Join us between the medieval villages of Pollina and Castelbuono ,Sicily, Italy

Detalles

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  Descripción

  A few years ago, we left London and found ourselves drawn to a beautiful, ancient landscape 400 metres up a mountain in the wonderfully unspoilt Madonie Regional Natural Park. Nestled between the medieval villages of Pollina and Castelbuono, we feel incredibly fortunate to have been entrusted with the care of a small piece of this landscape.


  
  Here, ancient olive trees some perhaps 1,400 years old grow alongside old varieties of pears, wild plants, birds and countless other forms of life. Many of the trees were here long before us, and hopefully will remain long after us. The land had been abandoned for many years when we arrived. Rather than seeing it simply as something to develop or possess, we are trying to understand how we might live alongside it: restoring what we can, learning from what is already here, and allowing the landscape itself to guide what happens next.
  
  

Our hope is to bring care, love and passion for permaculture, biodiversity and the traditional knowledge of this wild part of Sicily. We see ourselves less as owners than as temporary custodians of a living place participating in its story for a while, and hopefully leaving it healthier and more alive for whoever comes after us.


  
  Who we are:

  We are Gareth and Sam, a queer couple who have both experienced and worked through the challenges of marginalisation, stigma and internalised shame. We are both practicing psychotherapists and are passionate about working within our own communities and beyond borders.

Our lives and this project are deeply connected to the practice of mindfulness, particularly through the Plum Village tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh. We try to bring this into the way we live here: paying attention, moving slowly, and recognising that we are part of something much larger than ourselves.

The pace here is deliberately slow and quiet. There are opportunities to meditate, walk, sit beneath the trees, listen to the landscape and reconnect with the present moment. We hope this can be a place of connection and learning, but also a place where there is room simply to be.


  
  Our project:


  Years of abandonment have left parts of the land overgrown and some of the old agricultural practices have been lost. We are gradually learning how to work with the land rather than impose ourselves upon it. There is still much to do.

The work can include caring for the olive and pear trees, clearing and maintaining paths, restoring areas of the land, composting, planting, harvesting, and other seasonal tasks. Some days are productive and energetic; others are slower and more contemplative.

We are learning as we go, and we don't expect anyone who comes here to arrive as an expert. Curiosity, willingness to learn and respect for the land are much more important to us.


  
  Before you contact us:

  Because this is a particular kind of environment and experience, we want to be as open and transparent as possible about what you can expect so that you can decide if to contact us or not.


  
  Getting to know each other first:

  We arrange a Zoom call with anyone who is interested in coming. This gives us an opportunity to meet, talk about the project, answer questions and get a feeling for whether the experience feels right for everyone.
 We think this is especially important because you will be sharing not only the land but our home and everyday life. Finding a good fit matters to all of us.


  Sometimes things don't work out and that's okay!


  
  We want everyone involved to feel safe, respected and comfortable.
If, after arriving, it becomes clear that the experience isn't right for you or for us perhaps because of illness, injury, the physical demands of the land, or simply because the relationship isn't working we will talk openly about it and work with you to find a suitable alternative place to stay, such as a local hotel or B&B (this will be at your own expense).

 We don't want anyone to feel obliged to remain somewhere that isn't working for them, and equally we need to feel able to make the same decision if necessary.


  
  The land is physically demanding as is the work:
The terrain is steep and sloped, and much of the work involves bending, kneeling and working close to the ground.
If you have existing back problems, significant mobility issues or chronic pain that could be aggravated by this kind of work, we would kindly ask you not to apply.


  Please read the work description carefully and consider honestly whether this type of environment is suitable for you. This description comes from the experiences with people we have hosted in an attempt to offer an experience fitting both us all.


  
  Your wellbeing:

  You are responsible for assessing your own physical, mental and emotional wellbeing before agreeing to come.
We will always do our best to support you, but this is a rural, mountainous environment and the work can be physically demanding. We strongly recommend appropriate travel and health insurance, particularly for anyone travelling from outside the EU.

We have tried to make our profile as honest and transparent as possible about both the beauty and the realities of this project. Please take some time to read everything carefully and consider whether this environment, pace and type of work feels right for you.


  
  Transport:

  We are remote and public transport options are limited.
For safety and practical reasons, we don't offer our cars or bikes for lending or hire. Please consider your transport needs and how you will get around before committing to the experience.
  
