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No Dig, Permaculture small holding adventure in South of France

5.0
(56 reviews)56

The experience

We are a family "living the dream" and have a non dig, permaculture, zero chemicals farm in the South of France. We are renovating our old stone house as well so there is a To Do List longer than we can cope with!
We need people keen to help in our adventure. Our priority is the farm, sowing seeds, harvesting crops, making new veg beds - general seasonal preparation. So it will mostly be farm work, but we may throw the odd curve ball in there!

What you offer

25 hours of help per week

Animal Care: Help look after and take care of animals.

Building & Repairing: Help with a wide range of repairs or building.

Farming: Plant crops, sow seeds and help in outside tasks.

Gardening: Help grow plants and cultivate gardens

What you get

2 days off per week

Tent: You will sleep in a tent at a camping site.

Breakfast: You are entitled to a free breakfast, every day of your stay.

Lunch: You are entitled to a free lunch, every day of your stay.

Dinner: You are entitled to a free dinner, every day of your stay.

Fast Internet Access: High-speed internet for you to work remotely

Requirements

Fluent English

Over 18 years old

Welcomes solo volunteers, couples, and partners of volunteers

What's not included

Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa

Program Details

Work takes place each morning for 5 hours per day 5 days per week.
We provide private shared accommodation. We have a large glamping tent which comfortably takes 3 people . This venture will suit 2-3 friends but we definitely take solo travelers. There is a private bathroom in the house which is only used by volunteers. The tent has beds with mattresses and bed linen provided so comfort has not been sacrificed. There is electricity in the tent and light. All meals are provided on working days.
* Non working days breakfast and dinner only are provided.
Weeding and watering are always on the agenda - these are two staples of the work here - weeding is a consequence of our zero chemicals ethos. In addition, there is feeding the animals - we have chickens, ducks, cats, dogs, horses and goats.
We must care for our seedlings and plants daily. This may involve potting on our seedlings, or pruning the larger veg plants. Harvesting and processing the veg are a large part of the Summer / Autumn jobs. We may need compost moving to make the new beds. This is a small sample of the work here. Depending on the season, the work does vary. There are some jobs which must be done every day, but the schedule will change daily depending on what is required.
We work alongside you everyday and we continue when you are on your free time. However, we always find the time to prepare fresh food for lunch and dinner. Cereal / tea / coffee is provided for your self service breakfast. All the veg is from the farm, so you will eat good quality home cooked meals whilst you are here.
You will learn alot about "no dig" veg growing and you will learn the basics of permaculture. You will learn the concepts of living soil and heaps about growing your own veg.

Activities & Shift

There is a huge amount of work to do here. Many hands are so helpful for us to progress. Our main focus is the farm.
Work is in the morning. Depending on the time of year the shift alters slightly for example Summer work starts earlier due to having light and to avoid the heat a little.
You will work alongside us and any other volunteers that are here at the same time.
* In July and August it regularly reaches 38-40+ degrees - but work must go on... This is a serious consideration before applying for those months as it is a very busy time on the farm.
Loads to do in the area in your free time - the local town is Saint Remy de Provence - an ancient town steeped in history and beauty and french cafes and boulangeries! It is a short bus ride away. Our local village is a 20min walk where there is a mini supermarket, a bar or 2 and a boulangerie for extra snacks! It is pretty to walk around.
We are at the foot of the Alpilles so if you enjoy hiking, you will be spoilt. Avignon and Arles are also very accessible by bus - again both an immersion in history and beauty.
The bus stop is a 15-20min walk and from there you have access to lots of choice.

Rules

Non smokers only.

List of essentials to bring:
Water Bottle
Shoes which can get wet and dirty.
Bug Spray
Sun Cream
Towel for the shower
Sun hat