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Host rating
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Last replied
30 Nov 2024
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Description
We may or may not be looking for any volunteers this autumn, 2024. Many things are up in the air at the moment but please feel free to message, and I’ll do my best to get back to you as quickly as possible.
We are Ben and Will, living simply, off grid on nearly 9 hectares in the mountains above Tivissa, Catalunya. We’re working with our small herd of rescue animals, olive and almond trees, and the land to make a sustainable life here, for us and to share with others; exploring techniques of regenerative agriculture, permaculture, syntropic agriculture... As a gay couple we aim to increase queer visibility in rural agricultural endeavors and strive to provide a safe encouraging space for us all to connect with the land.
We are Radical Faeries, Welcome Faeries!
We are looking for 1 or 2 people at a time, to come work with us, from one to two weeks or longer if it works for everyone.
Who we are:
We are both 38 years old , from the state of Wisconsin, in the Northern midwest of the United States. After 10 years living in London, we’ve found our way here. Ben has been living here since 2017, and Will since 2019. We speak English and Castellano, and Ben speaks German.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
You will learn about natural building, principles of organic farming, soil building, dry stone wall repair, shepherding skills.... and much more!
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
Some of the projects we are working on:
Restoring the second and third rooms of our old Shepard’s hut - using natural building materials and techniques
Fixing fallen terrace walls
Various small carpentry projects
Garden work
Building Fences - all of our existing fences are built with olive wood, which we collected and prepared for building from pruning the overgrown, previously abandoned olive trees.
Preparing future vineyard sites: building fences and clearing brush from these terraces and others
Massive tree planting, watering, mulching, and irrigation projects.
Smallish Almond Harvests - around September
Olive Harvests - starting November each year
- pruning of overgrown olive trees while harvesting if suitable.
- chipping the prunings for mulch
Forestry work: thinning young pine stands for fencing material. Cleaning forest cover to reduce fire risk.
Cutting, collecting and chopping firewood.
A bit of low-key shepherding - hanging out with the animals if they are in a pasture near the road and to direct them as necessary.
Any other projects that come up or inspire you!
We are living on the mountain with our dog Truman, who is very affectionate, although he has very few boundaries - and likes to kiss and cuddle everyone. Our very inefficient mouse control cat is Dexter. Two younger cats are Artemis and Pastanaga.
Beyond these two we have Bodhi and Junya the donkeys, Myra and Minnea the sheep, and some chickens. These animals all come from a rescue and have lived with us on the mountain helping work the land for the last 4+ years.
We are looking for helpers that are excited to take part in the beginnings of our mountain farm. We have learned a lot in the last 5 years to share with you and look forward to learn from your experiences.
Photo notes:
the beach is playa del torn, 30 minutes drive down on the coast.
The little river gorge pools are a 40 minute drive.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Catalan: Intermediate
German: Intermediate
Spanish: 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
Accommodation we can offer is a small Caravan. It is basically just for sleeping, 1-4 people. With a gas cooker.
Toilet: simple, composting and outdoors, under an olive tree with a great view
Shower: we have a simple outdoor shower set up
Electricity: minimal 12v solar electricity - enough to run lights at night, charge phones and tablets and other small items.
Food/cooking: we will provide a hot vegetarian meal in the evening, or cook together/you can cook if you like to.
And provide food for communal or individual breakfast, lunch and snacking.
Our small indoor kitchen is available to share.
We have one neighbour, who we live quite closely with, Suami, who lives a 5 minute walk away. Close enough to see each other whenever you want to, with plenty of room for privacy. He is Catalan, fluent in English and Castellano.
What else ...
We are located in the mountains a few km away from the medieval Catalan village, Tivissa, around 2,000 people (15min by car - 35 min by foot down, 50 min by foot UP) On the road to Tivissa you pass a font and a bolsa of mountain spring water, and rock climbing routes.
The land is terraced, with mainly olive and almond trees and a few figs that were previously cultivated here. The land was abandoned for 20+ years.
We work as much as possible with things that come from the land or that we find thrown away in town.
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.
Can possibly accept pets
Just ask
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Feedback (2)
I had wonderful time at Will&Ben place last September. I stayed with them for one week. We planted a microforest for a windbreak. It was hard but very satisfying work. The guys were very easy going and supportive. I felt very comfortable there. Their life… read more
She was and is wonderful. She is very hard worker and was an all around pleasure. We shared lots of nice time working and relaxing, sharing lots of nice food, stories, and exchange. She’s a great cook and baker! We were also just really in the same rhythm I think, so it’s all worked beautifully. We would and hope to… read more
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I had wonderful time at Will&Ben place last September. I stayed with them for one week. We planted a microforest for a windbreak. It was hard but very satisfying work. The guys were very easy going and supportive. I felt very comfortable there. Their life… read more
She was and is wonderful. She is very hard worker and was an all around pleasure. We shared lots of nice time working and relaxing, sharing lots of nice food, stories, and exchange. She’s a great cook and baker! We were also just really in the same rhythm I think, so it’s all worked beautifully. We would and hope to… read more
