Landscape Regeneration Learning Camp
6 or 12 days of hands-on learning, practical work and immersion in a real landscape regeneration project.
An immersive regeneration experience
Essential information
- First period: 19–24 October 2026
- Second period: 26–31 October 2026
- Duration: 6 or 12 activity days
- Location: Mértola, Alentejo, Portugal
- Places: 8 participants
Across two six-day periods, participants will take part in an intensive landscape regeneration intervention in the Mértola Forest Perimeter — Coutos da Câmara, in a territory shaped by aridity, erosion, wildfires and decades of ecological simplification.
The Camp combines fieldwork, observation and hands-on learning. You can take part in either of the 6-day periods or join the full experience, with 12 activity days. The work focuses on pilot areas where Terra Sintrópica has been testing ways of using existing vegetation — including eucalyptus and acacia — as a resource to build biomass, protect the soil and support the regeneration of the native landscape.
This is not a conventional training course. It is a learning-by-doing experience embedded in a real and ongoing regeneration process, in which each participant actively contributes to the collective work.
What we will do
Activities will be adapted to site conditions and the needs of the intervention, and may include:
- managing eucalyptus and acacia regrowth;
- cutting, organising and using biomass on site;
- protecting and covering the soil;
- creating and maintaining circular regeneration areas — “nests”;
- planting and maintaining species adapted to the territory;
- supporting the natural regeneration of native species;
- observing, reading and monitoring the landscape’s response.
The programme may be adjusted according to weather conditions, site conditions and the pace of the group.
What you will learn
- read signs of degradation and regeneration in a semi-arid landscape;
- understand the role of ecological succession and natural regeneration;
- turn available plant material into soil cover and fertility;
- apply principles of syntropic agriculture and agroecology to landscape regeneration;
- organise a collective intervention in a real-world context;
- recognise the limits, challenges and potential of working in fragile ecosystems.
Learning takes place through participation, observation, experimentation and shared reflection throughout the Camp.
Daily rhythm
Each day will be organised according to weather conditions and the needs of the work. Activities will take place mainly outdoors and require a willingness to undertake sustained physical work.
- Morning: preparation, technical briefing and fieldwork;
- Lunch: meal and break;
- Afternoon: continuation of the work, organisation of materials and reflection on the intervention;
- Transition: for participants joining the full 12 days, 25 October will be a rest and transition day between the two periods.
The detailed schedule will be shared with selected participants and may be adapted to avoid the most demanding weather conditions.
Contribution and conditions
6 days
19–24 October · first period
26–31 October · second period
€200 per participant
12 days
19–31 October · full experience
€350 per participant
Contribution and conditions
- the contribution is intended exclusively to cover food during the participation period;
- shared accommodation, guidance from the team and participation in the activities are provided by Terra Sintrópica at no additional cost;
- travel to and from Mértola, personal expenses, personal or travel insurance, and any personal equipment specified after selection are not included.
Note: for participants joining the full 12 days, 25 October will be a rest and transition day between the two periods.
Submitting an application does not automatically guarantee a place. Places will be allocated after applications have been reviewed, with the aim of creating a motivated and resilient group suited to the demands of the experience, while balancing participation across the two periods. Payment and cancellation conditions will be communicated to selected applicants.
Accommodation and food
Accommodation will be shared in simple Terra Sintrópica facilities, including caravans, small wooden houses and shared rooms. This is a communal experience closely connected to the land, not a tourist programme.
Meals will be vegetarian or vegan and prepared mainly with locally sourced produce, prioritising, whenever possible, produce from Terra Sintrópica and local producers. Participants may be asked to contribute to daily communal tasks such as meal preparation, tidying and cleaning shared spaces.
Relevant dietary requirements and health-related needs should be communicated in the application form. We cannot guarantee the complete absence of cross-contamination with allergens.
Who we are looking for
- who are available to stay for the entire chosen participation period — 6 or 12 days;
- who are motivated to learn through practical work and direct experience;
- who are physically prepared for demanding and repetitive outdoor activities;
- who are comfortable living and collaborating in a small group;
- who are responsible, independent and willing to contribute to collective tasks;
- who are interested in landscape regeneration, agroecology, syntropic agriculture or community-based processes.
Professional experience is not required, but previous experience in agricultural, forestry, community or other outdoor work is valued.
Applications
To apply, complete the application form, indicating whether you would like to take part in the first 6-day period, the second 6-day period or the full 12 activity days, and tell us about your motivation, experience and availability. Applications will be reviewed by the Terra Sintrópica team.
Selected applicants will receive confirmation of their place by email, together with payment conditions, a list of required equipment and all the practical information needed to prepare for their stay.