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RETURN TO NATURE
PROJECTS
/ AGRICULTURAL PROJECT
In the context of a Natural Park, and true to the ethics of respect and support for the environment, the Agricultural Project we are developing has a sustainable economic base in order to generate local wealth and local employment, with minimal waste and the maximum use of natural resources. Right now, these are the ongoing actions:
• Organic shiitake mushroom production in Eucalyptus globulus logs. It is a mushroom been recognized for its medicinal properties (strengthening the immune system, has anti-tumor and anti-cancer properties and prevent cardiovascular problems). When we started planning the project, we had the problem of the "plague" of eucalyptus; today, thanks to the resilient vision of Permaculture, it became an unlimited resource for this production.
• Creation of an apiary in accordance with the parameters of the new beekeeping that is emerging in Europe, Permapiculture, created by Argentine Oscar Perone. It is estimated that over a billion bees have disappeared from the planet Earth since 2006, and some experts believe that, at this rate, they could extinguish. Honey Bees play a key role in Nature, it is estimated that at least a third of the food we eat is directly dependent on pollination. In this sense, Einstein even said that if the bees were to disappear suddenly, mankind would only have 4 more years of life.
The Permapiculture proposes an absolute respect for the private life of bees without raiding the nest or use of chemical treatments; stipulating a single intervention per year to collect the surplus produced, allows an interesting production efficiency with concrete results, ranging from a strong increase in honey production, up to a huge resistance of bees to any external interference or climate change arising from different seasons.
• In the medium term, this project includes the development of other handmade products, using existing resources and encouraging self-production, creating a network of responsible consumption and local production.
We consider to be direct benefits of the Agricultural Project in the short and long term, not only the products themselves, but also a whole range of improvements and the creation of human, material and energy resources, able to improve and enhance the habitat conditions in which we operate: fire prevention; recovery of the natural and channeled flow of water; enhancement of human resources through local employment and increased local wealth.
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/ FOREST PROJECT
Permaculture bases its design on the observation of natural ecosystems such as forests, grasslands ... Through observation and reflection on nature’s patterns, seeks to establish functional interconnections aiming energy efficiency and high performance.
After an initial study of the flora and fauna of the land, and given the diagnosis of a medium depleted environment abandoned after the last fire (20 years ago), we determined that the recovery should be governed by the following steps:
• Phase 1: Creation of a network of rapid access roads. Cleaning and maintenance of firebreaks. Thinning and pruning of surrounding areas of land and areas near buildings. Creation of an irrigation pond for fire prevention.
• Phase 2: Recovery of water flows on streams that cross the land as well as the vegetation that accompanies and supports them. This is the spine that nourishes the fauna and flora, extending naturally and creating the foundation for the transformation and regeneration of the native forest. Creation and recovery of biotopes (ponds, fountains, marshes, mud baths ...) to promote biodiversity and the prevention of fires.
• Phase 3: The current forest repopulated after the fire, and assuming an area of over 30 hectares, is mostly made up of three tree species - Eucalyptus globulus, dealbata Acacia, Pinus pinaster - which present serious ecological problems, by releasing their allelopathic substances inhibits the diversity of fauna and flora. Assuming that there’s not good and bad trees, but good or bad forest management, it becomes evident the need to create an action plan for the management and transformation of current forest in a native forest, diverse and fertile.
For this transition, we have included a cataloged study with maximum native tree and shrub species, which, for its honey and polliniferous qualities, can provide support and food for the bees throughout the year.
• Phase 4: Selection of typified zones: Zone reserved for observation and study of the natural environment, to understand the processes that subsequently try to play on other areas. This zone (zone 5 in
Permaculture) also covers the possibility of seed harvest. It is a zone of non-interference, so that it allows a natural development of the forest. A zone of wild vegetation and a refuge for predatory animals.
Food Forest – as an edible forest it’s an ecosystem that produces food and other useful products such as firewood or medicinal plants. It is a perennial system with minimal maintenance, allowing water savings, energy and money. Above all, creates beauty,well-being and health and contributes to the increase of biodiversity and to stop global warming.
• Phase 5: Forest Management Practices, such as chop and drop and selective pruning, in alternate years, to avoid the total loss of animal habitat; control of herbaceous vegetation with grazing in late spring and summer, after the breeding of partridges; maintenance of some standing dead trees, to favor certain species of birds; maintenance and creation of a network of access roads and firebreaks; water reservoirs on the slopes for fire prevention; wood shelters; establishment of "living walls" with the function of wind breaks.
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ABOUT US
Quinta do Vale, located at the feet of Serra da Estrela, has an area of more than 40 ha mostly pine and eucalyptus. We began its recovery in 2008 after decades of neglect, designing a global project based on the principles of Permaculture. Today we are a young family and our desire to live in nature is already a reality. We live in continuous learning through direct and simple exchange with nature, coexistence with its rhythms and its norms, finding the balance between our needs in harmony with hers.
Our project for this place has three pillars (agriculture, forest and tourism). We began by developing the agricultural project by producing shiitake mushrooms and honey with organic certification. With the forest project we started riverside regeneration and planting of a food forest. The Agritourism project will enable the organization of events and the enjoyment of this wonderful place.
After years of work and effort, and encouraged by the support and esteem of many unconditional, the results are, today, the incentive to move forward. To what we have already achieved, we will add new successes, which will be narrated here for the enjoyment and sharing of all. We thank all who have supported us with their breath, their experience and their hands as well as to all those who will later... For the benefit of all beings!
