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Host rating
85 %
Last replied
14 Apr 2024
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Description
Currently in the south of bulgaria there is lots of roadside trees, especially walnut, that have not been pruned and looked after. They are a great source of vital nuts and oils but when they are left to die, overgrow and otherwise not looked after they are not very productive.
These are lining the roads all around where I live, for many miles. There is at least 2000 trees I have idenified that need some love.
I've decided to do two things- 1- prune around them to give them a better chance at survival, and, 2- clone trees from the extra branches in a process called 'air layering'. I attached a few youtube videos of this below.
If you are interested in helping me out to save these trees and also create new ones- this could be for you.
As a side quest, I'm also planning to adopt a goat herd that I will use to keep our back field of 1.5 hectares clean. So I do need a little help keeping them in check!
ABOUT ME:
I'm James, nice to meet you. Originally from Oxford, UK, I've just returned to Bulgaria after several years in Iraq and then Ukraine, working with a medical support company. I'm a trained medic, and medical officer having run a field hospital in iraq during the war on terror. I went to University in Bulgaria and speak the language, so, getting tired of the 'advneture life' I have decided to return to europe and my passion which is eco-business and creating new challenges for myself here.
I'm 39, reasonably active, and my hobbies when not creating projects are- archeology (my study), exploring, long hikes into the mountains, caving, swimming, rafting, 4x4 driving, shooting, scuba diving- basically it if involves being outside and doing something fun, thats where you will find me.
I love cooking- indian and italian food are my best dishes- what are yours?
I hope to see you soon as part of my team on this project. Lets make a difference together!
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
EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES FOR TEAM MEMBERS:
As a bonus for your stay we would like to offer you FREE OF CHARGE, to be able to achieve the following certifications gained from your experience on the stay with us!
During your stay with us of more than a week, we will offer you professional qualifications in the following fields:
FIRST AID AT WORK: As the organiser is a licenced first aid instructor and, due to the nature of the work at hand, all members of the team will be given a 2 day first aid at work certification valid for two years. This is mandatory for everyone working on the project.
Chainsaw Safety Training: A chainsaw certificate of competence to operate will be given to those who will be working in brush clearing and wood work.
For staying more than a month:
Horticulture Level 3 Advanced Diploma -if working with the nursery and planting
Forestry Advanced Training Level 3- for those working with cutting bush.
these courses can be taken which takes 15 hours of study including a practical assessment and a portfolio/reference letter after you leave and an official UK based endorsed certification. We will pay the certification and exam fees! aprox. time to take is 1 month (per course) to get you qualified in these fields.
Help
Currently I am in the process of 'Air layering' trees- its a way to clone trees for replanting and growing a new tree fast.
My goal is to clone 1000 walnut trees to replace dying ones and a new plantation in the mountains.
You can find out more about this here-
This is what I need help with.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Bulgarian: Intermediate
French: BeginnerThis 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
Accommodation will be based at the Rogozinovo property, with four bedrooms able to accommodate up to 8 people, if you are travelling with a camper van, you are able to have plug in and parking for your camper.
What else ...
RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES AND DEVELOPMENT
In the area We have access to:
Camping/hiking: The Rhodopes are full of excellent nature and ancient sites that can be explored. Wild animals including vultures can be found in the areas. As part of our program twice a month a weekend camping trip (including 4x4ing rock climbing and swimming) is planned as part of the activities.
On top of having fun, you can learn the following skills:
4x4 Driver training and exploring: you will learn the principles of handling a 4x4 off road and how to tackle challenging courses in remote environments.
Rock climbing: We have all the equipment for rock climbing and very good quality cliffs available to practice bouldering and learn the skill.
Swimming: A professional swimming instructor is on hand to help you learn, if you do not know how to swim you have the chance to add this skill.
SCUBA Diving: With our team leader being a PADI certified instructor, long term candidates can do their PADI open, advanced and rescue diver courses at cost (certification cost only) and qualified divers can dive buddy to explore some lesser known dive sites including lake diving.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
**CAMPER VANNERS WELCOME***- We have plenty of yard space to park campers and a plugin can be offered. We are on the main highway to Istanbul just 20 min from the Turkish Boarder on the EU side.
Can possibly accept pets
This host has said they are willing to accept those travelling with a pet.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
5hrs 5 days a week.
