DIY and planting project located in the early hills of the Monchique mountains in the Southwest of Portugal

Details

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  Description

  We are a project located in the early hills of the Monchique mountains in the Southwest of Portugal, nestled in a valley between Cork Oaks and Medronheiros with a river running through the valley half of the year. We have two lakes, one oh which is perfect for swimming and cooling off. We also have about 12Ha of Eucalyptus forest we are making plans for transitioning into a more mixed forest.
  We have been the stewards of this 36Ha piece of land called Vale da Cerva for the last 2.5 years.
  Our group consists of Hari, originally a Geographer turned project manager with a passion for the drums. Ramona, Goldsmith, Painter, and overall creative mind. Their son Nelson, music producer turned carpenter, land manager, with hopes to expand to farmer and water/ecosystem regeneration. Eva, Nelson's partner, an early childhood educator and singer who still has her base in Berlin but does her best to come to Portugal when she can.
  
  We are all German with Ramona, Hari and Nelson having spent a lot of time living abroad in Ireland and the USA.
  
  The next Village is about 5mins by car and has two Cafes.
  The next bigger towns are Lagos(25min), Portimão(20mins), Monchique(35mins), or Aljezur(35mins).
  A car or at least bike is very helpful to get around.
  
  Currently we are still working on infrastructure but have managed to do a lot already. We have running water, including irrigation, from our well and lake, we have solar and grid electricity, a nice compost toilet tower, a kitchen, a bathroom, and a workshop. We have planted about 700 trees last year with the help of some volunteers and are planning for more this fall. The kitchen garden has also flourished for the first time this year.
  
  We are also trying to integrate ourselves in the local community, a big part of which is learning Portuguese, which we are still a bit deficient in.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Art Projects

  Help with Eco Projects

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Farmstay help

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  General Maintenance
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  UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

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  What's this?
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  There is of course lots to learn about the challenges of a project like this, both physical as well as psychological. If you're into music there is a lot of musical exchange going on here. We're in general always trying to learn from and inspire each other.

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  Projects involving children

  This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

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  Help

  We ask for 4 hours a day for 5 days a week although friday usually is a short day as we like to have a meeting in the early afternoon.
  Tasks we currently have are mostly building and planting but other tasks can include crew care, building our digital organizational platform, help with grants, etc. Talk to us about your skills and what you would like to learn/get out of it.
  In exchange you have a hot shower, toilet, and usually two great meals a day(most of us are really into cooking and eating good food).

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  Languages spoken

  German: Fluent
  English: Fluent
  Portuguese: Beginner

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  Accommodation

  Right now we don't have great accommodations. Hari and Ramona are in a yurt and Nelson is still staying in his van. The ruins have watertight rooms equipped with ovens which we are planning to make a bit more comfy for the colder months. We can also offer a tent and a mattress but in winter it would be best if volunteers had their own campervan.

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  What else ...

  On days off there are hikes to go on, bike rides, beaches to visit(both south and west coast). It is however best if you have your own transport. We do often go out on weekends and can take you but we've learned it's much better if you can feel independent. Nelson goes to bike polo every Sunday and is willing to take people along for it.
  Often there are little parties of friends we go to, where you could join if you'd like.

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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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  Can host digital nomads

  This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.

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  Space for parking camper vans

  This host can provide space for campervans.

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  Can possibly accept pets

  This host has said they are willing to accept those travelling with a pet.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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  Hours expected

  Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week