Biodiverse eco-project on a Heritage farm in the countryside of lower Normandy, le Cotentin, France

Infos

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  Description

  Meet Anouk, James, Nikita, and Romane – a family of four with a shared passion for adventure, both at home and abroad. In Belgium, Anouk, trained in organic and biodynamic agriculture, collaborated with renowned chefs to produce herbs and edible flowers in a local circuit.
  
  James specializes in water resource management and governance, emphasizing the role of trees in the water cycle. Nikita, a 26-year-old student, advocates for gender justice social diversity and the inclusion of minorities and started an internship at Afrikalia Brussels and Romane, 24, studies zoology and ethology focussing on primates more specific Chimpanzees.
  
  At the end of 2020, we committed ourselves to reviving the heritage of the Farm. Mentioned as early as 1033 AD. , the farm is located in the heart of Cotentin, near Magneville, close to the little town Valognes. We are just 25 minutes away from the beaches on the East Coast (Saint-Vaast la Hougue) and the West Coast (Carteret and Barneville), and 35 km from Cherbourg.
  
  As the new caretakers, we aim to restore the farm's noble legacy while honouring those who came before us. Our efforts are currently focused on the restoration of this long-abandoned building and the entire property, surrounded by 25 hectares of ancient bocages, meadows, and a newly planted diverse orchard.
  
  Our overarching mission is to embrace individuals who can act as weavers. We perceive everyone as part of a unified family committed to fostering mutual support.
  
  Moreover, agricultural engagement assumes a pivotal role in the intricate weaving of connections with the non-human world, rendering our bond with nature palpable through our senses. It provides a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in this interconnected world of living.
  
  We do choose for organic farming and beyond if possible. Taking care of the trees of the nourishing orchard diversifies with compost teas, mulching, ... , next to that a vegetable garden and tree nursery and the land with her meadows and bocages.

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  Types d'aide et opportunités d'apprendre

  Pratique d’une langue

  Aide avec des éco-projets

  Jardinage

  Bricolage et construction

  Aide dans une ferme

  Cuisine/repas pour la famille

  Aide à la maison

  Entretien général
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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

  Cultural exchange and types of help:
  * Language practice in French, Dutch, and English
  * Gardening
  * DIY and building projects
  * Creating/Cooking family meals
  * Help around the house
  * General maintenance
  * Sharing experiences of living abroad
  
  To discover a rich part of France with several interesting places to visit about history, culture , nature, ...

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  Aide

  Why could you come to participate?
  We stand at the crossroads of a transitioning world, heading towards a positive carbon future with respect for and restoration of biodiversity. With its emphasis on tree reforestation is working on this.
  
  Join and experience life here. Receive and give, be together because together we go further. By inviting you for a collaborative stay, we're reaching out to motivated individuals through this platform to lend us a helping hand.
  
  What projects are we working on this year?
  - We are working on the restoration of the building with carpentry, painting, plaster stripping, cleaning, etc.
  - Maintenance and care of the diverse 3-hectare orchard. Mulching, clearing, composting, etc.
  - Assistance in the vegetable garden and nursery
  - Participation in the preparation of shared meals
  
  
  We don't expect you to be skilled in these tasks, just be willing to help, motivated, and perhaps learn something for yourself.

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  Langues

  Langues parlées
  Anglais: Courant
  Français: Courant
  Hollandais: Courant

  Cet hôte propose un échange linguistique
  we do speak fluently French, Dutch and English
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  Hébergement

  *Accommodation and Meals:
  The house has space, but at this stage of publication, we do not know how far the works will have progressed. If a room is usable, it will be made available. However, to ensure certainty, we propose 2 nice tents with mattresses and pillows. Depending on the number of people, you might have to share some spaces. A warm shower and a dry toilet are available in a stable. There is a fridge for you to keep your food if needed. Two bikes are available at the farm. We prefer workawayers to stay for a minimum of 2 weeks and would rather host a couple or two friends to share and live this experience. We cook both vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals and will ask you to participate in the preparation of food as as a host we do have all several tasks on the day to manage.
  
  *Hours expected:
  Maximum 5 hours a day, 5 days a week (adapting to weather forecast)

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  Autres infos...

  From the local train station of Valognes, you can arrive from Paris in a 3-hour trip with Nomad train or travel to Cherbourg, St. Lo, Carentan, Bailleux, Caen, or to all the major cities. There are many tourist places nearby. Valognes is a 10-minute drive by car, or a 1-hour walk if you enjoy walking. There are plenty of nice walks or biking paths in the countryside and along the different coasts. Normandy has a rich history of war with some well-known museums. The Cotentin region offers nice weekly markets, beautiful beaches, and the GR223, le chemin de Douaniers, known as one of the most beautiful walks in France. And plenty more to discover…

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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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  Espace pour garer des vans

  we will need to exchange about your type of camper , size wise and facilities we can offer

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  Combien de volontaires pouvez-vous accueillir ?

  Plus de 2

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  Nombre d'heures attendues

  Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week