European Environmental Placements 2010
European Environmental Placements 2010
FULL-Organic
Farm Management - Czech
Republic 
Dates: 5th July to 2nd August 2010
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), insurance, 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 plots, herb and strawberry
gardens.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.
AppleFarm's aim is sustainability, self-sufficiency and education. On the
farm the principles of organic and biodynamic horticulture, permaculture systems
and land art are applied. 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.
 |
 |
 |
|
Apple Tree Shaping
|
In the Herb Garden
|
In the Vegetable Garden
|
 |
 |
 |
|
Preparing Material
|
Stripping Bark
|
Cherry Picking
|
ACTIVITIES FOR THE 2010 ENVIRONMENTAL PLACEMENT AT APPLE FARM
APPROACHES: introduction to the principles of organic horticulture
and permaculture systems
FRUIT ORCHARD: learn about the orchard design, planting, shaping, pruning,
mulching, feeding and propagation of the fruit trees as well as the harvesting
and processing of fruit
BIODIVERSITY IMPROVEMENT: the building of a small pond and maintenance
of habitat piles
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
STRAWBERRIES: how to create and maintain a strawberry garden
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: plastering, brick making and tree balms
STONES: building paths, walls and stone sculptures
WOOD: colleting, chopping, storing and carving
DENDROLOGY: tree and shrub identification and their uses
CREATIVE PROJECTS: land art, painting murals and natural dyeing
COOKING: preparing wholesome recipes using home-grown herbs and vegetables,
baking in the bread oven and traditional Czech cuisine
COUNTRYSIDE: walking, wildlife watching, wild berry picking and mushroom
hunting
DAY ON LANGUAGE: learning basic Czech phrases and important words
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Drying Herbs
|
Scything
|
Clay Plastering
|
Strawberry Spiral
|
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Sightseeing in Prague
Visiting the local historical towns of Litomysl and Policka
Visiting the Highlands 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 regards 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 AppleFarm 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. Internet
and 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 15 minutes walk from the farm.
Please note: Participants need to bring a sleeping bag, insect repellent, a head sun protection and suncream, sturdy outdoor footwear, warmish clothes and a waterproof outer layer.
Rudolf Zidek, farmer and trainer
Read
the Report by 2009 Participant Kgabo Matlala
 |
 |
 |
|
Compost Building
|
Chopping Wood
|
Painting Mural
|
 |
 |
|
In a Apple Tree Nursery
|
Pruning Fruit Trees
|
 |
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. |