About the local hosting organizationOur partner association is located in a park known in the 19th century for its world- renowned monumental greenhouses, 30km south of Brussels. So impressive in 1828, that its landscape architect went on to design the magnificent Botanique in Brussels. We created a "third place" in the park, where the orangeries that framed the largest greenhouse still stand. Today, it is a place where creativity, reflection, exchange of knowledge, sharing of experience and solidarity - both local and international - come together. On site, we organize residencies for researchers and artists, concerts, exhibitions, screenings, workshops, meetings with the public, performances, permaculture initiations, etc. Also because "ptry is a weapon charged with the future" (Gabriel Celaya). And because permaculture is the key to linking aesthetics with the new pages of agriculture, ecology and social issues.
Presentation of the programmeThe role of volunteers:Volunteers are invited to take part in a range of activities linked to:a the introduction to and the management of a historic permaculture park (vegetable garden, biodiversity, etc.);a organizing cultural activities;a the animation of our social network;a the participatory eco-construction workcamp;a the research into the fascinating history of our site: the mysterious appearance and disappearance of monumental greenhouses in the 19th century;a the digitization of the Serge Pahaut book collection, a famous Belgian mythologist;a the work on the archives of Paul van der Belen, pioneer of peace volunteers for international cooperation.
Local accommodationAbout the accommodation:There are two options for accommodation:A/ in a room with a shared bathroom;B/ from spring onwards, light accommodation in the middle of the park (caravan, tent), dry toilet, solar shower.About the food: For food, there are also two options:A/ volunteers are fed by the hosts (included in the participation fees);B/ volunteers have a kitchen at their disposal and manage their own meals.
About the project locationAbout the project location:The park known today as the Orangeries de Bierbais is located in HEvillers, a section of the commune of Mont-Saint-Guibert, in the Walloon Region of the province of Walloon Brabant in Belgium. Until the late 1980s, the Orangeries de Bierbais were part of the ChEteau de Bierbais park. In the 19th century, this 2.5-hectare part of the park was home not only to a collection of remarkable fruit and ornamental trees, but also to internationally renowned monumental heated greenhouses, the Bierbais greenhouses, within English-style gardens designed by landscape architect Charles-Henri Petersen, who lived in Bierbais until his death in 1859.
Extra info about the project
Total price for one month: 366 euros
Project duration: 1 to 6 monthsEach additional month of stay will cost 150aOOnline French course for 10 sessions of 1h each: 180aOTransportation: to and from the airport: 160aO (variable price)Food(hot meal): 8aO/per day
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Belgium: LES ORANGERIES BIERBAIS
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