Vale Ondula

Two families look after 3.6 hectares of forest in Sande, Northern Portugal, with fruit and nut trees, streams and water basins. Luana, Dennis and Inti joined forces with Sophia, Sasja, Lamar and Xavi to run it as Vale Ondula, a permaculture living lab and eco-community. They're building a regenerative ecosystem there, one with room for both nature and the people who live on the land. The work centres on food systems, water management and energy resilience, all of which the families want to rethink. They are also building a culture of lifelong learning, sustainable living and mutual care. Within ten years, they hope Vale Ondula will become a hub in a regional network of permaculture projects and communities. The plan is for the place to be open to individuals and families looking for a community and a support system, sharing childcare, education, skills, harvests and celebrations. Seasonal work includes forest management, looking after the land for fire safety and ecological health, rehabilitating the water system, gardening, building natural and upcycled structures, and community living. Volunteers are welcome and must stay for at least two weeks. In exchange they get full board: three vegetarian meals a day, a place in a tent or in the camping facilities, and use of the shared communal spaces. They also learn about permaculture, eco-building and water management. Regular events, including monthly Forest Care Days and Community Pizza Parties & Open Days, bring in the wider community to learn by doing, meet and celebrate. Vale Ondula is part of a regional permaculture network that is still growing and is working towards a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable future.