Profile information
Host rating
65 %
Last replied
16 May 2023
Feedback
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Email verified
Details
Description
Chrissy and Colin, have recently moved onto their 20 acre piece of beautiful land in Sicily and it is their dream to regenerate their property. Tree planting will be a major part of this goal. They aim to use a holistic management, created by the Savory Institute, to provide them with the tools to restore the ecosystem. Colin uses a wheelchair and is supported a lot by Chrissy. They have a big vision but they need help.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
General Maintenance
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
To gain land-based skills that can help restore the ecosystem. To speak Italian and English. To do something positive for the land and to connect to nature in a beautiful part of Sicily.
Help
Colin and Chrissy need help to start restoring the land, which will include
- Tidy up areas of the property to make way for tree planting, which will include strimming, trimming trees, restoring parts of the dry stone walls, removing rocks from parts of the fields and creating fire breaks.
- Creating a small tree nursery
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Italian: IntermediateThis host offers a language exchange
This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
You can contact them directly for more information.
Accommodation
In the short term, they are looking for someone with their own campervan to come and help. However, if you do not have a campervan, Colin and Chrissy have a spare bedroom and bathroom in their house which can be blocked out for you for certain periods of the year for you to use.
They are currently not connected to the electricity grid, so they use a small generator for an intermittent power supply. They hope to be connected to the grid in June. As of now, there is no hot water, but it is due to be installed on the last week of April however bucket showers are possible in the meantime.
Internet, a good Wi-Fi connection is available thanks to a mobile hotspot.
Chrissy will do the majority of the cooking. They eat mostly simple Sicilian pasta dishes and very occasionally they eat meat.
What else ...
Location:
We are located in a remote part of southern Sicily. There is public transport to the nearest village called Cianciana, but there is no public transport to our place. From Cianciana you can take public transport to Palermo and Agrigento. Colin and Chrissy would be happy to pick you up and drop you off from the village when you are arrive and depart. You would have more freedom if you have your own vehicle.
Things to do:
We are located in Agrigento Province (south Sicily) 30 minutes inland from the sea and halfway between the cities of Agrigento and Sciacca. There are a number of famous historical sites in both cities and there are a number of beautiful beaches 40 minutes away from us. As you probably know Sicily is a place where you can eat simply but very well.
Colin and Chrissy live on a beautiful piece of land with wide sweeping views of the valley below and the Mediterranean in the distance. They are lucky to be surrounded by nature and wildlife, such as porcupines, foxes, hares, Sicilian rock grouse, Lanna falcons and many more. At night they are gifted by a beautiful dark sky and countless stars. If you are looking for a place to get away from the rat race and connect to nature this could be it.
About us:
Colin and Chrissy are in there mid forties and throughout their life they have also been long term volunteers and they have helped other people. Together they are both good at achieving long term goals. They have planned and completed two overland journeys, raised money for charity, and set up the British Aquaponics Association. They are very interested in meeting new people and learning from them. They believe that life can be short and it is important to live full and meaningful life.
Colin broke his neck in July 2000 and sustained a C5/C6 complete spinal cord injury. He uses a wheelchair and needs assistance to do day to day tasks and as a result normal tasks take them a long time. For example, Chrissy wakes up at 6 am to help get Colin ready, which can take 2,5 hours at the minimum.
Background:
Colin's background is agriculture and he has dreamed of being a farmer since he was 15 years old.
Chrissy's background is public health and nutrition.
Colin and Chrissy would be extremely grateful for your help.
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
