At the moment it is a couple of acres of vegetable terraces, fruit trees and hill pasture. In the future, our vision is to grow as much of our own food as we can, to harness the forces from the sun, wind and water for our energy needs and rebuild the existing schist ruins using sound renewable and locally sustainable materials and building techniques.

This autumn we will be beginning a four month work project to restore one of the old farm buildings and build the foundations for additional yurts in the 'Global Village'. Once the old farm building is completed we will be able to move the goats into their new housing and have a more comfortable milking area for them. The yurts will be used for retreats and courses.

Come and help us create sustainable living systems in the landscape of Aldeias do Xisto. Enjoy satisfying work, learn about sustainable technologies, meditate and practice yoga, study and find refreshment and inspiration, living simply in a place of great natural beauty.

We are eager to assemble a small group for the entire four months. We will be running workshop retreats which people can come and join for shorter periods between August 30th and the end of the year.

We appreciate your gift of help and the valuable work you will provide helping to create sustainable living systems. The daily routine is very simple incorporating meditation and yoga, around 5 hours of physical work a day, study options and free time.

Meditation and yoga instruction is available.

Work will be allocated according to skills and interests. We will live as a community, sharing meals and basic chores, so come and enjoy the beauty of the Zêzere valley. The work to be carried out includes:

• The complete renovation of a traditional xisto (stone) farm building with milking platforms
• Laying power cables and wooded bases for a yurt, tepee and block cabin
• Building a tree house in an old cork tree
• Rebuilding water storage and supply system from one of the natural springs
• Building paths, raised vegetable beds and reclaiming lower-land boundaries from years of overgrowth.

Each week there will be two full days off.

There will be enough free time to get to know the wild parts of the surrounding hills and valleys, swim in the river below, perhaps even do some climbing, or put in extra time to deepen your meditation or yoga practice.

You can book to come for between a week and a month. We will give priority to people who want to stay for two weeks or more.

Suggested Dana contribution for shorter visits: €50 per week, offers of specific skills exchange welcomed. We hope to fully support those able to join the core team for the full four months.

The Dana Economy