Off-grid experience and help with rewilding in the Cap de Creus Natural Park, Spain

Details

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  Description

  I live in an off grid, sustainable, farm situated in the heart of the Natural Park of Cap de Creus, 15 minutes by car from the coastal towns of Cadaqués, Roses and El Port de la Selva. The farm comprises a 7-bedroom house; various out-buildings and 97 hectares of land.
  
  The house is off grid for water (two wells), waste management (a depuradora) and the majority of its electricity (panels and batteries). The land comprises 75 olives trees, almond trees, and some apricots, there are 30 bee hives and over the winter there are 200 cows in pasture.
  
  The farm generates revenues by renting out the house: either as a whole house (hosted or private) or by the room (a more traditional bed and breakfast model). I also host retreats, events – both corporate and private -- and throughout January / early February I hosted an ‘artist in residence’.
  
  Separate to the rental business, I work on re-wilding the land. As its in a national park, i have had to work closely with the park administration, the town halls and the local government to have an approved 'plan forestal', obligatory for a farm my size. Where I need to help is
  
  * debrushing overgrown pastures and defining paths
  * clearing streams
  * removing invasive species
  * repairing fences

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Help with Eco Projects

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Farmstay help

  General Maintenance
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  Interests

  

  Sustainability

  

  Self development

  

  Movies & TV

  

  Farming

  

  Charity work

  

  Photography

  

  Performing arts

  

  Plant care

  

  Music

  

  Languages

  

  Drawing & painting

  

  Gardening

  

  DIY & crafts

  

  Cooking & food

  

  Books

  

  Art & design

  

  Architecture

  

  Animals

  

  Yoga / Wellness

  

  Winter sports

  

  Water sports

  

  Nature

  

  Camping

  

  Fitness

  

  Sailing / Boating

  

  Mountain

  

  Beach

  

  Outdoor activities

  

  Hiking

  

  Adventure sports
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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

  The chance to gain practical knowledge about slow living on a sustainable farm, the Cap de Creus and life in a national park. The opportunity to understand what its like to live off grid. Time to enjoy the Costa Brava villages of Cadaques & Port Lligat, El Port de la Selva and Roses with all the culture they have to offer.
  
  Volunteering here is more than a workaway — it’s an opportunity to reconnect with nature and contribute to a sustainable project. Whether you’re new to this way of life or already experienced, your energy and ideas will be more than welcome.
  
  LGBTQI friendly.
  
  Sadly, no pets.

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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

  I welcome volunteers from all backgrounds who are motivated, curious, and eager to work in a rewilding project. With farm in the middle of the Cap de Creus national park, I am looking for some who is motivated by and interested in flora and fauna, a sustainable lifestyle and who are happy living in relative solitude.
  Tasks will vary with the seasons and your skills, and will include:
  • Gardening & land care – debrushing, pruning trees and tending olives, composting, repairing stone walls, clearing streams, managing fences, clearing invasive species, planting
  • General maintenance around the farm
  • A positive, respectful attitude and openness to life on a farm and in a national park
  • Flexibility and appreciation for a rural lifestyle.
  
  No prior experience is required — just a willingness to learn, adapt, and work with both hands. I am happy to welcome a couple. Own transport is helpful but not necessary.
  
  Please note, the rewilding project is separate to the rental business and i am looking for help solely with the rewilding.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  Spanish: Intermediate
  French: Intermediate

  This host offers a language exchange
  I am a fluent English speaker, I also speak reasonable Spanish, French and can understand a little Catalan and Italian. Its always good to be able to practice my language skills!
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  Accommodation

  * A private studio flat, with kitchenette, in a peaceful rural setting.
  * Underfloor heating and cooling.
  
  * three nutritious and often vegetarian meals a day
  * breakfast (for example bircher muesli, toast, honey from the farm, fruit compotes) and dinner are prepared
  * lunch is as simple as delicious cheese, ham, pates and bread from the Emporda. There is always fruit in the house too.
  * if i am not around, i will leave ingredients to prepare a simple meal

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  What else ...

  Time off: the farm is 15 mins drive to the coastal villages of Cadaques and Port Lligat, El Port de la Selva and Roses. There are a series of world class museums within 30 mins drive (Casa Dali, Teatre Dali in Figueres, ElBulli 1846, San Pere de Rodes monastery.
  Time off: we are in the centre of the Emporda wine producing area with a series of excellent small producers.
  Time off: there is a local bus service, with a stop about 25 mins walk.

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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

  The farm is off grid so I invested in satellite wifi (Starlink) to stay connected. The connection is robust and constant.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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  My animals / pets

  Wullie (5 years)

  Grey mini schnauzer

  Buster (9 years)

  Black mini schnauzer

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