The Hive

Hive update

2011-12-13T17:34:00.001Z

Rocketing through the winter

Things are continuing to progress at the Hive, with the lower floor of
the office starting to become a cosy space thanks to a new rocket
stove heated bench! We've had several volunteers involved in crafting
this masterpiece, and look forward to having a new door for the
basement so that we can spend the chillier evenings inside being warm.

We are starting to put plans together for three periods of work on the
project next year - three weeks at a time with up to 6
volunteers. The work planned is biodiversity assessment in mid January,
topography in early February and construction in March. We hope to
get a lot of work done on both the office space and the end house of
the village for long term residents. So please get in touch if this
interests you.

Work continues in finding the funds for the January payment of 2000
euros - so far we have secured 50% of this payment plus 25% of our
running costs. We still have some way to go to reach the full amount
needed and as always, if you are able to help in any way, we would
welcome your support... Please get in touch as soon as possible if you
would like to be involved in this way.

Latest update is that in response to our post on the blog (
www.thehive-colmeal.blogspot.com) all previous ethical investors have
kindly offered more support to the project, (i.e., renewable energy
upgrade, a further 25% towards January payment & help with construction
costs for 2012.)
we a incredibly grateful for this support at this important time for us.

Looking forward to the New Year and the opportunities it brings.
Seasons greetings!!

Rocketing along

2011-12-04T15:28:00.004Z

Rocketing through the winter

Things are continuing to progress at the Hive, with the lower floor of
the office starting to become a cosy space thanks to a new rocket
stove heated bench! We've had several volunteers involved in crafting
this masterpiece, and look forward to having a new door for the
basement so that we can spend the chillier evenings inside being warm.

We are starting to put plans together for two periods of work on the
project next year - three weeks at a time with up to 6
volunteers tentatively in early February and late March. We hope to
get a lot of work done on both the office space and the end house of
the village for long term residents. So please get in touch if this
interests you.

Work continues in finding the funds for the January payment of 2000 euros - so far we have secured 25% of this payment plus 25% of our running costs. We still have some way to go to reach the full amount needed and as always, if you are able to help in any way, we would welcome your support... Please get in touch as soon as possible if you would like to be involved in this way.

Looking forward to the New Year and the opportunities it brings.
Seasons greetings!!

Update

2011-10-31T18:01:00.004Z

The Hive is now in its 3rd year, although its a very ambitious project we have managed to achieve more than could be expected. With only two payments left next year and 6 different people invested in the project we have reached 80% of the running and capital project costs; the majority (cash and responsibility) having come from myself.

Having had time away and a suitable distance from the project this summer, i realise that the biggest challenge is encouraging the right people to get involved and allow me to step back as it was never my intention at this point 3 years on to still be the person making the decisions. This is the thing that needs to be changed the most, to create an environment that encourages other people's ideas and input in a consensus manner.

In light of this shortfall, over the coming months it is our intention to strongly encourage people to visit or support the project in any way they are capable - fundraising, sorting out legal structure, teaching, permaculture design, community building, gardening, promoting, administrating and more - by opening up the project to support involvement by others.

A good example which has support within the local network is the idea of showing good practise in woodland management, to this end we are agreeable to set aside the largest article owned by The Hive for this purpose and assist with ideas and volunteers in creating a native community tree nursery. In the process it is hoped to set up a legal structure to ensure the longterm management of the woodland is guaranteed.

A key objective to achieve is having permanent Portuguese residents with similar interests involved at grass roots to help overcome the barriers in communicating with the broader community, with preference being a Portuguese couple. To this aim we are happy to make available and support the permaculture design as an example of how the rest of the village could bee. There also appears to be local support for having the first house completed quickly with offers of materials, volunteers and skilled labour within our immediate community.

We are putting this out there for other people to come up with their own ideas and solutions to help achieve these goals. Consider how you could be involved no matter where you are. Please get in touch.

Join us! Bee adventurous!

2011-10-21T17:25:00.001+01:00

After having spent the last few weeks getting the village up and running again with outdoor kitchen, gardens, paths and everything else organised and ship-shape we are opening our doors!

So we are looking for volunteers to help at The Hive from now right through the winter.
Currently there are two people on site and a third due to come by December, and we have a lot of work for people to get stuck into.

Enthusiastic, self-motivated people with some level of simple living abilities are most desired; also a good sense of adventure and humour are a must :D
Experienced permaculture practitioners will get preference of course, but we welcome all.

In the third week of November we aim to host a Rocket-Stove workshop on-site - making a dramatic improvement to comfort levels in the head-quarter building.

Accommodation:
We have two more caravans available; one with a double bed, the other with a double and single bed. Both have wood burners for the cold nights - you will have to help collect wood of course.
We also have an outside kitchen/dining area, but can cook in the live-in bus when weather is not so good.
The Hive office has a spare laptop to use and wifi internet is available - all powered by renewable solar so there may be natural limits to usage in darkest winter!
Compost toilet and basic washing facilities - this is not the Ritz.

Work to do:
Gardening - can you help us grow our own vegetables, fruits and salads? And design/plan for next year?
Bush bath - we really want to be able to have long hot soaks here.
Portuguese research - we need a Portuguese speaker to find out and help set up an association or similar framework for a legal structure.
Native woodland - we are hoping to set up an area for growing native trees, help needed for organising and coordinating this.
Rebuild work - there are a number of ruins here which we hope to gradually work on making into usable space; possibly even one for housing a Portuguese family.
Events - we have a Full Moon social with pizza cooked in our stone bread oven with friends and locals; possibly you can arrange more?
General clearing - we have lots of land, steps, and paths that need attention.
Whatever you can suggest yourself perhaps? We enjoy hearing ideas and including everyone in the decision making process.

Normally, we expect 5 hours a day, 5 days a week in return for food and accommodation with a minimum expected stay of 2weeks.
Unfortunately the project budget is currently severely limited and we would appreciate a donation if at all possible.
(Current members have given 5euro per day for their time here)
This also puts a limitation on materials; so we try to use everything we can from the site, and have tools available.

If this all sounds like something perfect for you, then please get in touch!
Preferably we would like to have a chat, so send us your contact details.

