Learn new skills and enjoy beautiful surroundings in the Serra da Estrela mountains, Portugal

Details

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  Description

  I have the honour of living in a beautiful piece of mixed deciduous woodland in the Serra da Estrela mountains in Portugal. Life is pretty basic, but very fulfilling;
  I have a caravans, for guests, which runs off a 12v system, and there is only 240v when the generator is running.
  The water comes straight from the spring, and in my opinion tastes better than any water anywhere.
  The land is accessible by 4x4, but is within easy walking distance of the nearest village.
  I have 3 dogs,a nd some chickens.
  Last year I started a forest garden which is in need of a bit of attention and tlc. The year before I started an orchard (also in need of tlc!)
  There is a stone ruin on the land that is in need of total renovation.
  I myself make yurts, and tipis, and alternative structures, like treehouses and cabins. I also do various carpentry jobs and sewing work. (There may be opportunity for some paid work at some points that would sit outside the voluntary.)
  And then when the works done there are views of the sunset at the end of the day.
  
  I am in need of someone who is good with animals, and would be up for occasional pet sitting whilst I'm away.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Art Projects

  Help with Eco Projects

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Animal Care

  Farmstay help

  General Maintenance
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  There is a huge opportunity to learn new skills in building and land work and animal husbandry. The land is situated within an informal community based on permaculture and natural building. There is always workshops, community meetings, and parties in the area. We maintain a good working relationship with the local people, and there is ample opportunity for language learning.

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  Help

  Primarily at the moment, I am looking for someone who is good with animals, and who would be happy to look after them whilst I go away a couple of times over the next couple of months.
  
  There is also a wide variety of work that needs doing here, so I am happy to indulge whatever you are passionate about. The list includes:
  -Land work; brush cutting, clearing, having big fires (at the right times of year), leveling areas, fencing, etc.
  -Gardening; Last year I created several beds that are now in need of attention. I'm not much of a gardener, and would love someone to come along with a passion for gardening and make that their project. I planted an orchard the year before, and that is in need of conscientious clearing, and tending.
  -Help with the animals.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  Portuguese: Beginner

  This 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.
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  Accommodation

  There is a small caravan with 12v lighting, and kitchen area. Lunch and supper will be shared, and you will be expected to cook and wash up on a rota basis outside of the voluntary work. I'm quite flexible about cooking arrangements and find it quite nice if sometimes we eat separately. I am happy even to give you a food allowance so you can cater for yourself. I am not vegetarian myself, but am happy to cater to a vegetarian diet.

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  What else ...

  The Estrela mountains are spectacular at any time of year. There is a ski resort at the top, and river beaches at the bottom. There are castles and monoliths to explore, and thousands of miles of tracks to walk. the wildlife is amazing with lots of migrant birds, eagles, wild boar, lizards, and so much more. The local village is 10 minutes walk away, and you can leave a car there. The buses are intermittent at best, and I'm still not sure if they only run once a week...

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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

  There is a very private track at the bottom of the land that I have parked my own van on many times, or there is a possibility to bring a van onto the land, but it's not easy to pull on and off if you want to use the van regularly.

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  Can possibly accept pets

  I have dogs, and chickens. If your pet can be trusted with the above, then I'm happy to have other animals around :)

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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  Hours expected

  20-25 hours per week