Help out on our beautiful woodland garden in Arcos de Valdevez, Northern Portugal

Details

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  Description

  The quinta (farm) is wooded with oaks and chestnut, we work with some coppicing and woodland management to improve biodiversity and also make use of the natural resources around us. This year there are three vegetable plots, lots of young and old fruit trees and a couple of bell tents for friends and volunteers.
  
  There is plenty of work watering and weeding as well as keeping the undergrowth low where necessary. And enjoying the harvest from the garden of course. Me and Tetsu moved here from Sweden three years ago and last year Loka the dog joined us as well as a family of chickens.
  
  I have many years experience in organic and biodynamic vegetable production, gardening and food fermentation and am happy to share knowledge. Our place is situated close to the Peneda Geres National park in the beautiful area of Arcos de Valdevez. There are plenty of beauty spots for swimming and hiking and you can get to the ocean in less than an hour. Having your own transportation is best.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Art Projects

  Language practice

  Help with Eco Projects

  Light gardening

  Creative DIY projects

  Farmstay help

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Light maintenance
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  Interests

  

  Farming

  

  Writing

  

  Blogging

  

  Cooking & food

  

  Gardening

  

  Drawing & painting

  

  Plant care

  

  Music

  

  DIY & crafts

  

  Books

  

  Art & design

  

  Beach

  

  Hiking

  

  Nature

  

  Adventure sports

  

  Sustainability

  

  Self development

  

  Culture
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  Knowledge around gardening, composting, biodynamics, fermenting and new skills with greenwood are things we can share and we are excited to meet you and hear about your travels and experience. The nearest town is pretty lively in the summer - it is a 10 minute drive, a car is definitely a bonus. Geres National park is also incredible for hiking, swimming, driving. We speak English, Swedish and Japanese, and are both beginners in Portuguese, but keen to learn. We would love to have people with skills in wood work, natural building, land art and people who are keen to get into a state of mindfulness around monotonous jobs like scything, piling branches, splitting wood etc.

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  Help

  We would like help with the garden - watering and weeding, building compost piles, cutting and splitting wood, taking care of structures and tree care. We will usually be working together but there will also be tasks to do alone. We eat lunch together (cooking lunch is also a welcome contribution) and other meals separate.
  
  On hot days we work in the cooler morning and finish with lunch and you are free all afternoon to find shade or a swimming hole.
  
  It is not easy to get around without your own transportation so either a car or company is a good idea to while away the sunny afternoons!

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  Languages

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

  This host offers a language exchange
  Portuguese exchange would be great!
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  Accommodation

  We have a beautiful big tipi tent and a caravan with a double bed. There is a big outdoor kitchen for all cooking and a solar shower and dry toilets. Camper vans welcome although not too big as the parking area is a bit narrow.
  
  We will eat lunch together, rotating the preparation if that feels okay, and food will be provided for breakfast and dinner, organic and as local as possible. We eat meat seldom and are comfortable with vegetarian and vegan cooking.

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  What else ...

  Having your own transportation is a must. We welcome 1-2 people at a time who are willing to share a small tent or even better, bring their own. We are not party people and like it pretty quiet.

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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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  Space for parking camper vans

  This host can provide space for campervans.

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  Can possibly accept pets

  We have a very friendly, playful young border collie/podengo mix who is not tied up so another playful dog welcome but cats might not enjoy their stay... Dog must be well house (tent) trained.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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  My animals / pets

  

  Loka

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