The Hive
Mob: 00351 937 35 49 05
Tel: 00351 235 76 10 24
Skype: weirdbikeshow
Email: info@thehiveportugal.org

Plan BEE

2011-06-07T09:37:00.000+01:00

After a busy spring with the office refit, poly-tunnel construction, creating new gardens, legal legwork and much more;
The Hive is finally having a well deserved rest, we are taking June to August off!
We won't be within contact until the end of August so please be patient if you try to get in touch.

However, we aim to come back in September with a bang!
The Hive is looking for lots of help in the three months to November; we'd like your help with the following roles:
        - volunteer coordinator : to organise invites and work for helpers
        - media moguls : to get the word out about what The Hive is doing
        - fund-raisers : to chase investment for materials, services and project costs
        - translators : most desired is Portuguese of course, but any language is helpful
        - project coordinator : have you got the ability to manage the resources for all ongoing projects?

Long-term help is crucial, and you will need to be self-motivated and capable to deliver on specific goals!
Our aim is to have at least 4 people on-site organising lots of events, courses and visits from the
start of September for next years finalising on the funds for purchase.
If you think this could be you then let us know.

As always we need investments of time and money, this year's final payment is due at end of this month (June).
With 40% investment in place, we immediately need a further investment of £1500 (or 3 of £500).
If you know someone who can help us then please pass this on, asking them to get in touch.

The right people are already stepping up to the challenge, and we're optimistic about the coming months.
Have a fantastically sunny summer!

Plan Bee

2011-06-06T16:46:00.003+01:00

After a busy spring with the office refit, poly-tunnel construction, creating new gardens, legal legwork and much more;
The Hive is finally having a well deserved rest, we are taking June to August off!
We won't be within contact until the end of August so please be patient if you try to get in touch.
The fact that it coincides with the Festival Season is no accident - keep your eye out for Ray at Eden and Glastonbury.

However, we aim to come back in September with a bang!
The Hive is looking for lots of help in the three months to November; we'd like your help with the following roles:
- volunteer coordinator : to organise invites and work for helpers
- media moguls : to get the word out about what The Hive is doing
- fund-raisers : to chase investment for materials, services and project costs
- translators : most desired is Portuguese of course, but any language is helpful
- project coordinator : have you got the ability to manage the resources for all ongoing projects?

Long-term help is crucial, and you will need to be self-motivated and capable to deliver on specific goals!
Our aim is to have at least 4 people on-site organising lots of events, courses and visits from the
start of September for next years finalising on the funds for purchase.
If you think this could be you then let us know.

As always we need investments of time and money, this year's final payment is due at end of this month (June).
With 40% investment in place, we immediately need a further investment of £1500 (or 3 of £500).
If you know someone who can help us then please pass this on, asking them to get in touch.

The right people are already stepping up to the challenge, and we're optimistic about the coming months.
Have a fantastically sunny summer!

The Hive

2011-03-25T20:02:00.004Z

Up to now , progress at The Hive has moved on, steadily creating more beds for planting and beds for volunteers.

Our new poly tunnel is up and functioning, and we have had visitors from many countries, giving their help, inspiration and thoughts.

Our plans for the coming year include restoration of some of the buildings, new structures, and the ongoing Permaculture projects, including workshops of Introduction to Permaculture, natural building materials, renewable energy, and many more.

We are looking for more volunteers to join us in long term or short term capacity, we have had many short term visitors, but feel that the project will progress further and more consistently with people who are committed to coming and residing long term within the project.

We encourage people who are visiting to bring fresh and new ideas that will enhance the ongoing project.

We have been embraced by the local community, who have enthused and participated in the revitalization of the village Rossio.

Since the Hive has been running, it has attracted other permaculture projects within the local community.

We are looking for people to share the responsibility of the project, up until now it has been financed from a finite single source and are now looking for ethical investors, who would appreciate living and working within the project.

If you feel you could have any constructive influence within the project, i.e. web design, fundraising, design and construction, volunteer co-ordination, etc, please get in touch via email or phone.

The current project manager is returning to the UK to raise awareness and fund raise for the project, and we are looking for a dedicated self motivating person who feels they could manage the project for a period of time.

At present Andy, who has been with us for the past two years, is taking responsibility for the works and daily runnings of the project.

Information for Volunteers 2011

2010-11-19T17:36:00.002Z

The Hive is located near Colmeal in the abandoned village of Rossaio which we are currently renovating.

It has several ruins and many fertile terraces which are slowly evolving into permaculture gardens. There are many trees including olive trees, chestnuts, cork oaks, pines, walnuts and lots of fruit trees. We are constantly adding different varieties to increase diversity and establish a forest garden.

Our aim is to bring this area back to life, according to Permaculture design.

If permaculture and sustainability is your main focus you are most welcome!

So far we've had over 30 volunteers in the first year. Over the coming months we're hoping to expand and develop the garden in the surrounding lands. With the office HQ up and running we now have steadier connectivity on the web which is facilitating organising future happenings. We're particularly excited about the program of workshops starting in March next year, including several introduction to permaculture courses and a series of six weekend workshops on natural building and construction.

Our main focus until the end of the year is the olive harvest which we have started but need more help with. This will include picking olives, pruning trees and clearing of the land for an extensive topography map which is needed for design purposes.

In the coming year there will be opportunities for you to be involved in such tasks as; building a bush bath and solar shower, clearing terraces, building new structures such as green houses and tool sheds, pruning trees, maintaining vines, admin such as fundraising, promoting the project and legal structure investigation, setting up 12V renewables and just enjoying the natural beauty of the place.

What you need: head torch, water proofs, a sense of humour and, most importantly, enthusiasm!

What the Hive Needs: Down to earth, real people who are self motivated, have knowledge of permaculture principles, are interested in low impact living and sustainability and are able to share their skills with others. We're now looking for skilled long term volunteers (min 2 months) who are willing to work on their own ideas and capable of supervising the short term volunteers; and short term volunteers (min 2 weeks) with enthusiasm to learn, get involved and get your hands dirty.

We are only in our second year so we are still improving the accommodation, currently we have three caravans (see photos), lots of space for tents, compost toilets, shared kitchen, bread oven and solar showers on sunny days!