/ AGRITOURISM PROJECT
Quinta do Vale is located near the Serra da Estrela Natural Park, a privileged environment for its beauty and ecology; we designed a space that recovers the essence of being in a natural environment, with its cycles and rhythms. Unifying work and pleasure, the human interaction with the ecosystems of fauna and flora takes place through a respectful and symbiotic dance.
At Quinta do Vale, we propose an alternative type of agritourism, conscious, supportive, creative, responsible, experiential, active and sustainable. We believe that this type of tourism is an important tool for the Conservation of Nature and its Biodiversity and Sustainable Development; in turn, it is an investment in favor of peace and well-being of all sentient beings.
As a framework for a permanent, responsible and sustainable tourism, we propose Permaculture as a tool for a productive transition from an industrial society with high energy consumption to a sustainable culture, adapted creatively to a world where natural resources and energy are increasingly scarce.
Quinta do Vale is a space for organic farming that spans for 40 hectares, mostly forest. We enjoy refreshing summer dips in the river and invigorating baths with spring water from the mountains, walks and collecting berries in our food forest, collecting mushrooms in the rainy season, to placidly contemplating starry nights...
After welcoming you in our home, we show the traveler the daily activities of the farm, our profession and way of life, making the opportunity to participate and experience the authentic rural life (outdoors daily activities, such as taking care of the vegetable garden and animals, pruning and harvesting, housework ...).
Our gastronomic interest is to support and protect seasonal, fresh and local products and defend local and organic production, always in a sustainable way. We offer a varied and balanced diet, with a special emphasis on the preservation and enhancement of health.
We also provide a wide range of proposals and activities aimed at caring for the environment and natural resources. Agricultural activities often depend on the climate and are temporary, so please consult us beforehand. We offer other activities and workshops on healthy life
(bio-construction, handicrafts, gastronomy, mind-body disciplines ...)
Tourists can also enjoy their leisure time freely. Isolated from conventional crops and away from human enclaves, it is an oasis protected for the development and proliferation of swarms of honeybees, in synergy with other agroforestry cultures. Activities related to the Agricultural Project (shiitake harvest, work in the garden, harvesting honey and derivatives) will be subject to the seasonal calendar.
We invite the visitor to enjoy his free time, following the natural biological rhythms, to impregnate himself with nature’s wisdom, reinvigorating the body and mind in an intelligent and balanced activity.
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SUPPORT US
Our project, Quinta do Vale, is above all a proposal for responsible action, inspired and motivated by the enthusiasm of knowing that it is possible another type of agriculture and another type of life that we are still allowed to restore the connection to Mother Earth.
The project is large (perhaps too large for two people alone), and great is also the need for the land to be respected and cared for, and the same applies to our hope that this enthusiasm will spread and bear fruit. So we share this project with all those who, with their goodwill, support and solidarity, wish to contribute to make it sustainable. There are many ways to support, as many as there are people. We propose here a few, as well as the possibility of contacting us to contribute with your suggestions:
SPONSORING
VOLUNTEERING
TRADE
ACTIVITIES
SIGHTSEEING
DONATIONS
SPONSORING
Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn. - Amieiro3
Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn. - Amieiro4
Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn. - Amieiro5
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• Sponsoring the Bees
We know the danger threatening this species, as valuable to us as the air we breathe. At Quinta do Vale, we have created an oasis for our Apis Mellifera able to develop their own defenses against external agents, practicing a 100% respectful beekeeping. If you wish to help us in this work, you may sponsor a beehive; you can visit it, assign it a name, and have priority access to its production. With this, you will be contributing to one more grain of sand so that by the grace and work of bees, food continues to grow in vegetable gardens and orchards.
• Sponsoring trees and shrubs
The bees need food, preferably throughout the year, to stay healthy. For this, they need flowers, trees and shrubs with alternate blooms. The project, to which we have already started, aims to transform the current forest in an active forest all year in order to encourage and attract biodiversity and return the wealth to these lands.
• Volunteer
In specific times or for longer periods, we may need additional support for the most intense work, to help in the kitchen or in other activities. The voluntary basis includes accommodation and food in exchange for work. You can follow these proposals in our calendar or contact us, indicating your availability.
• Fair trade of local products
The valley offers organic products and artisans who produce their own articles. We offer you the possibility of purchasing these products, along with those produced at Quinta do Vale, a free system of intermediaries; therefore, you will also be supporting the local economy.
• Take part in our activities
Through participation in courses and workshops we organize, not only you help us economically but also you contribute with your experience, in addition to receive experiential knowledge. Contact us!
• Sightseeing
There are certain times of the year favorable to disconnect from daily life and enter a dimension almost forgotten of life. The countryside provides us with the opportunity to escape and reconnect with our roots. Alone or in a group, with family or friends, we invite you to spend with us an agritourism holiday...
• Physical Donations
If you have something that still has value and have no interest in staying with it; if you think the object or utensil in question could have a second life and be useful to us, get in touch and give us your suggestion.
• Monetary Donations
This early stage involves physical investments (restoration of the house, paths, fountains, Shed, purchase of tools ...). Since money does not grow on trees, and given that there will always be actions that will need it, you can also make monetary donations freely, knowing that they will always be well employed. Send us a message with your proposal.
CONTACTS
Thank you, once again for any proposals and gestures of support from your imagination.
Your opinion is important to us, besides of being a great motivation. We would like to hear your ideas, inspirations and thoughts:
(+351) 962 671 248
Quinta do Vale - Penesinhos
6215-343 Paúl,
Portugal
info@quintadovale.com.pt
© copyright 2016 Quinta do Vale
designed by Catarina Aguiso Pereira