DESIRE Czech Republic

Organic Farm Management - Czech Republic

Dates: 2nd - 30th July 2012

Number of UK Participants: 8

Duration: 4 weeks

This is an opportunity to live, learn and work on a sustainable Czech small-holding for four weeks. The placement is funded through an EU scheme, Grampus Heritage (sending organisation) and AppleFarm. Funding available for the placement will cover travel (return travel from main UK airport designated by Grampus), insurance, a subsistence allowance (equal to three meals a day) and accommodation.

About AppleFarm
AppleFarm is a 4-acre sustainable small-holding located approximately 100 miles east of Prague in East Bohemia between the cultural and historical towns of Litomysl and Policka. The countryside surrounding the farm is made up of arable fields, small meadows, tree-lined roads and substantial areas of forest.
The farm consists of residential buildings and barns dating back 250 years. It is set in an organic apple orchard with vegetable, herb and strawberry plots. A miniature amphitheatre made from turf by a previous placement is set in the middle of the orchard and is used for outdoor classes and entertainment.


Strawberry Spiral Bed	Herb Garden	Veg Garden Harvest

AppleFarm's aim is sustainability, self-sufficiency and education. The farm seeks to encourage the principles of organic horticulture and permaculture systems. Environmental knowledge and experience has been shared on AppleFarm since 1999 and more than two hundred participants from all over the world have been trained here.


Preparing Material	Raising Oak Log	Under the Cherry Tree

Activities for the 2012 environmental placement at AppleFarm
LAND MANAGEMENT THEORY: An introduction to the principles of organic horticulture and permaculture systems.
GARDENING FOR WILDLIFE: Habitat creation, management and enhancements such as habitat piles, nest boxes and wetland creation.
WILDLIFE MONITORING: Such as moths, butterflies and reptiles.
FRUIT: Learning about fruit orchard design, planting, shaping, pruning, mulching, feeding and propagation of fruit trees, shrubs and strawberries. As well as the harvesting and processing of fruit.
HERBS: How to establish and maintain a herb garden. Herb identification, culinary uses, medicinal properties and preservation (teas, syrups, oils etc.).
VEGETABLES: Designing a vegetable garden. Growing, harvesting and processing vegetables, constructing raised beds and learning about rotation systems.
SCYTHING: How to prepare and use a scythe.
COMPOST: Why and how to build compost heaps.
HEDGES: How to create and care for hedges.
CLAY: Traditional plastering, brick-making and tree balms.
STONES: Building paths, walls and stone sculptures.
WOOD: Collecting, chopping, storing and carving.
ARBORICULTURE: Identification, management and uses of trees and shrubs.
CREATIVE PROJECTS: Land art painting and natural dyes..
COOKING: Baking in the traditional bread oven. Preparing wholesome Czech recipes using home-grown herbs and vegetables.
COUNTRYSIDE: Walking, wildlife-watching, wild berry picking and mushroom-gathering.
LANGUAGE: Learning basic Czech phrases and important words.


Drying Herbs	Scything	Clay Plastering	Insect Hotel

Other activities
Sightseeing in Prague.
Visiting the local historical towns of Litomysl and Policka.
Visiting upland protected landscape areas.
Visiting the open air museum of traditional architecture and crafts.
Live music gigs, outdoor swimming and films.

The programme may be subject to change according to unforeseen circumstances and issues such as health and safety, weather and the desires of the group or individuals within it. We would like the participants to feel at home in the friendly atmosphere of AppleFarm. We do not expect participants to engage in activities that they are not comfortable with. However, it is expected that participants will comply with the directions of trainers with regard to carrying out activities in a safe manner. Most of all, we hope that participants will have fun and gain knowledge and skills that will be useful in their future lives.

Background
Accommodation: The buildings at Apple Farm are large. Heating comes from a number of wood stoves. There are bedrooms of various sizes (every effort will be made to provide privacy for couples and to separate male and female living quarters), a bathroom, a separate toilet and a washing machine. Limited internet access and a small library are available to the participants on the farm.
Catering: There is a large kitchen/dining room. Food is mainly cooked on the wood stove. Provisions come partly from the farm's organic vegetable and herb gardens as well as from the fruit orchard. Food is prepared according to the group's needs - vegetarians, vegans and meat-eaters are catered for.
Transport: Participants will use public transport or they will be driven by car. The nearest bus stop is approximately 20 minutes walk from the farm.

Please note: Participants need to bring a sleeping bag, insect repellent, a sun hat and suncream, sturdy outdoor footwear, warmish clothes and a waterproof outer layer, and a small Czech -English, English - Czech dictionary.

Read the Report by 2009 Participant Kgabo Matlala


Compost Building	Chopping Wood	Painting Mural


In a Apple Tree Nursery	Pruning Fruit Trees

If this placement interests you, please read the "Eligibility and How To Apply" section on the DESIRE main page before completing an application form.

Apply Now

NOTE: Participants on all of our placements will now require a European Health Insurance CARD (EHIC). CLICK HERE to visit the external website and apply for your EHIC online.

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