Help with natural building and land clearing in Pedrogao Grande, central Portugal

Details

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  Description

  We are a young family of three, Zak (27), Jackie (26) and Toddler N. In 2019 we bought 2ha of abandoned land in Portugal and moved there full-time this spring. We’re working very hard to build a sustainable future for our child through regeneration of the land. We are caretakers of a cork oak forest amidst the eucalyptus plantations and need some help clearing the land and bringing it back into production. Another big project is the building of our bathroom, which we plan on doing with all-natural materials found on the land. A few years ago we visited and worked on a few workaway projects ourselves, which helped us immensely on deciding to embark on this grand adventure, so now we’d like to give back.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Help with Eco Projects

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Farmstay help

  Babysitting and creative play
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  We can teach you what we know about gardening in a changing climate, seed saving, foraging and herbalism and building a farmstead. Often times we still learn something new and we always appreciate the ideas others bring in. At all times we’re happy to share good Portuguese vino and music!

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  Projects involving children

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

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  Help

  We have an endless to-do list and turns out a baby slows you down quite a bit, so any help is appreciated :) we have a little permaculture-inspired garden in need of TLC, we need to build a proper bathroom, we are renovating an old stone barn, a spring that needs some clearing out… you can see, there’s always something to do! You don’t need any skills, we can teach you what we know and you can experience the very beginning of an off-grid project with us. The big project right now is a bathroom. We want to use natural building materials (stone, lime, tadelakt, straw and wood) and because we're beginners ourselves, it will be interesting to figure it our. Because we have a child we’d appreciate it if you don’t smoke at all but if you do, you’ll have to leave the property to do so and take care of the resulting trash in a safe way.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  German: Fluent
  English: Fluent
  French: Beginner
  Portuguese: Beginner

  This host offers a language exchange
  If you’re Portuguese, don’t hesitate to help us learn the language better!
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  Accommodation

  It would be good if you have your own van to live in and get around. We have a composting loo and outdoor shower but there are also caravan toilet cleaning places in the nearby town if you prefer to use your own van and it’s comforts :) if you don’t come with your own accommodation, we have a room in the old stone house that we can make ready for you, but you will need to share the space with some geckos, as we haven't had the time yet to renovate it. It is dry and clean but not particularly cozy. We also have our trusted MSR Hubba Hubba that we can put up in our massive garden with mountain vistas so you can wake up every morning to the view. Whichever you prefer, really. We’re experienced campers and hikers so have all the gear needed for a comfy stay! That includes two different sleeping bags (arctic or summer), a pillow and extra blankets if it gets cold. We cook communal meals, at least one warm meal a day in our kitchen. We’re vegetarian (sometimes eat our own chickens) but can cater to vegans. Ideally you’d have your own transport as the next biggest town is 20min by car, but we can also pick you up.

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  What else ...

  We have a lot of river beaches and hiking trails in the area that we’ll happily point you to. There are some beautiful paths along the Zezere river not far away and we’re close to multiple little waterfalls and swimming holes. In the summers we’ll take you with us on excursions to the water to seek some respite from the heat!

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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

  We have a high-speed internet connection at our tiny house.

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  Space for parking camper vans

  We have a roadside parking space behind the stone barn where you can park camper vans. Additionally, we’re currently working on building a parking space down an access track for more visitors. We will find a space for you in any case :)

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  Can possibly accept pets

  We have chickens, a pig and a very old (but friendly) dog. Your pet needs to be child friendly and get along well with other animals.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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  Hours expected

  Maximum 4 hours a day, 5 days a week

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