  The sleeping space:
  This is a newly renovated attic space @70sqm, very comfortable and fitted with a wood stove that can be used on request in the winter months. Please note, the bathroom is external this space, therefore outside. The shower and sink are both external and have hot and cold running water. The toilet (currently under construction) is compostable also external.
  Clean sheets and towels are provided. Beach towels not provided.
  You will find the space clean and ready for you. We expect the space to be maintained this way during your stay with the relevant equipment provided as already mentioned one of works from there during the week.
  Prior to your departure we ask you to clean and prepare the space so it is left as you found it.
  Sheets removed and rubbish recycled etc.
  
  

What you can expect from a Workaway experience with us:


  This isn't a conventional holiday, nor is it simply a place to come and exchange work for accommodation.

It is an opportunity to spend some time in a very old landscape, to contribute to its care, and perhaps to experience a different rhythm of life.

There are ancient trees, mountain air, birdsong, wildflowers, stone paths and long periods of silence. There are also muddy boots, insects, physical work, unpredictable weather and jobs that sometimes need doing twice.

There is village life and Sicilian food, but also solitude. There is meditation and quiet, but also the ordinary messiness of two people living and working together.

Most of all, we hope to meet people who are curious about what it might mean to live a little differently with greater attention to the natural world, to one another, and to our place within it.


  
  We don't have all the answers but we continue to learn how to be here with nature and create a more sustainable lifestyle.

 The land was here before us, and will hopefully continue beyond us. For a little while, we have the privilege of caring for it.
  
  
If that way of being resonates with you, we'd love to hear from you.

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  Tipos de ayuda y oportunidades de aprendizaje

  Ayuda en proyectos ecológicos

  Jardinería básica

  Proyectos creativos DIY «hazlo tú mismo»

  Ayuda en una granja

  Mantenimiento básico
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  Intereses

  

  Vegetariano o vegano

  

  Cultura

  

  Agricultura

  

  Política / justicia social

  

  LGBT+

  

  Escritura

  

  Artes escénicas

  

  Dibujo y pintura

  

  Cocina y alimentación

  

  Fotografía

  

  Cuidado de plantas

  

  Música

  

  Libros

  

  Arte y diseño

  

  Yoga / bienestar

  

  Baile

  

  Montaña

  

  Naturaleza

  

  Senderismo

  

  Ciclismo

  

  Playa
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  Objetivos de sostenibilidad de las NU que intenta conseguir este anfitrión

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  ¿Que es esto?
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  Intercambio cultural y oportunidades de aprendizaje

  We both speak Italian and English, so if you are learning either language or simply want to practise, this is a wonderful opportunity for conversation and exchange. We have a multinational group of friends who visit us, as well as local friends nearby who enjoy sharing language, stories and connections.
  
  
  As a queer couple, we have built a life that challenges some of the conventional ideas about how we are expected to live. If you are interested in exploring different ways of thinking about identity, relationships, community, healing and living authentically, there is plenty of space here for those conversations.
  We welcome different perspectives and love learning from the people who come here. Your experiences, ideas and ways of seeing the world become part of the exchange.
  
  
  We both maintain a daily meditation practice inspired by Thich Nhat Hanh and the Plum Village tradition. You are welcome to join us for meditation or an hour of deep relaxation — an opportunity to slow down, reconnect with your body and practise being present.
  
  We regularly attend our Sangha, a meditation community in Palermo, and you are welcome to join us. Occasionally, we also host the Sangha here for a day of shared mindfulness practice.
  
  
  We are both passionate about creativity through art, movement, writing and other forms of expression. We have materials available and welcome you to bring your own creative interests, ideas and practices.
  There is space here to experiment, make things, move, create and express yourself — without needing to be an artist or having any particular experience.
  
  
  Living here offers an opportunity to experience a side of Sicily that is often missed by visitors. Through our local friends, neighbours and the older generations we have come to know, you can discover traditional ways of working the land, local food, stories, customs and the rhythms of rural Sicilian life.
  
  You can learn about ancient olive trees, local fruit varieties, seasonal growing, traditional land management and some of the craftsmanship and knowledge passed down through generations.
  
  There are also opportunities to visit nearby villages, meet local people, practise Italian and share meals and conversations with our friends.
  
  We hope the exchange works both ways. You bring your own culture, experiences, skills and stories, while having the opportunity to learn from the people, traditions and landscape of this very special part of Sicily.

