Forest Regeneration in Spain (2 months placement)

Looking for a transformative volunteering experience abroad? Asociación Semillistas in the breathtaking mountains of La Alpujarra, Granada, Spain, is offering a unique European Solidarity Corps (ESC) short-term placement from 18 January to 19 March 2026. This is your chance to contribute meaningfully to eco-social regeneration while immersing yourself in Spanish rural culture.

As one of 12 international volunteers (ages 18–30), you’ll join hands-on reforestation efforts in the Sierra de Lújar—directly sowing native seeds, building protective structures, and helping regenerate landscapes threatened by desertification. Beyond environmental action, you’ll take part in weekly educational workshops on sustainability, permaculture, and deep ecology, gaining knowledge and skills for life.

The program also emphasizes well-being and community care. Volunteers co-create a supportive living environment through shared responsibilities, emotional circles, and conflict management practices. You’ll enjoy afternoon sessions of yoga, qi gong, and holistic body care, ensuring your personal growth goes hand in hand with your environmental impact.

Accommodation, vegetarian meals, local transport (electric bicycles), travel, and a small allowance are fully covered. What you bring is motivation, openness, and a willingness to learn.

If you’re a Maltese youth ready to escape the daily rush of island life, this is your chance to immerse yourself in the serene open landscapes of Spain—where well-being, connection, and personal growth are deeply nourished. Let the environment take care of your own balance and renewal, while you take care of its future.

Details

ESC European Volunteering 2026 – “Regenerating Sierra de Lújar”

• Duration: 59-day placement (plus 2 travel days) from January 18 to March 19, 2026 (short-term placement)
• Participants: 12 motivated young people (ages 18–30), including 4 national placements in Spain; open to program and partner countries

Roles & Activities:
Volunteers contribute approximately 30–38 hours per week through:

• Reforestation efforts: sowing native seeds, harvesting seeds, building protective structures, digging swales, and tracking planting survival in Sierra Lújar (4 mornings per week).
• Educational Workshops: Weekly sessions on sustainable lifestyle, regeneration, permaculture, deep ecology, project design, etc.
• Self-Care Practices: Afternoon sessions 3 days a week including yoga, qi gong; plus a monthly body-care session of the volunteer’s choosing with local practitioners.
• Community Care & Co-Living: Shared responsibilities (cooking, cleaning, logistics), emotional circles, conflict management, sustainable living practices, weekly planning meetings.
• Personal Mentorship: Each volunteer meets with a mentor weekly to discuss well-being, personal development, and learning progression.
• Language & Cultural Immersion: Daily life supports learning and practicing Spanish and English (via OLS platform and immersive setting); workshops and social interactions deepen cultural understanding.

Training Gained:
Volunteers develop:

• Skills in landscape regeneration and direct sowing techniques
• Community living and intercultural competence
• Knowledge in ecology, permaculture, health, body care, vegetarian cuisine, and responsible consumption

Logistics:

• Accommodation: Shared housing at the Órgiva hostel.
• Meals: Vegetarian meals prepared collectively by volunteers; food budget covered by the association.
• Transport: Electric bicycles provided for site access; volunteers help maintain and care for them.
• Benefits: Food, lodging, a small allowance, and travel costs covered by the ESC. Volunteers are encouraged to travel sustainably.

More information: https://www.semillistas.es/en/esc-european-volunteering-en/

Apply here: https://forms.gle/F2cwu27FUfrfW6NH8

Hurry! Applications open till 22nd September