We have a lot of skills, knowledge and resources to share. If you want contribute your energy, spend time with the land and share the experience with us please get in touch.

If you are interested in coming to help us during the rest of this year please get in touch as soon as possible. We like to speak to all our volunteers on the phone before they come so please include a skype ID or phone numbers and an idea of the best time to contact you.

If you are interested in volunteering next year please contact us again before the end of the year.

The Hive's first olive harvest

2010-11-19T17:25:00.002Z

We need your help

Our main focus right now and which we need a lot of help with is the first olive harvest at the Hive. With only three people currently on site and potentially more than 200 trees to pick we are asking for help with this ambitious task from now until the winter solstice on 21^st December. We are hoping to enlist anyone, with or without experience, who wants to help whether only for a day or as long as you can. Please bring wet weather clothes, any relevant tools you have and food to share. If you would like to stay longer we have tents and two caravans. Please contact us in advance so we know we have room for everyone.

This Saturday, weather permitting, we will be kicking off the picking and having a full moon gathering for those who want to come and join in with the harvest. We will be firing up the bread oven and making pizzas so please bring your favourite topping ingredients and any drinks you would like.

Where we are: The Hive / Rossaio, Colmeal, Gois 3330 073

We look forward to seeing you. Please get in contact either by email info@thehiveportugal.org or preferably give Raymundo a call on 937354905

more pictures

2010-09-08T22:19:00.002+01:00

pictures from the open day

2010-09-08T21:33:00.003+01:00

The Hive is overflowing with your inspiration/help/advice!
To all off you that came, thanks for your positive energy, we feel more optimistic then ever, keep on spreading the word, and now what we really need is people long term with the same positive attitude and self motivation over this winter.
The Hive/Rossaio village project is extremely ambitious and got off to the best possible start so the sky is the limit, and spread the word.

Before and After

2010-09-02T12:58:00.003+01:00

The Hive/Rossaio Open Day

2010-08-28T19:50:00.003+01:00

This is a reminder of the open day on next Saturday 4th of September here at the Rossaio!
You are all welcome to come and please spread the word; this will be an opportunity to visit and to be more evolved with the The Hive.
The theme of the Hive, and of the open day is BEES (fancy dressing, poem, song or a reading) and we are hopping to have the bread oven restored for pizzas.
We are just asking you guys to bring, food and drinks to share(there will be a communal pick nick by the river beach near the bridge below Rossaio).
It would be great if you could bring anything that you think might be useful to the project.
Kids are more them welcome!

Preparations are well under way, but we underestimated the amount of work that has to be done, so if you are willing to help any time before the event would be most helpful.
Please just give us a shout because you are more then welcome.

Casainha de xisto está a vender no Hive - Slate house for sale

2010-08-22T19:15:00.003+01:00

Esta casinha está a vender do Hive. Para mais informações telefonar o Ray 937354905

This small house is for sale at the Hive. For more info telephone Ray 937354905

Dia aberto - Open day

2010-08-20T16:34:00.002+01:00

Friends come for a bathe and a chat

2010-08-17T21:10:00.003+01:00

Interesting chat about the Hive - Rossaio village. Planning session for the open day on 4th September.....watch this space.

Rossaio Village - Aldeia Rossaio

2010-06-29T16:29:00.002+01:00

Looking for summer volunteers

2010-06-19T21:21:00.008+01:00

The Hive is looking great! We have workshops and open days in the pipe line for this summer (watch this space for more info). We also need help with fund raising, administration and legal framework as well physical jobs working in the garden, and building more structures. The time to get in touch is now!
Rossaio está a ficar mais bonita! Vamos ter workshops e dias abertos no verão, mais info em breve. Estamos a procurar para pessoas que podem fazer administação, fundos, e uma estructura legal para o Hive. também é preciso trabalho no jardim e para fazer estruturas.

A Colmeia do Rossaio precisa de voluntários para vários projectos!

2010-06-04T14:42:00.004+01:00

Olá a tod@s!

O verão está já ai e temos uma série de projectos a concretizar nos próximos meses!
Precisamos de ajuda para os projectos que definimos como prioridades para este verão:

Reconstruir a casa onde presentemente temos o "quartel general"
Construção de 2 casas de banho secas (duplas), em madeira
Construção de área para duches
Construção de telhado sobre área das caravanas
Reconstruir um forno tradicional para pão
Construir uma área para cozinha exterior
Fazer algumas vedações
Aumentar e melhorar hortas

O the hive disponibiliza espaço para acampar e comida durante a estadia.
Contacta-nos para agendarmos a tua participação!

The Hive´s Portuguese name is Rossaio

2010-06-03T11:53:00.008+01:00

The Hive was a village on a hill called Rossaio and Ray Mundo is trying to regenerate this deserted village. It needs funds, woman and man power, resources ( like chairs and tables!). There are opportunities to buy small peices of land that people can cultivate and build temporary structures as well as bigger projects like renovating slate houses.

12V wireless internet at the hive

2010-05-18T22:53:00.005+01:00

The Hive is now connected to the internet with a wireless service and is looking to network and have people who want to be part of developing the project. If you have internet skills and would like to help the Hive and it´s internet presence please contact Ray Mundo on 937354905, 235761024 or 235107354.

Ray Mundo has installed a 12V solar system into the honeycomb. New computer and wireless internet connection will allow the Hive to grow and communicate more effectively. The system is made of two Kyocera 120W (€600 each) solar panels, two 100Ah deepcycle acid batteries (€125 each), a Steca controller PR 1515 (€200), and a 500W AJ Steca inverter (€500). The honeycomb is kitted out with 12V LED and low energy lights.

Just need a windmill and we will have power off grid all year round!

