Learn about Syntropic Agroforestry in Temperate Climate on our family homestead in Kilkenny, Ireland

Detalles

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  Descripción

  Regenerative Smallholding & Syntropic Agroforestry Project (Co. Kilkenny, Ireland)
  ​Located in rural County Kilkenny, this 10-acre smallholding operates under agroecological, permaculture, and syntropic agroforestry principles.
  The primary focus is non-commercial food production for self-sufficiency, ecological restoration, soil rehabilitation, and knowledge-sharing. By employing zero chemical inputs ("beyond organic"), the system relies on ecological design and natural plant succession to improve soil biology, optimize crop health, and enhance pest resilience.
  
  ​Project Scope & Ecological Framework
  ​Initiated in Winter 2023 following a comprehensive ecological and land topography survey, the smallholding has systematically implemented water retention and soil-building systems.
  
  ​Water Management & Habitats: Two wildlife retention ponds were constructed to capture rainfall, mitigate downstream flooding risks on neighboring land, create microclimates for crops, and establish natural pest predator habitats.
  
  ​Syntropic Orchard (2 Acres): The orchard features a high-density, multi-strata planting scheme designed across dynamic succession phases. It incorporates over 100 fruit and nut trees—including Walnut, Cobnut, Sweet Chestnut, Cherry, Apple, Pear, and Plum—intercropped with ever increasing planting of soft fruits, Perennial Vegetables, medicinal Herbs and flowers (Honeyberry, Jostaberry, Worcester Berry, Blackcurrant, Gooseberry, Raspberry, Blackberry, Strawberry, Rhubarb, horseradish, jureseleum artichoke, kale, borage, comfry, sweet pea, Yarrow, Fennel, Garlic, nasturciums, Dahlias, Narcissi, fever few, mints, Clovers etc.....).
  
  ​Biomass & Support Species: Fast-growing native and support trees—such as Willow, Alder, Hazel, and Birch—are integrated into crop rows to generate dynamic biomass through periodic management (chop-and-drop pruning).
  
  ​Biodiversity Woodland: Partnering with the organisation such as 100 Million Trees Foundation, The Hare’s Corner, Trees on the Land, and Free Trees Ireland, over 5,400 native Irish trees have been planted to establish a long-term native woodland belt and hedgerows.
  
  ​Structural Habitats: Traditional drystone walls and dead hedging have been built throughout the property to create micro-habitats for beneficial insects and wildlife.
  
  ​The four Phases & Methodology in use with The Syntropic Agroforesty in Temperate Climate are:
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  1. Placenta
  2. Placenta 1
  3. Accumulation
  4. Abundance
  
  The smallholding is currently transitioning from the Placenta phase into Placenta 1, focusing on system establishment, biomass accumulation, and root network development. Reaching full system abundance (Phase 4) is a multi-year ecological succession process.
  
  ​Soil & Food Production: A vegetable garden and greenhouse/polytunnel produce staple crops including potatoes, garlic, onions, tomatoes, carrots, strawberries, and herbs using living-soil methodologies.
  
  ​Regional Context & Location
  ​Castlecomer (10 km / 10 minutes): A historic former coal-mining town featuring the 80-acre Castlecomer Discovery Park (woodland trails, adventure activities, and coal mining museum), a local craft yard (ceramics, jewelry, fine art), and core amenities.
  ​Kilkenny City (30 minutes): A historic medieval city known for its preserved cathedrals, 12th-century castle, and vibrant arts and cultural festivals.
  ​Accessibility: Situated in a rural area with limited public transit; local pickup and drop-off services connect to regional bus and rail networks in Castlecomer and Kilkenny City.

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  Tipos de ayuda y oportunidades de aprendizaje

  Práctica de idiomas

  Ayuda en proyectos ecológicos

  Jardinería básica

  Proyectos creativos DIY «hazlo tú mismo»

  Ayuda en una granja

  Cocinar para toda la familia

  Ayuda doméstica

  Mantenimiento básico
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  Intereses

  

  Mascotas

  

  Música

  

  Arte y diseño

  

  Historia

  

  Playa

  

  Senderismo

  

  Actividades al aire libre

  

  LGBT+

  

  Tecnología

  

  Cultura

  

  Sostenibilidad

  

  Películas y televisión

  

  Agricultura

  

  Cuidado de plantas

  

  Bricolaje y manualidades

  

  Cocina y alimentación

  

  Jardinería

  

  Fotografía

  

  Carpintería

  

  Animales

  

  Naturaleza

  

  Ciclismo
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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

  Learn about Irish language and old Irish Traditions and cooking.
  We love having Workaways who like cooking and We can learn new recipes from their country and share our love and knowledge of Cooking together.
  We are not vegetarian so prefer for ease of cooking people who eat meat, fish ,eggs.

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  Proyectos con niños

  En este proyecto podría haber niños. Para obtener más información, consulta nuestras directrices y consejos aquí.

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  Ayuda

  We are looking for help on our 2 acre Syntropic Agroforestry Smallholding. ( 10 Acres of land in total )
  Lite weeding, planting and general help around the Garden and Land. Food preparation.
  General maintenance and upkeep.
  We are using Agro Ecology principles and Regenerative farm practices.
  We are starting out on this Journey and would enjoy sharing and learning together with other like minded individuals.
  Suit 2 friends or a couple.
  
  Minimum stay 1 week.

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  Idiomas hablados

  Inglés: Fluido

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  Alojamiento

  Peaceful and Private Location Full use of Small Cottage with Double bed.
  With Your own Kitchen and Bathroom.
  Broadband and TV.
  Meals included.

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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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  ¿Cuántos voluntarios puedes hospedar?

  Dos

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  Mis animales / mascotas

  

  Penny (4 años)

  Penny is everyone friend loves attention and pettings. She is Busy and playful, knows loads of tricks.

  

  Chloe (12 años)

  Husky
  Older Dog very quite and easy going, Likes to keep You company around the Garden.

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