Spain – Wildlife Research and Ecological Farming – Images

In the middle of the Iberian Peninsula and at the foot of the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park lies the small village of Requijada, where merely 20 people reside. This project is in the village. Until recently, this picturesque area has been one of nature’s best-kept secrets. In fact, the Regional Park has a more diverse range of landscapes with a richer biodiversity than Sierra de Guadarrama, giving it incomparable beauty and appeal.

During your placement, your volunteer tasks will be a balanced combination of research and smallholding.

RESEARCH
This center focuses heavily on ethology, the study of animal behavior, with an emphasis on behavioral patterns that occur in the wild.

Horses – The research is primarily focused on natural horsemanship which is the keeping, handling and training of horses based on equine ethology. The key to their findings is observation, enabling the researchers to get to know the horses before they start building a relationship. While you will be involved in the observation of the horses’ behavior, some of the other tasks with the horses may include:

• Learning the equine language using various techniques
• Training before riding for sport such as jumping, driving, eventing or endurance
• Keeping the horses company
• Trimming the hooves
• Assisting with health check-ups

The research gained through observation is directly put into practice. The learner then refines their understanding of the horses and can experience a richer understanding in working with them.

Magpies – There is also a unique opportunity involving azure-winged magpies for any volunteer who is interested. The team are following the local band of azure-winged magpies in the area. These beautiful jet-black-headed, blue winged birds are around throughout the year, especially in the spring when nesting and rearing young makes them particularly interactive.

The research findings for the magpies are used to produce books and articles. The first six years of the center’s research were devoted to a book about the Iberian azure-winged magpie. For the next while, the center plans to produce an article for the ornithological review “ARDEOLA”, of the Spanish Ornithological Society (SEO).

Other animals – In the countryside you will also learn to note observations about other wildlife. You will quickly learn how to recognize certain animal’s tracks as well as flight and song patterns.

SMALLHOLDING
The center also has a farming component. The center has both a smallholding (small farm) and vegetable garden that need tending.

Smallholding/Vegetable Garden – The work in the vegetable garden in seasonal. In March, you will prepare the soil using horse traction. From March to June, you will be planting and weeding. The work in the smallholding will be with the poultry and horses. Your precise activities will be decided upon once you arrive.

Repairs – You may need to deal with repairs and improvements to fences and gates around the center.

Typical Day: The hours you volunteer are up to you, but we recommend 4-6 hours a day, 5 days a week, to make a meaningful contribution. You also have the option to volunteer on weekends, as animals require daily care. Your day will usually start with breakfast in your accommodation before getting ready for activities, which start at 10 am. If you are interested in the study of azure – winged magpies, then your day will start at dawn to observe the birds’ behaviour. In this case, you will have time for breakfast afterwards. The rest of the day will consist of observation, research and any needed repairs on the grounds.

Internet: WiFi connection in the field center.

Laundry: There is a washing machine in the cabin.

Accommodations: You will stay in a self-contained straw bale cabin, which is small, but cozy. You will also have access to the field center with its common room, kitchen and bathroom. Bed linen and towels are provided.

Food: Basic food is included. You will need to make your own meals. Once a week there will be a trip to Segovia, or another town, where you can find groceries at a reasonable price. The smallholding can also provide you with homegrown vegetables and eggs, as available.

Please take note of this project’s minimum requirements:

• Minimum age of 22
• Strong English or French (Spanish is a plus)
• Must be independent, responsible and flexible
• Motivated to work and learn
• Love for nature, silence and remote places
• Strong interest in country life

Once a week or so you’ll be making a trip to the old town of Segovia, 35 km from the project, for shopping. With so much to explore, you may want to extend your time in this ancient town. If you are interested in Roman architecture, you must go see Segovia’s Aqueduct. Built c. A.D. 50, this astonishingly well-kept structure is what makes Segovia so spectacular. If you have more time, you should also check out the Alcázar, Spain’s most famous castle. All of these great structures have been added to the UNESCO World Heritage list and are definitely worth a few trips.

We highly recommend having Segovia’s world famous churros (a type of Spanish donut) with delicious hot chocolate. This combination is heavenly and a must for any traveller within Spain.

With Madrid only 130 km away, you should also make time for a visit there before or after your volunteer experience. For those who are looking for a great aerial view of the surrounding area, book a hot-air balloon ride over Guadarrama National Park. You can book this tour online or in one of Madrid’s tourist centers.

At an additional cost the following excursions can also be arranged:

• Visit the Enchanted Walled Medieval Village of Pedraza: This day trip will take you to one of Spain’s most beautiful walled villages. The medieval towers, housing two major oil paintings by Goya and El Greco as well as the artworks of Ignacio Zuloaga, make this historical trip through the middle ages a cultural delight. The village is also home to the Imperial Eagle Center where you will be able to learn about this majestic bird.
• Visit the Royal Glass Factory and DYC Whiskey Distillery: This excursion takes you to The Royal Glass Factory of La Granja, Segovia, considered one of the most important European industrial buildings of the eighteenth century and a symbol of the identity of the Province of Segovia. You will also visit the DYC Whiskey Distillery, home to the best selling whiskey in Spain. This trip also includes a visit to the Huerta San Lorenzo organic food restaurant where you can enjoy a healthy meal surrounded by the ample vegetable garden.
• Visit The Duratón River Gorge and enjoy a traditional meal in Sepulveda: Traveling along this spectacular canyon, which at some points reaches a depth of up to one hundred meters, is one of the best excursions you can go on in Castile and León. Looking out at the gorge, while griffin vultures, eagles and peregrine falcons fly overhead is truly a unique experience. Sepúlveda is a popular town within the province of Segovia to visit for cultural and culinary treats – here you will have the opportunity to visit a traditional restaurant and try roasted cordero and cochinillo, while enjoying the appealing views of the local sierra.