WHAT?
Since 2021, we have been regenerating half an acre of sandy woodland into an edible polyculture. Trained and self-taught in permaculture and food forestry, we care deeply for soil and nurture a variety of annual and perennial vegetables, herbs, berries, fruit trees and mushrooms. We value the edges of the landscape, encourage multi-species interactions, and strive for durable, low-energy solutions. We are constantly observing, adapting, and intervening where needed. Always in awe of the natural world. Always open to symbioses of all kinds.
Besides our commitment to biodiversity and food production, this place has been our family's summer retreat for almost 10 years. The food cultivation part gradually got out of hand. ;-)
So we feel it's time for some mutual exchange. We'd love to host aspiring forest gardeners, homesteaders and organic food enthusiasts to share time, knowledge, work, food, passions, and ideas with. Having a strong interest in organic farming/permaculture is highly beneficial.
WHAT KIND OF WORK?
For about half the day (usually in the morning), we'll work together.
Tasks vary depending on the season and may include:
-sowing and planting vegetables or trees;
-making and spreading compost;
-creating new growing beds or maintaining existing ones;
-building plant supports and climbing structures;
-weeding and watering;
-pruning fruit trees and berry bushes;
-harvesting;
-maintaining the greenhouse;
-inoculating logs with mushroom spawn;
-chopping firewood occasionally;
-helping with food preservation (making cider, jam, and other preserves)
-...
The work is never really done—and that's exactly how we like it. 😉
WHERE WILL YOU SLEEP, EAT, AND LIVE?
-> During the summer months (July & August)
We live on the property and stay in the central chalet. You will stay either in a spacious bell tent or in a converted shipping container, both equipped with proper, comfortable beds. We cook and eat together in the half-open outdoor kitchen. There's a compost toilet, an outdoor shower and the pond for refreshing dips.
-> During the rest of the year (September–June)
We live in the city, so you stay in the chalet. We come to the property in the mornings and work together.
The chalet is equipped with a wood stove, kitchen, bathroom with hot shower, one bedroom with a raised double bed, and a second smaller bedroom. It's ideal for a couple.
For lunch, we'll provide fresh soup, homemade sourdough bread, and some extras. We'll also supply breakfast essentials such as bread, oatmeal, and homemade jam. Even during the colder months, there's usually plenty to harvest in the garden.
We'll gladly provide more ingredients for dinner, but you'll prepare your own breakfast and evening meal.
WHEN, HOW LONG, AND HOW MANY?
In theory, we welcome guests continuously during the summer months of July and August.
During the rest of the year we'd like to welcome WWOOFers every third week of the month, from Monday to Friday (a midweek stay). We usually host two people. We work 4 to 5 hours a day.
If you have another proposal, feel free to get in touch. If our calendar allows it, we can be flexible.
WHAT ELSE?
We're passionate about growing food, cooking, and living a self-sufficient lifestyle.
When we're not working in the garden, we enjoy reading, arts, hiking, and swimming in natural waters.
The property is located on the edge of a forest, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, running, and cycling (it's very flat here!). We're also perfectly situated between the medieval cities of Ghent and Bruges if you'd like to explore some history and culture. And if the swimming pond isn't enough, the North Sea coast is only a short drive away.
Read more
Learning opportunities
Vegetable farming
Fruit or nut farming
Poultry farming
Wild foraging
Seed saving or production
Vegetable or fruit preservation
Beer, cider, wine, or juice making
Bakery
Traditional crafts
Green Building
Methods or systems
Permaculture
Regenerative agriculture
Host type
Self-sufficiency property
0.5
Hectares
|
1.2
Acres
Accommodation
