VALE DAS AROMATICAS – HEAL THE SOIL PORTUGAL :

A once in a lifetime chance to be part of the pioneers in establishing a Permaculture Demonstration Farm and Children & Adults Learning Centre in Portugal.

You will have the opportunity to play a crucial role in this interesting 1^st Phase of Heal the Soil Portugal .

After a lifechanging PDC experience in India, several PDC participants decided to plant ,with a team of International Permaculture activists, the seeds of change in Aldeia do Meco, Portugal.

The team in Portugal has close links with Heal the Soil India and Bernard Alonso from Permacultureinternationale. Our vision is to create a Permaculture Demonstration Farm and Learning Centre here in Portugal.

What we need now, is a bunch of motivated volunteers, with a pioneer or adventurer Spirit, who are open for new challenges and willing to contribute their energie and time torwards implementing a sustainable Permaculture Learning Centre here in Aldeia do Meco, Sesimbra, Portugal.

Volunteering Program:

we can receive Volunteers from 9t^h august onwards!

we can offer you the unique opportunity to stay with us here in Aldeia do Meco on the fast developing farm,help us with our daily tasks,get an overview of the Permaculture lifestyle and learn hands-on what it means to establish a Permaculture Demonstration Farm and Learning Centre. We are currently not a community,but our lifestyle has community spirit,we share some meals together and work together daily, normally we are 2-3 residents plus 1-2 volunteers.

Although we are moving fast, we still lack some decent infrastructure as we have no electricity or tap water right now. We sometimes use a generator to pump water and at times for electricity....however, the situation will change soon.

The Farm is wonderfully located in a valley 5min from a beautiful beach and 25min from Lisbon. The place is really quiet and natural,there is a little river on the farm and all our neighbours are farmers too. This place is perfect for people looking for simple life in contact with nature plus some adventures or people who have the pioneer spirit.

This project with all its work and ups and downs is our passion and we share a big vision and dream with activists from around the world. We expect all volunteers to contribute with all their love and passion, and be aware that they are part of a movement contributing to a positive world. Once you are here, you are not just working for us on the farm, but with us. You become part of the vision of Vale Das Aromaticas, Heal the Soil International and the Green Gang!

If you come with an open mind and good spirit, you will be the one who can gain a lot from this experience. We all work at least 5 hour per day, 6 days per week and this is what we expect from our volunteers as well. We will appreciate your presence, exchange of knowledge and experience. Our project located here in Aldeia do Meco in this beautiful natural environment at the end of Europe is open for all those with a passion for Permaculture.

This is an exhaustive list of the areas in which we need some help from volunteers

• continue the Sepp Holzer inspired Hügelbed Fence

• design and construction of 2 Compost Toilets and outdoor showers

• support the establishment of a sustainable outdoor Kitchen – which includes a Pizza oven, rocket stoves, grey water system, chill out area (either cob or rammed earth in tyres), roof and a living wall

• More windbreaks to protect the vegetable beds

• design and implementation of the vegetable garden with drip irrigation and swales

• build Tipis or Yurt for sleeping and to chill out (community space)

• Integrate chickens into our garden system – Chicken Tractor and Chicken House

• Support in developing the land for the reforestation workshop – fencing, ground cover, water system etc.

• establish Water system and Grey Watersystems

• establishing _{vegetable and tree Nursery}
  

• Communication, communication, communication....networking, promotion and PR

• Be part in building links with local schools, nurseries and residential homes..we want to engage the local community and develop also a strong network with other local organic farmers

some important tasks to be shared:

• collect firewood for cooking

• keep the farm nice and clean

• keep the farm secure from strangers

FOOD

We eat mostly what comes from our farm or the local area. At this moment we are striving tot be self sufficient but still need to buy staples such as rice and pasta. Most of the time, we eat vegetarian dishes but at times we have seafood or eggs.

Being part of our community means that we share what we need to survive on this farm. Please contribute to the costs of food as we are in the starting phase of our project.

ACCOMODATION

Camping or coming with a camping buses and staying on the land is free. if you prefer more comfort we can arrange an accommodation (simple clean bungalows with bed, hot shower, conventional kitchen etc.) close by for 50 Euro per week. Please let us know what your needs are in advanced.

Please respect our policy of no illegal substances on the farm.

We are looking forward having you with us!