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  Ayuda

  The work here is outdoors, manual and physical. We live around 500 metres above sea level on a mountain, so the terrain can be challenging — although incredibly beautiful!
  
  We have just over one hectare of land with many ancient olive trees and local fruit trees. The land was abandoned for many years, allowing nature and wildlife to reclaim it. We are slowly restoring and caring for it, but there is always more to do.
  
  Experience is welcome but not essential. We are learning ourselves, through local people who generously share traditional knowledge, courses and plenty of hands-on practice. We particularly value the wisdom and craftsmanship of the older generations in this area and hope to keep these traditions alive.
  
  For larger or specialist jobs, we bring in local professionals and work alongside them to learn. If this happens while you are here, you may have the opportunity to join in too.
  
  What you might help with
  Collecting local stones for future dry-stone walls
  Repairing and maintaining fencing to protect trees from wild boar
  Pruning and caring for olive and fruit trees
  Clearing branches, leaves and other organic material
  Collecting and cutting wood
  General seasonal maintenance and restoration of the land
  
  The work changes with the seasons, so there will always be something different to help with.
  
  We have a range of tools and equipment, some of which require care and physical effort. Safety is very important to us, and we will always explain how equipment should be used and make sure you are comfortable with the task.
  
  We're not looking for experts. We're looking for people who are curious, willing to learn, happy to work outdoors and want to contribute to the care of this ancient landscape. 🌱

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  Idiomas

  Idiomas hablados
  Inglés: Fluido
  Italiano: Fluido

  Este anfitrión ofrece intercambio de idiomas
  Gareth is learning Italian and is able to exchange English with mother tongue speakers of Italian
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  Alojamiento

  We offer a recently renovated, clean and comfortable attic sleeping space @70 sqm, with bedding provided. Please note this is a sloped attic space therefore please beware before contacting us if you are a person/s of 6ft+.
  It is not impossible however will require a high level of mindfulness around the iron and wooden beams.
  It is fitted with a wood burning stove which can be used on request in the winter months.
  
  Please note, the bathroom is external this space, therefore outside. The shower and sink are both external and have hot and cold running water. The toilet (currently under construction) is compostable also external.
  Towels are provided. Beach towels not provided.
  
  You will find the space clean and ready for you. We expect the space to be maintained this way during your stay with the relevant equipment provided as already mentioned one of works from there during the week.
  Prior to your departure we ask you to clean and prepare the space so it is left as you found it.
  Sheets removed and rubbish recycled etc.
  
  Camping is also possible if you prefer, but you will need to bring your own tent.
  
  Food & lifestyle:
  
  We are a sober space, meaning no alcohol or recreational drugs.
  
  We follow a vegetarian diet and enjoy simple, natural and wholesome food, using produce from our land and sourcing locally whenever possible.
  
  Our usual rhythm is a main meal at lunchtime, followed by a lighter soup in the evening.
  
  Life here is simple, quiet and closely connected to the seasons, the land and what it provides.

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  Algo más...

  We are in a beautiful but rural and fairly remote location, so having your own vehicle is the best way to be independent and make the most of your time here.
  
  There are beautiful beaches around 20 minutes by car, as well as many stunning villages, natural landscapes and places of interest within 30–60 minutes.
  
  Getting around:
  Castelbuono: 11 km
  Pollina: 7 km
  Finale di Pollina: 12 km
  Cefalù: 20 km
  
  Local train station: around 20 minutes by car, with trains along the northern coast towards Palermo and Messina
  Bus: a service is available around 3 km from the house and can be reached on foot
  
  We are happy to share more information about local transport, beaches, villages and places to explore when you contact us.
  
  Because of our location, we recommend thinking carefully about your transport arrangements before coming. If you want complete independence during your stay, having your own vehicle is essential.

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  Un poco más de información

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    Acceso a Internet

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    Acceso a Internet limitado

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    Tenemos animales

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    Somos fumadores

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    Puede alojar familias

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  Puede acoger a nómadas digitales

  One of us, uses part of the sleeping space to work from as one of the rooms is a studio. During those hours we ask that the space is free.

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  Espacio para aparcar autocaravanas

  Depending on size of camper, there is sufficient space to house a camper on the road which is not a main road or through road.

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  ¿Cuántos voluntarios puedes hospedar?

  Dos

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  Mis animales / mascotas

  

  Lynnie, Grigia, Betta & Tigro (1 año)

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