Edicao da Primavera

2010-05-12T19:40:00.002+01:00

Em meados de Abril o Ray regressou da Escocia mesmo a tempo de celebrar o primeiro aniversario do Hive com o pessoal da Caminhada pela Simplicidade Voluntaria que estava a pernoitar na vila. Foi uma festa bonita com musica e fogo ao abrigo das estrelas, um acontecimento especial porque marcou o primeiro evento realmente publico do projecto e tambem a maior concentracao de gente na aldeia desde que se tornou despovoada a mais de 30 anos atras. Obrigado a todos os presentes! Desde entao a actividade focalizou-se na Aldeia; o acampamento (carrinha-casa mais duas caravanas) foi mudado para a plataforma mais perto do acesso as habitacoes, perto de 500 metros de cano foram estendidos atraves dos terracos para trazer agua a aldeia, e a primeira habitacao foi inaugurada com uma jantarada de curry a la rocket stove. Com a fonte constante de vida assegurada pela disponibilidade de agua comecou a grande preparacao de camas de permacultura, a crescer tais cogumelos por todo o lado, a medida e tomando a forma da criatividade de cada um. O quartel general foi instalado com energia renovavel (baterias de 12v alimentadas a painel solar) o que potencia a conectividade online o que nos faz sentir como se a Aldeia estivesse realmente no sec XXI. Estamos mais do que tudo entusiasmados com o potencial para implementar design de permacultura existente em todas as vertentes do projecto, desde as varias estruturas ao espaco produtivo ao espaco selvagem, em desenvolver a sinergia com as artes e em projectar as varias trocas e cursos que poderam vir a acontecer. Precisamos de TI para avancar com projectos tais como construir o banho de mato e o duche solar, estufas e casas de banho secas, recuperar terracos, plantar arvores, promover o Hive e angariar fundos, instalar sistemas de 12v e simplesmente aproveitar o espaco!!
O que precisas trazer: protector solar, roupa impermeavel, lanterna, entusiasmo!
A imaginacao tem asas!

Estamos a procura de dois voluntarios de longo termo (minimo 2 meses) que sejam auto-motivados, independentes, interessados em por em pratica metodologias de permacultura, e que possam assistir os outros voluntarios (minimo 2 semanas).

Entra em contacto:
235761024 Escritorio
235107354 Casa
937354905 Rays Telele
email-info@thehiveportugal.org
Estas no facebook? plataforma ning permacultura portugal? Junta-te ao grupo THEHIVEPORTUGAL, chama os amigos, espalha a palavra! Melhor mesmo junta

Useful Links

2010-05-12T19:26:00.003+01:00

- volunteer work network:

www.workaway.info

www.helpx.net

- permaculture & sustainability in central portugal:

www.beirra-serra-sustentavel.com

www.cooperativadepermacultura.blogspot.com

www.thehiveportugal.org

SPRING EDITION

2010-05-12T18:43:00.008+01:00

SPRING EDITION!

On the 1st of April Ray arrived back from Scotland in time to celebrate the Hives 1st Birthday, coinciding with the 'Walk of Simplicity' that was passing through. A great nite was had round the rocket stove and fire pit where we made merry under the stars, thanks to all who joined in! This was also the first event held at the village since the place was abandoned 30years ago. Since arriving our main focus has been here in the village. Within days we had moved the encampment (2 caravans and house truck) up the new track to the newly cleared plateau in the village. With newly fitted water pipe installed to the caravans(500m worth), we have water access to 4 points in the village, with the flow of water giving a sure steady breath of life. Once settled we began crafting vegetable beds round the terraces close to the honeycomb, with help of many volunteers, a job still in process but near completion. The honeycomb (HQ)is now fully renewable with the installation of lights, sounds and internet all on 12V making us feel like we've kicked Rossaio village into the 21st century with a potential for abundance now possible. Also with the latest payment now made, the pressure has been lifted until the end of October..
So far we've had over 30 volunteers in the first year and an extra dozen helpers between April and Now. Over the coming months we're hoping to expand the garden and surrounding land. With the office HQ up and running we'll have steadier connectivity on the web which should be a facilitator in organising future happenings. We're particularly excited about the arts and creative potential in the HQ also the Permaculture Design opportunities that exist all over the site and hoping to set up a Permaculture Design course in the future. We need YOU to get involved in tasks such as; building a bush bath and solar shower, clearing terraces, building new structures such as green houses and tool sheds, pruning trees, maintaining vines, admin such as fundraising,promoting the project and legal structure investigation, setting up 12V renewables and just enjoying the natural beauty of the place.
What you need: head torch, water proofs, suncream and enthusiasm! Sky is the limit.
What the Hive Needs:Volunteers who are self motivated and have an interest in permaculture principles i.e low impact living and sustainability. We're now looking for 2 long term volunteers- (min 2 months)who are willing to work on their own ideas and capable of supervising other volunteers, and 2 short term volunteers (min 2 weeks). Accomidation is in caravans (see photos), compost toilets and solar shower on sunny days!
Check out more information contact us on:
235761024 Office
235107354 Home Phone
937354905 Rays Mobile
info@thehiveportugal.org
(00351) Portugal
It would be great if you joined THEHIVEPORTUGAL on Facebook and Permacultura Portugal site and ask friends to join and spread the word!
Find us officially at the workers away, heplx and wwoof

The hive update

2010-05-03T13:19:00.001+01:00

Tea garden

2010-04-14T13:37:00.006+01:00

Yesterday (Ana, Andy, Ariana, Luis, Liam, Sara, Raymundo) got together in the morning to decide on creating new gardens in the village of Rossaio as near to the main buildings (the honey comb). Started by clearing ferns and pruning over grown olive trees, repairing and building new paths and hand rails, along the walls south facing started building some new raised beds for growing salad vegetables.
We took time to go on a tour of the whole Hive site discussing new ideas and inspiring thoughts and plans to the future.
As you can see from the picture also enjoying the sun rays and drinking tea on the terrace.
After some early evening finishing of the work, we ended the day by moving the kitchen to the honey comb (main building) and cooked a rocket stove curry it was great to use the space properly for the first time ALL AND ALL A GREAT DAY WAS HAD BY ALL.

