Rewilding project in Andalucía, Spain | Two-Week Stay

Two-Week Rewilding Project in Andalusian (Spain)

Spain

This two-week rewilding project takes place in a beautiful mountain valley in Andalucía, Spain, from 17 to 31 October. The project is based around a farm that is exploring practical ways to respond to the effects of climate change in the local area. This includes experimenting with different tree species while maintaining the land and an old farmhouse.

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The project offers a chance to experience simple rural living in an off-grid setting surrounded by mountains, woodland and wildlife. The farmhouse is close to a National Park and a river where volunteers can swim. There is also a large library and plenty of space to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings.

Tim, the resident host, lives in the nearby village while the farmhouse is used exclusively by volunteers. The project welcomes people of different ages and levels of experience, with enthusiasm, a positive attitude and a willingness to learn considered more important than previous experience.

Tasks & Roles

The main work involves around two hours of group work each morning, usually with about five people. Tasks can include lifting and carrying, repairing fences, irrigation work, whitewashing and cutting back or removing trees.

After the morning work and a coffee break, volunteers can choose how they would like to spend their time. Depending on their interests, they may help with a small-scale eco-building project, learn about the trees being grown, experiment with making things or work on planting around 50 trees.

Volunteers are also welcome to suggest a project based on a particular skill or interest they would like to contribute. The aim is to create an enjoyable experience where people have the opportunity to learn and contribute rather than simply follow a fixed list of tasks.

Everyone shares responsibility for cooking and cleaning, with a group food budget available for basic vegetarian meals and some inexpensive wine. The group decides together how the available accommodation and daily responsibilities are organised.

Living & Getting There

The farmhouse is spacious but basic and completely off-grid. It has solar charging for phones, 12-volt electricity and limited lighting. There are no conventional showers, so volunteers use bucket baths, while washing up is done outside. The accommodation includes two single rooms, two double rooms and a separate cabin for anyone who needs more privacy.

The nearest airport is Málaga–Costa del Sol Airport (AGP), which is generally the easiest option because of its range of flights and fares. Seville and Gibraltar airports are also possible alternatives.

From the airport, volunteers should travel to Ronda, which is served by several buses each day. From Ronda, there are buses to Jimera de Líbar on working days, with the journey taking around 30 minutes. The farmhouse is approximately a 20-minute walk from the village.

Jimera de Líbar has a local shop, bars, pharmacy, school, playground and football pitch. Tim may also arrange a day of work at the house in the village, giving volunteers the opportunity to wash clothes, take hot showers, charge laptops and use mains electricity.

Volunteers must arrive by 17 October and stay until 31 October. October weather in the mountains is generally sunny but can also be cool or cold, so suitable clothing is recommended.

What else

The project is designed for people who enjoy nature, practical work, learning new skills and living as part of a small group. There is plenty of free time after the morning activities, which can be spent swimming in the river, relaxing at the farmhouse, reading, exploring the surrounding area or watching the many birds found locally.

The location also provides a good base for exploring Andalucía, and Tim aims to be reasonably flexible about travel arrangements where possible. The nearby village and surrounding mountains offer a quieter alternative to the region’s larger tourist destinations.

When applying, volunteers are asked to show that they have read the information rather than sending a generic application. In particular, the application should include the words “offered”, “attitude” and “flexible”.

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