our village is within walking distance from the farm and has a cafe, shop and bakery. Our nearest town is Cercal. It is very rural so people coming to stay need to be happy with their own company and be quite self sufficient.
We are a smallholding of 4.5 hectares, mainly covered with cork oaks. We are cultivating a large garden organically, using raised beds for vegetables. We plan to expand tree planting for more fruit trees, indigenous trees and possibly vines. Animals are central to our life here - we have 3 horses, one mule, 4 dogs, 6 cats, chickens and ducks. We feel that it is important to have a good connection with our horses and use natural horsemanship techniques.
We are on solar power and water is from our own bore hole. Accommodation is either in a 2 person caravan or a wooden chalet for 2 people. We eat a varied diet and some of our veg is coming from the garden. we like to cook but we also enjoy the cooking of others.There are miles of Atlantic beaches 20k away and we will certainly try to get you there during your time with us.
Now is the time for preparing beds, planting seeds and hopefully planting more trees.
We need help with the animals, gardening and some building work.
The two most important qualities that a wwoofer should have are;
a love of animals
and being okay with their own company because we are rural.
Some key things we are looking for help with are:
1. the most useful thing for us at the moment is someone who can help with some basic woodwork jobs, e.g., gates, duck house, roofing, making another compost toilet and shower etc.
2. always gardening.
3. help with the horses.
Neil is an author and playwrite and is currently very busy with his latest book. it would be great if you could help because this would mean he would have more time to write.
One of the horses, Lyra, has had a serious accident and after year of patience and care she now needs regular training to get her fitness back. One of the other horses needs massage to assist with his suppleness and the mule needs lots of quiet attention to help him build up his confidence.