Ontem juntamo-nos (Ana, Andy, Ariana, Luis, Liam, Sara, Raymundo) de manha e decidimos comecar a criar novos jardins na aldeia do Rossaio, junto das casas principais (a colmeia). Comecamos por limpar o terreno, podar as oliveiras , reparamos e construimos alguns caminhos e colocamos um corrimao de apoio. Ao longo muros virados a sul comecamos a construir camas altas para cultivar vegetais para saladas.
Ainda percorremos todo o terreno do The Hive trocando ideias e planos para o futuro.
Como se pode ver na foto deu para acabar a disfrutar do dia solarengo bebendo cha no local do trabalho. Apos alguns acabamentos dos trabalhos em cursso, acabamos o dia mudando a cozinha para a casa principal e cozinhamos um caril no rocket stove, foi bom poder comecar a usar este espaco pela primeira vez, FOI UM DIA EXCELENTE DIA EM BOA COMPANHIA!

The hive update

2010-03-27T16:22:00.002Z

The Hive Launch Party

2010-03-15T18:04:00.002Z

Enjoy!

Novos fotos do Hive

2010-02-21T17:28:00.004Z

Live from the Hive February

2010-02-17T18:24:00.003Z

Maybe we're jumping the gun here, but it really seems as if Spring is here. The Elder and Mimosa are in blossom and the birds are singing under a cover of budding leaves and clear skies.

{Mimosa is an evergreen with ferny foliage that grows quicker than bamboo and spreads faster too, the 3rd exotic tree curse of Portugal, after the clear-winner; Eucalyptus, and a close second, toilet paper pine...}`

We still light our fires at night though, some nights still see sub-zero, and i can feel it too.That's the pay-off for sunny days in January!
Heaps of land has been cleared under the combined efforts of Andrew and Raymundo. Other projects like mapping the land, determining boundaries and surveying have also taken giant leaps forward. Between all this, the hive's busy bees have been building a bush bath and re-designing the raised beds at our current base-camp, lower Troutsville. Hundreds of food has found its way into these beds and hundreds more are germinating.
The most exciting bit of action to report is the meeting between ALL the owners, and their posses, including America and her husband, Justino, the Hive's solicitor, Maria. Most crucially, as it turned out, the best intermediary and interpreter anyone could wish for, Fatima, was the ringleader. The meeting begun with a convergence of at least 6 cars on the hairpin bend right in front of base-camp.. and i mean ON the hairpin, where all hell immediately broke loose, as typically does when this sort of scenario plays out in Portugal. From that expolsive opening, the circus of folk continued to thrash out some middle ground, which yielded significantly friendly terms for a new contract, allowing 18 months to work out the boundary lines and complete the sale. This was as good an outcome as could be hoped for, so we parted company with an agreement to meet the following Wednesday in an attempt to ascertain and mark the boundaries of our patchwork of articles. We celebrated with a bonfire on Terrace 5, under the brightest moon of the year, known by the native Americans as the wolf moon.
Mucho Obrigadas to those who lent a hand in the mission to save the hive from colony collapse, trees will be planted in your honour. A new breadth of life has been breadthed into this project, now all we need is a few bright-eyed bees to buzz in with some time to help us on the ground or capital to help us implement our designs for The Hive.

update 18th Jan

2010-01-18T17:25:00.000Z

A new year has brought many interesting developments to the Hive. The end of this month is the deadline for the current contract of sale, so the next 2 weeks are vital. Boundaries need to be marked out, lawyers need to be cajoled and funds need to be found. Keep your fingers crossed and light a candle for us.. it's crunch time!

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, the garden at lower Troutsville is looking very healthy, especially picturesque with a stream running right through the middle of it. We've had exceptionally wet weather recently, causing the normally subterranean waterway to make it's annual appearance above ground between upper troutsville and the well beside the road [see photos]

The last week of cold weather transformed the whole region into a winter wonderland [see photos]. Apart from the odd fall of snow, the days were crystal clear, bringing sorely needed sunshine to dry everything out a bit.

Our two current volunteers, Nigel and Andy, used the little available daylight to collect and chop firewood, boosting our dwindling supply. When there are three wood-stoves burning every day, the main one constantly, you can never have enough dry firewood.

Last Saturday we had the pleasure of a visit from Kin & Ochre, a young couple who are scouring this country in their 1970's Ford Transit camper, looking for a chunk of land to call home. Yesterday we brought them up to see Thomas, a German goat-farmer who has lived in the valley above us for 25 years and has been instrumental in our survival. He gave us some valuable time from his hectic schedule to advise Kin & Ochre on the local situation, for which they were clearly grateful. We had decided to abandon the van after struggling along Thomas' track for a couple of k's. The empty van couldn't quite get enough traction on the snowy track, even with 4 of us sitting on the wheel arches! This turned out to be a blessing in disguise, because the walk along this track is something to be experienced, especially with a blanket of snow covering the acres ancient terraces, built on ridiculous slopes and the clusters of abandoned dwellings, some still looking quite habitable.

Our next fun project in terms of infrastructure is a bush bath!! We have the bath, brought all the way down from Scotland, now all we have to do is find the perfect spot for it, somewhere with access to water and moderate privacy! On the food production front, we managed to get our hands on loads of cabbage and onion seedlings at the Arganil market last Thursday. They have been planted in upper and lower Troutsville, so next step is to start sowing the several packets of seeds we also picked up at Arganil.

On Saturday we made the long journey down to Pombal, where members of the Permacultura Portugal group were celebrating one year of existence. The venue had been changed at the last moment, so many couldn't make it, but those who did enjoyed a day of enlightening conversation with permies from all over the country. Friendships were born and arrangements were made for future events. One particularly exciting bit of news was the up-coming creation of Transition Town Pombal, orchestrated by the same energetic entrepenuers who have founded the "Neighbours" initiative. For more info, check out the Ning group site at: http://permaculturaportugal.ning.com/

That's about it for now folks, feel free to contact us with any questions or suggestions on how we can improve the site. Hopefully there will be plenty of photos and blogs in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for a complete picture of what we have in store for 2010.

New Decade

2010-01-02T13:33:00.000Z

Looking Forward to the coming months plenty of new people coming along this month, with work starting on the Terraces,near the village lots of new plants going in and olive trees being pruned, and new Fruit Trees going in as well.Still have abundance of water pouring through Lower Troutsville,and similar amount travelling through Upper Troutsville. Thinking of you all at this time of year.

