I can hardly find fitting words to describe the wonderful time I had at the Mount of Oaks. Really, every day was such a gift, because the people are so kind and peaceful, the land is beautiful, the animals and plants are amazing... I enjoyed living at the Mount of Oaks a lot. The work was very diversified and we often worked in pairs or split the work. To be honest, it didn't feel like I was 'working' at all because we were surrounded by beautiful nature. I enjoyed the great view across the Portuguese landscape.

However, the main reason my time was so memorable was thanks to the people living there! Emma, Barbara, Eric and Marcia (and Samuel:) were so so kind, caring and positive! From the first day, I felt welcome. They fully integrated me in the living rythum of the place.

Finally, the land itself is really beautiful and the flowers, plants and trees are growing as I would love to see it everywhere around the globe. ;)

The Mount of Oaks is great place to stay, to reconnect and to BE!

I definitely want to come back and i would recommend it to everyone.
Thank you!

Forever I will remember my time at the Mount of Oaks with the foundest memories. Weeks spent on the land gave me such happiness. There was a real sense of belonging.

For me, the project itself is so diverse and inspiring. I feel the place incorporates the whole ethics of permaculture in a practical way.

While volunteering, I helped out on the land and met amazing people. I laughed whole heartedly, shared food and stories and by chance met people I now call friend.

I remember when I first came to the Mount of Oaks. I arrived hitchhiking and was welcomed by a couple of dogs! I was quite afraid of dogs at this time and nobody else was there. But after a few hours Baba came back from her shopping tour. By the name "Barbara“ , expected a 40 year-old American Lady, but then this tattooed Hippie-Punk-Girl with a weird haircut showed up.

So i learned quite a lot about building, gardening and animals in some weeks. I lost my fear of dogs. And I also had very good discussions about spiritual and personal stuff. When I left the place, it was clear, that this would NOT be the last time I stayed there. So I came back a few times and it was always a very warm welcome – almost a homecoming feeling.

Every time there seems to be more to learn about permaculture, gardening and sustainability. So for me it is a perfect holiday – there´s time to rest, to read, to swim in the pool, to have good conversation and meet open minded and friendly people. There is time and space to discover new things, make new experience and adventures and learn new skills. All this comes with a nice daily rhythm which encourages you to live, and work, aware of your surrounding environment and beings.

It is good for me to spend some time there out of my daily routine and out of my common consumer behaviour. You feel closer to nature and the basics of life and you learn to value more small things. You get an awareness of how to responsibly use energy and resources. And you feel this special spirit of this community. The people who are living there seem to be in the right place and share their loving and open unity with you.