Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
14 Mar 2024
Reply rate
90.0 %
Usually responds within 11 days
Feedback
5
Email verified
Badges (1)
Details
Description
Hi!
My name is Nathalie and I am passionate about soil health and the importance of moving away from conventional agriculture towards sustainable practices like regenerative farming and agroecology. In 2021, inspired by the documentary "Kiss the Ground", I created together with my husband an off-the-grid regenerative farm which we are still building up and we welcome all the help we can get.
Our 1Ha farm is located in Bois Rouge in the North of the beautiful island of Mauritius in the middle of sugarcane fields with a view on the mountains. We do not only produce vegetables, fruits, herbs and eggs from our free-range chickens but we also use the farm to raise awareness among the public through educational visits and events.
Our customers buy directly at the farm and harvest themselves, with our assistance. We do this to avoid waste (waste of harvested produce that did not get sold or waste through packaging material).
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
General Maintenance
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
My husband and I are in our mid-50s and we have both travelled extensively. My husband still does, as a geologist. I am a former corporate executive, turned farmer, and manage the farm on a daily basis. Combined we have 4 nationalities and speak several languages. We love meeting new people and exchanging life experiences.
Mauritius is a melting pot of different cultures and religions, making it an interesting destination, whether culturally or food-wise. It is often called the "honeymoon" island as many newlyweds spend their honeymoon here, attracted by the pristine beaches and turquoise lagoons.
Help
We need help with the daily activities on the farm: taking care of our chickens (feeding, collecting eggs and cleaning the coop), watering plants, de-weeding, snail patrol (snails are enemy no. 1 in a veg garden; they need to be picked up and relocated daily!), planting, preparing seedlings, composting, and any other gardening activities as required.
If you are handy with tools, we could use your talents for maintenance tasks and small DIY projects that we have occasionally.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Fluent
Dutch: Fluent
Accommodation
In return for your help, you will have free accommodation - an independent studio equipped with a kitchen and separate shower/toilet. Food is not included (though a lot can be found in our gardens!).
All openings in the studio are fitted with mosquito nettings, so no need to worry about unwanted bugs visiting you while you're sleeping. Completely off-the-grid, we have solar panels for electricity and a rainwater harvesting system that provides us with water for the kitchen, shower and toilet. We have access to a borehole as a backup source of water.
No neighbours, quiet and peaceful, yet secure (cameras and dogs) and comfortable (WiFi and smart tv). Rural life at its best!
Note: our previous WorkAway'ers were lodged in a tiny house made of sea containers at the far end of the farm but we have moved since into the tiny house ourselves. We are currently converting the building next to our office at the entry of the farm into a studio and have at present no pictures yet of the accommodation. We will post some as soon as it is done (by April).
What else ...
Considering our climate, work on the farm happens early in the morning and end of the afternoon. Meaning you are free to spend your time in the afternoons and evenings.
There is a bus stop within walking distance, and we are a 5 min drive from a shopping mall (bank, supermarket, food court, shops).
Mauritius is a small island and you will have plenty of opportunities to visit the island and profit from all there is to do on the island!
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
Despite being off-the-grid we have a 20Mbs internet connection (airbox), fast enough for online conferencing (Skype, Zoom etc.) and streaming (Netflix).
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
Maximum 3 hours a day, 5 days a week
Feedback (2)
Even though he lacked specific farming skills, he was a quick learner and showed interest in learning.… read more
What made this experience so special for me was the fact that I didn't have much prior knowledge about agriculture and regenerative farming, but Nathalie and Jêromé were incredibly patient and… read more
Although my knowledge regarding farming isn’t big, she welcomed me (& a friend) on her farm. Nathalie and her husband (Jérôme) are very kind, warm people. They would always give us clear instructions, answer our questions and even offer us car… read more
Despite their young age, they showed themselves resourceful, finding their own way around etc. They were respectful… read more
Despite their young age, they showed themselves resourceful, finding their own way around etc. They were respectful… read more
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
Even though he lacked specific farming skills, he was a quick learner and showed interest in learning.… read more
What made this experience so special for me was the fact that I didn't have much prior knowledge about agriculture and regenerative farming, but Nathalie and Jêromé were incredibly patient and… read more
Although my knowledge regarding farming isn’t big, she welcomed me (& a friend) on her farm. Nathalie and her husband (Jérôme) are very kind, warm people. They would always give us clear instructions, answer our questions and even offer us car… read more
Despite their young age, they showed themselves resourceful, finding their own way around etc. They were respectful… read more
Despite their young age, they showed themselves resourceful, finding their own way around etc. They were respectful… read more
