Chicken sitting and yurt stay in olive grove near Platsa, Greece

Details

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  Description

  We are an English couple who have a small olive grove surrounded by cypress trees. We live in a remote and natural location, but not too far from local villages, beaches, restaurants and bars. The plot of land affords an atmosphere of peace and tranquility. Everyone that visits says the land has positive energy. We have no neighbours. Wild animals such as wild boars, jackals and foxes roam around the area.
  
  Living off the grid means creating a self-sufficient lifestyle by disconnecting from public utility systems and providing for your own basic needs independently. We are 100% solar-powered and have a vegetable garden. We have access to natural spring water. From collecting firewood to construction projects, we do everything ourselves. Our work and educational background includes catering, gardening, painting & decorating and environmental science.
  
  We cherish our simple lifestyle surrounded by nature, but it wouldn't suit everyone. Ask yourself if you could use a compost toilet or spend time in complete silence and near-total darkness during a moonless night?

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Animal Care

  Farmstay help

  House & pet sitting
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  Interests

  

  Van life

  

  Sustainability

  

  Farming

  

  Music

  

  Gardening

  

  Animals

  

  Team sports

  

  Nature

  

  Camping
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  This is a wonderful opportunity to live off grid in a peaceful and secluded position and stay in a beautiful yurt. Ideal for people who love nature, peace and tranquility. The plot has a special atmosphere of intimacy and cosy wilderness when darkness falls and the stars shine. A great opportunity to slow down, connect with nature, and experience the simple pleasures of life. Volunteers will learn about keeping chickens, off-grid living, self-sufficiency, and themselves.

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  Help

  We plan to go on a short trip leaving on 26th January 2027 and returning on the 5th February 2027, and thus are in need of someone to look after our chickens while we are away. There is one cockerel and five hens. They're very entertaining creatures. This is essentially a two-week assignment allowing for a few days to "learn the ropes" (learn the basic skills and procedures).
  
  Duties include letting them out everyday to rummage, cleaning their coup, feeding them, and collecting any eggs (which you can enjoy for your breakfast). They return to their coup/run by themselves if still out late in the day. The door to the coup/run must be locked every evening as their are many jackals and foxes in the area. You will hear the jackals! One of the hens requires special attention and must be kept away from the cockerel.
  
  The other main task is to oversee the vegetable garden, but this shouldn't require any effort because of the season (no watering required due to natural rainfall).
  
  Volunteers need a blend of essential skills and personal qualities. This is a winter assignment so you will need to light the wood burning stove in the yurt to keep you warm at night. We can't predict the weather but it's possible you will have to deal with rain or even strong winds. Are you "cut out" to handle harsh conditions? Hopefully, you will be greeted by dryer and sunnier weather.

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  Languages spoken

  English: Fluent
  Greek: Beginner
  Spanish: Beginner

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  Accommodation

  Volunteers can stay in our lovely yurt which has a double bed. We have washing facilities in our recently built bathroom and an old hymer (camper van) that has cooking facilities. We also have a BBQ and chiminea that can be used for cooking. Wi-Fi is available.

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  What else ...

  In their spare time volunteers can enjoy everything the area has to offer including the spectacular mountain scenery, the local culture, excellent tavernas and bars.
  
  The plot is only 15 minutes by car from the charming fishing village of Agios Nikolaos with its tavernas, bars and mini-markets. A lovely harbour to dine and enjoy a glass of wine or cold beer. It's only 8 minutes by road to the nearest mountain village with its kafenion (traditional cafe). The nearest sandy beach is 12 minutes away. There are various beaches to see the crystal clear turquoise water of the Mediterranean. Away from the beach there are various mountain villages to explore and interesting outcrops of archaeology.
  
  It would be helpful if you had transport because of our location, but we may be able to give you the use of a car.
  
  For nature enthusiasts there are good hiking routes and exceptionally beautiful landscapes. In terms of wildlife, you might spot jackals, foxes, and even wild boar during your stay. Birds of prey are common sightings too. You may also spot a weasel, badger, pine marten or dormouse. And of course we have our resident toads.
  
  We will show you around the local area when you first arrive (orientation) and advise on the best places to eat, etc.

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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

  A regular camper van (e.g. VW Caravelle) could be driven onto the plot. Anything larger would have to park-up just below the plot.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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  My animals / pets

  Po

  

  Zoe

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