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

Infos

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  Description

  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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  Types d'aide et opportunités d'apprendre

  Pratique d’une langue

  Aide avec des éco-projets

  Jardinage d'entretien

  Projets DIY créatifs

  Aide dans une ferme

  Cuisine/repas pour la famille

  Aide à la maison

  Petits travaux d'entretien
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  Centres d’intérêt

  

  Animaux de compagnie

  

  Musique

  

  Art et design

  

  Histoire

  

  Plage

  

  Randonnée

  

  Activités en plein air

  

  LGBT+

  

  Technologie

  

  Culture

  

  Dev. durable

  

  Films et télé

  

  Ferme

  

  Soin des plantes

  

  Bricolage / artisanat

  

  Cuisine et alimentation

  

  Jardinage

  

  Photographie

  

  Menuiserie

  

  Animaux

  

  Nature

  

  Cyclisme
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  Objectifs de développement durable de l’ONU que cet hôte essaie d'atteindre

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  Qu'est-ce que c'est ?
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  Echange culturel et opportunités d'apprendre

  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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  Projets impliquant des enfants

  Ce projet peut impliquer des enfants. Pour en savoir plus, consultez nos directives et conseils ici.

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  Aide

  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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  Langues parlées

  Anglais: Courant

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  Hébergement

  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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  Informations complémentaires

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    Accès Internet

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    Accès Internet limité

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    Nous avons des animaux

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    Nous sommes fumeurs

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    Familles bienvenues

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  Combien de volontaires pouvez-vous accueillir ?

  Deux

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  Mes animaux

  

  Penny (4 ans)

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

  

  Chloe (12 ans)

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

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