Quinta Kania

Its founders, Kasia and Franz, built Quinta Kania from the ground up over eight years, in Midões, Tábua, central Portugal. It's a permaculture farm and ecological homestead, run as a hands-on demonstration site for sustainable and regenerative ways of living. Their starting point is that permaculture is the art of the possible, and that shows across the farm, from the food forest and vegetable gardens to the naturally built structures. The work centres on food forest design, ecological building, growing food by organic and regenerative methods, and building a local community network. Natural building is a particular interest here. The team experiments with earthen techniques, reuses recyclable materials and works with what is already available on the land. Permaculture Design Courses (PDCs) run regularly, alongside thematic workshops, retreats and guided farm tours, and beginners are as welcome as experienced practitioners. The farm also keeps a blog, Permaculture News, with updates from the land, DIY guides and pieces on sustainable living. A newsletter tells followers about new courses and blog posts. The farm is open to volunteers and garden carers who want to take part in off-grid homestead life. Kasia and Franz want to encourage other people to live more sustainably and to build resilient communities that stay close to nature.