68th International Volunteer Workcamp - Rural Built Heritage
Palombar - Associação de Conservação da Natureza e do Património Rural
Uva - Vimioso, Portugal
Description
The aim of the volunteering activities will be to enhance and preserve the rural built heritage of the village of Uva. Volunteers will take part in the restoration and maintenance of various architectural features, such as dry-stone walls, traditional Pigeon houses and other structures in need of repair. This project will not only help to preserve traditional building techniques and materials, but also boost the vitality of the local area, contributing to the revitalisation of spaces that bear witness to the village’s history, identity and community life. Opportunities for visits, exchanges and socialising with the local community will be organised to provide a better understanding of the cultural, social and landscape context. These interactions will enable participants to discover a vibrant and evolving region, where tradition and innovation coexist and reinforce one another.
Accommodation, food and transport arrangements
Upon arrival will be accommodated in the community center of Uva, consisting of a spacious dormitory with bunk beds, two bathrooms with hot shower and toilet, a fully equipped industrial kitchen and an outdoor sheltered eating area. Meals will be made looking for local foods, with both omnivorous and vegetarian meals being balanced. Tell us if you have any food restrictions. We arrange transport at the moment of arrival and departure from/to one of the nearest bus destinations, as there is no public transport to Uva from any of them.
Training during the activity
Before the arrival of the group we will make an online meeting of preparation for the activity. At the time of the work camp, upon the arrival of the volunteers we will make a brief initial presentation, before starting the work will be promoted a moment of training on the materials and techniques to work as well as issues related to safety. Reconstructing works will be led by a traditional/sustainable construction technician who will be providing information about the daily works, exposing both theoretical and practical explanation of the techniques to be performed.
Participant profile
Young people between 18 and 30 years. Volunteers do not need any previous experience or knowledge, as our goal is to transmit skills and information and exchange experiences. However, we will not exclude volunteers either who do have a particularly helpful skill or knowledge, such as in cultural heritage, architecture, anthropology, pedagogy, biology, nature conservation. Participating in this area of work will therefore offer volunteers a well-rounded experience: they will be able to contribute actively to preserving rural heritage and play a part in revitalising the local area.
Activity dates
From 03/08/2026 to 17/08/2026
Activity location
Uva - Vimioso, Portugal
Activity type
Volunteering teams
Looking for participants from
Belgium, Croatia, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain
Activity topics
Social challenges
Environment and natural protection
Creativity and culture
Deadline for applications
Application deadline: 20/07/2026 12:00
Project code
2026-1-PT02-ESC51-VTJ-000401615