Learn about natural agriculture, forest work, food transformation and others at small eco village in Tuscany, Italy

Details

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  Description

  The ecovillage which is set in forested hills about at about 1 hour distance of the town of Prato, was founded in 2003. The interests and talents of the community include permaculture design, natural agriculture, transformation and conservation of food and “do it yourself” construction (self build).
  At present we are 5 residents living in the stone buildings and the two straw bale cabins that comprise the ecovillage. The photovoltaic system (we’re ‘off grid’), solar panels, firewood from the forest and water from various springs ensure self sufficiency in energy and water.
  Besides the 2.4 acres (one hectare) that we own – mostly forest with several small vegetable gardens, fruit trees and a large chicken coop – the association has been granted 26.4 acres (11 hectares) in concession. On this land we have cleared a large field for growing grain, potatoes and vegetables. A member of the ecovillage is a certified permaculture teacher.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  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

  We believe that to live in a community in this extraordinarily beautiful natural setting can be a wonderful experience. The forest, which we think of as a ‘teacher’, is rich with many species of trees, animals and plants. Our lifestyle is frugal, with care and attention given to saving energy and using natural resources with awareness. Care is also given to the relationships between the members in the group, using nonviolent communication and consensus to make decisions.
  Volunteers will be able to acquire knowledge and experience in natural gardening, permaculture and the use of wild herbs for food (mainly in spring)
  We use tools with mindfulness and ask volunteers to do the same.

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  Help

  We need help in the forest. That includes collecting, splitting and stacking firewood; the gathering of fagots of small branches and twigs to put into a chipper. The wood chips are then spread as mulching on the vegetable gardens.
  Volunteers can also work at maintaining the paths and garden spaces in the forest, including clearing them of brambles. Sometimes they will also create little terraces with stakes and logs and plant them with vegetables and fruit trees.
  We value help in the building and repairing of dry stone walls.
  Help is welcome collaborating in the daily domestic chores: cooking, cleaning and gardening.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  German: Fluent
  English: Fluent
  Spanish: Fluent
  French: Fluent
  Italian: Fluent

  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

  Accommodation for the volunteers is in the stone building. There is a guest room with 6 single beds, sanitary facilities, (compost toilet at a short distance, shower inside the house and washing machine), and communal spaces.
  During the spring and summer, it is possible, and very pleasant, to sleep in a tent in the woods, with a compost toilet, and an outdoor shower.
  The volunteers will have their meals with the residents of the ecovillage. Meals are mostly vegetarian and organic, but meat, from animals raised in an ethical way, may be occasionally offered.

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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

  Recently our internet connection has been quite instable, which means that it might not work for a day or a couple of dayz

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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

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