Casalinho

Author: Andrea

  • Doing Battle with Broom

    We’ve obviously had weather conditions perfect for broom this Spring, because the hillsides are entirely yellow at the moment. Although beautiful when all in flower, broom is a plant that proving difficult for us to keep under control. I can fully understand why, in some parts of the world, it’s considered an invasive pest. As more »

  • A Visitor’s Perspective: Serge’s Diary (part 5)

    This is part of a series of posts where we ask one of our volunteers or visitors to say a few words. Serge is one of our longer staying volunteers, and has kindly agreed to share his diary.   A Visitor’s Perspective: Serge’s Diary  A week has passed since my latest trip back to Lisbon more »

  • A Visitor’s Perspective: Musings on Goats

    This is part of a series of posts where we ask one of our volunteers or visitors to say a few words. The spectacularly named  ‘Horatio Lovejoy’ (he’s shy!!) has been volunteering with us for around 6 weeks now, plenty of time to get to know the goats.   A Visitor’s Perspective: Musings on Goats   more »

  • A Visitor’s Perspective: Serge’s Diary (part 4)

    This is part of a series of posts where we ask one of our volunteers or visitors to say a few words. Serge is one of our longer staying volunteers, and has kindly agreed to share his diary.   A Visitor’s Perspective: Serge’s Diary  I came back from Lisbon one week ago to find Casalinho more »

  • Volunteer / Training Space Update – Door

    Our intended training room has served multiple uses since we completed it; volunteer hang out space, kids party venue, bedroom, storage space, cinema and even a training room where we’ve hosted three Permaculture Design Courses. But all would probably agree that proper doors would help no end with keeping the temperature steady. Cue Pete, recent more »

  • Showered with Good Fortune (part 2)

    We’ve won the 2013 WWOOF Host Grant, which we’re thrilled about. This is the story of the new shower block we’re funding with the grant.  I recently posted pictures of the intended site of our new shower block, which demonstrated the huge amount of sheer hard work required  before building could begin. We’ve been blessed more »

  • In the Doghouse

    Blue needed a home. Pete needed a project. Blue reminded us that volunteering at Casalinho isn’t just about goats! Blue’s new house is based on an old pallet and uses leftover planks and greenwood for the structure. Coloured offcuts from other projects create the lovely shingles effect. Finally, it’s roofed with broom over some old more »

  • Showered with Good Fortune

    Each year, WWOOF Portugal award one host farm a small sum in the form of the WWOOF Host Grant. We proposed that we build a shower block for the use of wwoofers and other farm visitors, with the water supplied from the river using a RAM pump, heated using the power of the sun, and recycled more »

  • A Visitor’s Perspective: Serge’s Diary (part 3)

    This is part of a series of posts where we ask one of our volunteers or visitors to say a few words. Serge is one of our longer staying volunteers, and has kindly agreed to share his diary.   A Visitor’s Perspective: Serge’s Diary  After a particularly busy and eventful week I’m heading back to more »

  • Downhill Racing

    This weekend the 2013 Portugal Downhill Cup was held in Pampilhosa da Serra. Much though we love our little corner of peace from the world, it’s a refreshing change to get out and about occasionally. And watching cyclists throw themselves down ridiculous slopes at least reminds you that you’re not the only loony in the world more »