Seasons Greetings to All

2009-12-24T16:16:00.000Z

We've finally gotten round to taking a few days of – just in time for the Solstice and Christmas – after having made good progress on architectural drawings, topography, clearing and organised a site visit from local councils.

We're looking forward next week to a two-day 'minga' – a volunteer work day with locals on the 28th/29th – and the start of a number of international travellers coming to help on a long-term basis. The New Year will bring some exciting times!

All we need now is for Santa to bring us the rest of the funds we need to secure the project! Could it be you? You don't need to have the money, just the energy and drive to ask around and convince others how The Hive is a worthy cause.

We have hopes that some of you out there might pool together to organise a fund-raising forum?

Of course, donations from £25 upwards for tree planting, irrigation and maintenance will be most welcome – large figure investments are not the only way to help.

For full information on what's happening please check out the website and blog.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all!

Ray

mob: +351 937354905

tel: +351 235107354

info@thehiveportugal.org

www.thehiveportugal.org

www.thehive-colmeal.blogspot.com

Live from The Hive

2009-12-08T16:32:00.000Z

What a busy week we have had, yet again!
Further evidence that we need more help, so check at the bottom for practical ways you can contribute.

In between planting over 200 plants (broccoli, cauliflower, onions, leeks, cabbage, garlic, strawberries and parsley & coriander), preparing a new vegetable bed, compost bin, and having a general clear and tidy of the site; we managed to do some real work!

We now have proper communications infrastructure in place so we can get on-line here at The Hive!!! Whoop-whoop!!! Many thanks to the poor Portuguese sales people who had to put up with 3 people asking numerous questions at once in English with multiple accents ... and it only took 4 hours :S
But what a fun day out in Coimbra that was!

On other fronts, progress has been made with the local authorities; meetings, lunches, chats and all sorts with the local junta and tourist board should lead to the possibility of getting improved track access to The Hive buildings, meetings with municipal president and help with topographical information from the junta engineers.

We also had a volunteer day, during which a whole terrace was strimmed and cleared – it's so much easier to see what it is we have to work with :D

Most exciting of all, we have already reached 10% of the funds required to secure the project!

Our more immediate need for help though is in these areas:
- someone to come to The Hive as a translator for the marking of articles
- topographical drawings have to be drawn up of the land
- architectural drawings of the buildings & footprints
- strimming and clearing still needs to be done

and also
- research into the history of Rossaio village
- research into legal set-up of cooperative/association in Portugal
- we need you to forward this on to your friends, so more

We cannot stress enough how much we need your help, if you can spare only 1 day with us it would be great; ideally though, we really need others to come on-board as we cannot do all this ourselves.

Obrigado,
Ray and the busy bees.
t : 937354905
e : info@thehiveportugal.org
http://ww.thehiveportugal.org
http://cooperativadepermacultura.blogspot.com/

Save us from Colony Collapse

2009-11-30T14:15:00.001Z

Everything at The Hive is gearing up over the next month - are we not meant to hibernate over winter?? And there's a storm on the horizon ...

Lots of work is being done lately on defining the land boundaries with the current owners; quite a tasking project with 6 people running around with poles, hammers, books, maps, compass, camera and all sorts - jolly good fun all round!
And from this we have to draw up some well defined topographical maps - ooh err!

This type of work will be ongoing at least one day a week for the next few weeks; primarily as this needs to be done to satisfy the legal documents due for completion in January - a serious issue on which many things could hinge.

Also, for the completion of sale to bee successful we have a lot to do here; clearing land, contacting juntas and councils, working on improved access, topography, architectural drawing for building footprints, cooperative legal setup, local collaborations, learning new skills and languages - the list goes on!

However, all our hard work may prove fruitless without the funds to finalise the purchase!
We require 20,000euros for the land to secure the project, and a further 20,000euros are projected for the building of the honeycomb cooperative/association.
By the way, this doesn't need to come from a single source, nor should it!
We want a community driven project here folks! e.g 8 people with 5,000euro investment.

If we are successful, we will be able to start on rebuilding and improving the facilities for the project - providing a fantastic infrastructure for people to be involved in permaculture at a practical level.

If we do fail to raise sufficient funds, we will aim to secure the 25,000euros+ already invested by negotiating for the completed purchase of land and buildings required for the cooperative/association to be successful.
Hence, any investment will help greatly.

So, no time for lazing in the sun and enjoying ourselves anymore, time to get to business! And for this we need YOUR help!
- would you like to join the cooperative/association?
- would you like to be an ethical investor?
- do you know someone who would?
- can you run an event to raise funds and awareness?
- please spread the word, tell everyone down the pub!
- join our Facebook group and invite your friends
- can you think of something else we haven't thought of?

In the coming weeks we hope to fully document and describe the future plans for The Hive, and get this info out to you all - so keep an eye out!!

Keep track on-line:
website - www.thehiveportugal.org
blog - http://thehive-colmeal.blogspot.com/
facebook - Ray Mundo http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?ref=profile&id=749224439
facebook group - The Hive http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=58507841652

Obrigado,
Ray and the busy bees.
00351 937354905
info@thehiveportugal.org

As Promised

2009-11-20T18:15:00.003Z

Video of Inigo washing his pants!

Is the well half empty or half full?

2009-11-18T13:40:00.000Z

After all that rain the well is full and overflowing and is now running down the rest of the valley again.

Architectural drawings for the Honeycomb

2009-11-13T21:21:00.000Z

Mais recente

2009-11-11T20:21:00.000Z

Permaculture at the hive - Permacultura na colmeia

2009-08-04T17:18:00.000+01:00

I want to say a big thank you to Inigo who came from Glasgow and has inspired me and has shared his film making skills to other permies in the field. I have a video of him washing his underpants! Watch this space.

After a visit from Fernando we know that the hive has it's own water mine! This is great news as the water levels in the streams are going down as it is the summer. Inigo and I sorted out the water collection system from upper troutsville to lower troutsville. We made a path in upper troutsville and installed a solar shower where the new eco-campsite is based.

We continued to reclaim the forest garden from the bracken and redefined the paths and replanted lots of vegetables. We ate home-grown broccoli and onions and potatoes!

