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Host is looking for help immediately
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26 Apr 2024
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Description
Hi my name is James, I'm originally from Ireland and currently reside in the beautiful magic mountains (montanhas mágicas) region in central Portugal with my two cats (Bear and Mocha). The area rich in fertile soil, clean water, and many beautiful swimming rivers. The farm is only a short distance from the pristine Teixeira river known for its great swimming spots.
I have recently bought a 3 hectare quinta and am in the process of restoring it to a thriving farm using principals of permaculture. I am learning everyday and would love some help with the project as there is lots to do:
- Developing the land
- Growing and caring for plants for food and medicine
- Expanding the irrigation system
- Land clearing and introduction of more beneficial species
- Eco construction and renovation of existing stone structures, using materials on the land eg. eucalyptus.
- Traditional building techniques including clay
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Volunteers will learn skills around growing food & foraging edible plants on the land, simple traditional irrigation systems, simple forest management with focus on reintroduction of native species. My aim will be to show you around this beautiful area, to stunning river swimming spots and view points. The area is rich in a diverse expat community who are regularly hosting meet ups, festivals and gatherings. You will have opportunities to connect with like minded individuals.
Help
I am looking for keen volunteers who can help in a wide range of tasks on the quinta, including:
- Growing and caring for plants for food and medicine
- Expanding the irrigation system
- Cooking
- General maintenance on the land
- Land clearing and reintroduction of more beneficial species
- Reforesting the land for native species
- Eco construction and renovation of existing stone structures
- Traditional building techniques including clay
Specific skills such as carpentry, building etc would be great but not needed. Enthusiasm and a willingness to learn and share your ideas will be so welcome.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: FluentThis host offers a language exchange
I am a native English speaker who would like to learn European Portugese.
Accommodation
Accomodation will be inside a dry and recently re-roofed building. There is also the option to sleep on the land in a tent, or bring your campervan and park up.
Please note conditions are basic, there is an outdoor (covered) compost toilet and volunteers must channel their inner Wim Hoff as currently the shower is cold but pure from spring water. However there is a wood fired outdoor bath, should a nice relaxing bath be needed.
There is a shared communal kitchen and lounge area where you can make food, make a hot drink and chill out. The space has some instruments such as guitar, jambé and cajón for jamming sessions.
In exchange for your help you will be provided with 3 meals daily (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and everyone will share cooking duties. If you cook this will be taken off your daily help hours.
Meals are simple, healthy and nutritious veggie dishes, using as many fresh produce from the farm as seasonally possible.
What else ...
The farm is around 20 minutres from Oliveira de frades, 30 minutes from São pedro du sul (easy bus connections from Porto) and 1h20 from Porto.
On your time off there are many hiking trails in the region, river swimming spots, and a village close by which has 2 cafes and a pretty town square.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week
