they know the Italian language. English is not useful!
Gardening
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Help around the house
Help with Computers/ Internet
In my farm, that host a cultural Associations like Terra Noba Onlus, is possible to partecipate in cultural project on the themes of sustainability, bio-architecture, identity and history, art, music, literature, which will allow the comparison of the volunteer with the most creative and innovative intelligences of the territory, giving the volunteer the opportunity of a useful opportunity for real cultural growth.
Ongoing projects are related to the management of apiaries, to the care of
our orchard and synergic vegetable garden, cultural activities with the NGO
Terra Noba.
Languages spoken
Italian: Fluent
English: Intermediate
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.
I can only accommodate one person at a time, in the Mieleria.
Since September 2012 there has been a library in the Mieleria which
includes, books on beekeeping, sustainable architecture, renewable energy,
the environment, perm culture, organic farming, alternative medicine,
ecotourism, natural cosmetics, nutrition, natural fabrics & critical
consumption.
The library is supported by the NGO Terra Noba which is very
active in culture and education. The length of stay is to be determined
each time, but not less than 15 days and in close relation with the
activities and the bees (planting, pruning, harvesting, etc.). The organic
meals tend to be vegetarian.
The Mieleria is 500 meters from Ales, easily accessible on foot or by bike
- which we can lend you. The town is well connected by buses and is 17 km
from the nearest railway station in Uras. The territory around Ales is rich
in cultural and environmental heritage, with routes of great beauty on the
Monte Arci and Clara. The country has an intense cultural life and
"worldly" thanks to the work of many associations.
Ales has, among other things, an extraordinary museum of sacred art, a museum of traditional toy, a beautiful modern square and a library dedicated to Antonio Gramsci.
Oristano, the provincial capital, is 43 km away, while the nearest beach of
Arborea is just 36 km.
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
One
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week
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Cultural exchange:
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