There is a lovely place by the river where we went to swim everyday. We visited Chris Ripley at Quinta dos Melros as well as Steve and Caryn and Toivo and Annie
and shared ideas about different projects and the permaculture buzz that there is in Portugal right now.

I am inspired by the energy and creativity that is here and look forward to having an event to show the forest garden and the rest of the hive later in the summer.

Obrigado

2009-07-13T20:49:00.000+01:00

Okay. Right now I'm back in the UK raising funds and awareness for the project, but I'll be returning to Portugal by the middle of next week ready to see how the sunflowers, which I planted before I went away, are getting along.
A lot has happened in the first few months of the Hive. Many thanks to Ali Jack for negotiating the road trip, driving for hours and hours without complaint and keeping the team together. He returned all the way home the day after arriving! Bruce and Ursula and Rob got stuck in to clearing the courtyard and the Honeycomb cellar, the basement of the core building. Many pairs of shoes were found and wooden barrels, jars full of olives, unopened letters from Lisbon as well as various religious artefacts as we dug down. Doors were fixed and windows temporarily repaired and many bottles of wine consumed. They also helped replace the floor and mend the roof. They did an absolutely brilliant job of the roof, taking part of it down and replacing some of the rafters, then re-tiling it and making good for the winter. Paths were cleared, brambles slashed and walls and terraces exposed. Base camp was completely cleared, a forest garden was planted, with 30 different perennial vegetables plus cherry trees to make it both beautiful and edible, new paths created, raised beds constructed and lots of fun had in the process.
Many thanks to Arianna from Lisbon who has been involved with the project since the middle of last year and who has helped keep the weeds down around the forest garden and helped to translate between some of the local people and folk on site.
Rob in particular spent a lot of time trying to understand the water supply and reconnecting old pipes which was incredibly helpful.
By the time they left after three weeks we could begin to see the shape of what we were dealing with. It was a really inspiring beginning.
Oh, and so much thanks to Ursula for the most amazing homemade bread. The food those first three weeks was unbelievably good!

Chris has been over regularly and between us we've cleared some large areas ready for cultivation. Big thanks to Gavin. I exchanged a day making a pig pen and a rammed earth insulated pig hut for a day's land clearing. We discovered a well – because someone fell into it! - and in the process found some steps and a wall. So we are gradually pushing back the jungle to reveal more of the original settlement beneath.

I had a great day out a Toivo & Annie seven hectare forest garden site as part of a network exchange scheme which extends about 50 km radius of the Hive. We cleared land, had great food and then looked round the site.

In the weeks leading up to coming back to the UK I worked hard with Jodie, Izzy and family to prepare another terrace which will become a campsite. We cleared the terrace back to the old wall which has a lovely natural trickling water feature. The wall can't have seen the light of day for at least the last 20 years. Shade for this part of the site is provided by a wonderful old horse chestnut tree, really enormous and very very old.
Finally I planted lots of vegetables so there should be stuff to eat by the time I get home.
Big thanks to Mike the Woofer who has been looking after the site and watering the veg for the past three weeks.
Mustn't forget to mention my wonderful new neighbours who run the goat farm and thank them for such fine food on a weekly basis.
Looking forward to getting back and preparing to greet the next wave of lovely volunteers.
Ray x

The Hive arrives! - Chega a Colmeia!

2009-04-24T01:53:00.000+01:00

The journey started in glasgow,

the bus and caravan headed off around 9pm friday night,

the van left at 11.45pm,

We met up for the first time in truck heaven, a paradise by the m6,

the time had moved on a few hours and the bus' brakes had failed,

bruce managed a small repair with hosepipe, jubilee clips and a wee bit of snot,

so we settled into the long leg down to james and vicki's home by the molvern hills,

it was to be around six hours driving with a couple of breaks,

alas as we approached chortley richard services ali and rob in the van saw sparks,

they were flying up from the rear left collapsed end of the caravans back,

we flashed lights and horn and the bus pulled over to the side where we stopped for a while and broke jacks, cut our hands, hammered and whined,

stuck a piece of wood behind the wheel and walked the wreck at funeral pace into the car park to cry,

things according to ray could have been worse, maybe he was right we could have had a broken down hearse,

after six hours of hanging around a kind mechanic had fixed the brakes of the bus and a recovery lorry had driven off with the caravan,

ali and bruce went off to get spare parts, ray, ursula and rob trundled on,

we arrived at james and vicki's sun shining bright, had tea, a lie down, an exchange of thoughts, bike trailers and electric bits,

thanks for a rest place and the welcome you gave.

The last stretch of the days journey started at last, to near glastonbury, a chip shop and beer from a glass,

we hooked up again with the caravan and dragged it to rest, as we all did that night and most of the next day,

we then had a wonderful two and a bit days with clare, dave, family and friends,

ali and bruce fixed the caravan up, quite how we dont know but a welder, a grinder, hard graft and more snot were employed,

we played poker, catch ball, trampoline, hide the shoe and the hat,

we ate well and shopped well for supplies that should last, and urshula baked more than twenty loaves of the finest bread for breakfast..... lunch.....tea....supper.....dinner...morning, afternoon, evening snacks and packed lunch,

stories were exchanged and wind up's began, we now have a compost bag, a bus full of oil, new jack's, spare wheel, a fridge and car parts,

thanks to all you lovely people by east pennard who took us in and made us laugh and were sad to see us leave!

Tuesday morning and we're on the way to the portsmouth ferry, no problems at all and we arrived on time!

It was a very big boat, able to float all the way across the bay of biscay to santander,

we drank quite a lot, played some backgammon, watched a magician and a madonna,

ursula and bruce danced with the kids and ali jumped around on deck in a storm and the waves were making us waltz,

rob saw dolphins and whales and raymundo bought a weather station which shows the moon phases!

At about six pm on wednesday we hit dry land again and drove onwards and upwards into the mountains of spain,

we made a minimum speed of 15mph, a maximum of 65 until we stopped at the stunningly beautiful frog haven of lake campoo,

the moon had about 14 hours to go until it was full so we headed on to vindolid where we had a sleep, failed to find lpg and fixed up a caravan window which had smashed,

after a long flat plataeu with storks and raptors flying and wandering by, the portugeuse border was our port of call,

a lot of steep hills and minimum speeds of 9mph came along and heavy misty rain lined our route,

tiredness was a bit of an issue by now and as we approached the hive our road became more of a track that seemed to be eroding as we drove by,

so we stopped to consult the map and the road and found out we were lost!

