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Description
We are setting up a Bioregional Learning Center:
The applied research center is a property located in Montaigu-de-Quercy, Tarn-et-Garonne, in the southwest of France, approximately 1.25 hour drive north of Toulouse. It is the centerpiece of the ecosystem which aims to regenerate the bioregion. This means it will be working to orchestrate, facilitate and amplify local existing projects and newly created ones, in the following domains : biodiversity and agriculture, habitat and energy, culture and governance, economic models and monetary systems, health and wellbeing, education. The center offers a place for local regenerative project leaders to gather, share knowledge and best practices, as well as receive services and resources for accelerating and amplifying their impact in the region. In addition, the center provides visibility to these projects by showcasing physical prototypes on the center grounds, as well as offering educational opportunities to the general public, and showcasing sustainable ways of living.
The property is composed of a main building/house (approx. 200 square meters) which sits on 5.2 hectares of land including a wooded valley, flatlands, and a buildable plot of 6000 square meters. The house overlooks the valley which also includes a communal walking path leading to the village in approximately 15 minutes. There is a small ruin approximately 50m from the house along the path which we will renovate. We are in the process of gathering permaculture design proposals for the land, and envisage putting in a market garden, food forest, medicinal garden, and a natural swimming pool. We aim to be as autonomous as possible (food, energy, water). We also hope the land to be seen as a sanctuary, a place of peace and wellness. It will be a workplace for researchers and we also plan to facilitate workshops, events, and conferences. We also hope to welcome various artists and stage small performances. In addition, we would like to build some eco-houses on our buildable plot (6000sqm) and treehouse type cabins on the rest of the land to also rent out.
The house includes a large open plan living/dining space which is foreseen to be the area for welcoming the public, holding the exhibitions as well as the work space for 6-8 people (these people will often be working offsite so the space will not always be fully occupied). This space also has a large fireplace along one wall, which may be conducive to a small lounge area. Nearby is a large kitchen which is foreseen to be used to prepare meals for 15-20 people at a time, or light snacks and drinks for up to 60 people. The house includes 6 bedrooms which will be used initially as volunteer accommodation, accommodation for retreats, and could eventually be turned into offices as the center grows. The house also includes a basement which is foreseen to be used mostly as a large meeting room or a workshop/maker lab, with a small section reserved as a utility room (with washer and dryer).Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Interests
TechnologyPolitics / Social justiceEvents & socialSustainabilityCultureSelf developmentFarmingHistoryMusicLanguagesGardeningCooking & foodArchitecturePerforming artsCarpentryDrawing & paintingAnimalsYoga / WellnessNatureCampingDancingArt & designDIY & craftsPlant careUN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Maria-Elena is a dual national French and American. Her husband. Jeremy, is British and her partner in this project, Carsten, is German. The project is international with 6 local members and 3 members that are new to the area.
Montaigu-de-Quercy offers all amenities although it is a quaint village of 1300 people. Its local market is well established and offers fresh produce and local foods weekly.Help
We have just finished furnishing the house and are now preparing to build vegetable gardens, a chicken coop, and an outdoor podium/deck to facilitate outdoor activities. We plan to have the design ready for the relevant plot by the first week of November and will hold a collaboative building workshop later in the month of November. Volunteers will be most welcome. Experience is not necessary but we can definitley also use any people trained in, or wanting to learn about, permaculture farming.
There is also some indoor DIY work that needs doing such as painting walls.Languages spoken
German: Fluent
English: Fluent
French: Fluent
Spanish: Intermediate
Italian: IntermediateAccommodation
We can offer shared or private accommodation in beds. We provide bedding and bath towels. Depending on available space, we may offer air mattresses for indoor ou outdoor camping.
We will provide groceries for collective cooking for all meals.What else ...
We are approximately 2 hours from Bordeaux and 1 hour from Toulouse.
We prefer non-smokers but tolerate smoking outdoors.A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
The property was recently purchased (June 2024) so everything still needs to be set up. We see this as a longterm project.
Space for parking camper vans
We have ample space for the campers onsite. Water facilities available offsite but locally.
Can possibly accept pets
The property is not fenced or gated so pets need to be ok with this.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two