We got back on the right road which was new and wide and arrived at the hive on good friday 3:30am,

what a great trip and a memory to have, we'd all do it again to be sure,

though we're all delighted the caravan is staying here!

24 hours at the hive (Chris Ripley)

2009-01-13T19:33:00.000Z

A Colmeia - Winter Solstice.

I arrived at the hive just after the sun went down behind the hills to the south (4.00pm). I arrived at the little house and was surprised to see part of the roof had fallen down. The door had a good lock on it so I decided to carefully climb on the roof and see what was inside.

I could see a little gas stove, table, chairs and a ladder. So I decided to climb down not before removing some of the precarious looking tiles. I was happy to find a bed in the other room (where the roof was still good). There was a window and on the other side of the window was a mini forest of brambles.

I came prepared and decided that clearing the brambles and placing the ladder to get to the window was a better way to get in and out of the little house rather than through the roof.

I got my shears and started hacking away. Best part of an hour later the path was cleared and the ladder was indeed just the right height to climb in through the window.

It was getting dark so I got my bedding things, guitar, bottle of wine and food. I played some music ate some food and had an early night in the bedroom.
´

In the morning I woke with the first sun light striking the walls of the building next door. I was happy to find that where the sun came up above the hills to the south shone on the buildings towards the end of the hill (opposite direction to the road). The people who lived here before must have none where the sun rose and fell at the different times of the year.

The sun was much needed as there was a substantial frost all over the land and where the sun shone the frost melted. I had a good walk around at the top and this area was covered in shade from the hill to the south and lower down towards the other buildings the euclyptus were blocking the sunlight.

A return to the sunlight was necessary so I went back down and passed through the large ruin and to the south side of the building where the sun was in it´s full glory (and warmth). I sat there for some time and saw a small woodpecker on one of the cork trees. Almost all the cork trees still had their bark on them which is an excellent natural insulation material. There were plenty more bird calls, there seemed to be quite a large population at the hive at this time.

I had another wander around on that side and found several old, cork beehives. This seemed very appropriate. Of course taking pictures all the time to get a sense of where the sun was and where the sunlight was shining.

I had bought some buckets in case there were any olives but someone must have harvested them already as I didn´t find hardly any. Some of the olive trees close to the road had been slightly pruned as well (however there are a lot that could do with a little attention). A considerable amount of ferns had been cleared too leading to some of the olive trees. There was a nice sloping field that received sun most of the day. It was covered in ferns but this would be a good spot for a forest garden or large vegetable garden.

I think there must be close to one hundred olive trees at the hive. I saw some castanhas (sweet chestnuts), cherries, apples too. After taking some more photos I decided to go up the the part of the hive behind the road. I was curious what was up there. I had to clear a path to get up there as the path was completely overgrown. It must have been around midday but there was still no sun there and after clearing a path and spotting a handful of fully mature fruit trees (of what kind I´m not sure, but maybe cherry) I decided I´d go back when there was some sunlight to take some photos of up there.

On my way back down to the little house (still frost on the north side of the buildings) I saw a wren on a branch of one of the apple trees.

I carried on down the track to the north and down. It was quite steep towards the top. A four by four might get up it. But towards the bottom I found two long rows of bee hives. Not far from here was the track down to the road. I climbed back up and checked the temperatures again. In the sun it was 15C which was very agreeable.

I went back up to the part behind the road and indeed the sun was shining there. I went down to see if I could see water running but I think there must be a pipe or an underground water way as I couldn´t see any. But I could here the stream both up behind the road and below too. It will take some serious clearing to get to the stream along its whole length, but when we do I´m sure there will be more water in the stream.

The last thing I wanted to do before I left was plant a tree, so I dug up a little cherry tree which was hiding behind the large ruin and planted it on the north side of the path. And after that and when the sun had gone behind the hill to the south (must have been around 3.30pm) I packed the car and left for home. And so that was my 24 hours at the hive.

The Hive's Principles and Plans

2008-10-03T10:14:00.000+01:00

The Hive’s Permaculture Principles
People Care, Earth Care, Fair Share

The Hive 'Honeycomb'
RayMundo's Renewables: solar and wind power generation
Education Trust: training and skills sharing
Swarming: transferring models of sustainability and legal structure to other hives
Sharing Resources: rolling out of funding to other projects

Year One of the Hive: Preparation

1. Clearing the land and fire-proofing the land
2. Observing the land & establishing 'sectors' (ongoing)
3. Maintaining the existing olive trees
4. Repairing the water source
5 Maintaining the Paths
6. Establishing renewable energy sources
7. Establishing a low-impact camp including compost toilet
8. Establishing existing outside resources and local links
9. Fundraising for outstanding land payment
10. Working on our website page, blog and newsletter (ongoing)
11. Establishing a network of contacts / support groups/ / volunteers

Climate Camp

2008-08-16T18:34:00.000+01:00

Make a BBEEEEELINE and turn up the VOLUME sit back and ENJOY:).

News Flash. The Hive goes Live

The Hive is Live, the Clock is Ticking,
Click here and start the countdown.www.onehundredmonths.org

Freshly back from the Climate Camp, www.climatecamp.org, feeling inspired and motivated that the Hive is the right thing to do at the moment.

The one thing that came out of the workshops is that there is 100 hundred months left before is too late to make a change, this gives The Hive a timescale to work back from and a vision where is going to be in 2017.

RayMundo Renewables would like thank the groups that he provided power for on site at the Climate Camp. ie. Legal Support, Indymedia, Bristol Wireless, VisionOn TV, Internet Suite, Camp Radio FM, Be The Media.

Join the The Hive email list: raymond@ray-mundo.co.uk, and get beeeezzzzzzzzy

The Hive

2008-07-29T21:40:00.000+01:00

A hive of permaculture principles in action in northern Portugal. This is the beginning of a cooperative project to realise the dream of permanent and sustainable living, incorporating agriculture, arts, construction and design. Further information to follow.