Ecosystem Restoration Communities offer hands-on experiences at sites around the world, where you can learn practical restoration skills, deepen your connection with the earth, and contribute directly to healing the land. Whether you join an online or in-person event to build your knowledge, or volunteer your time for a meaningful, immersive experience – on site or on the ground – you’ll become part of a global movement restoring ecosystems and strengthening communities.
Join Soil Association Ambassador and founder of Compost Club Michael Kennard for a two-hour dive into the fascinating world of soil!
We’ll learn how soil works as an ecosystem – from bacteria, fungi, protozoa, nematodes, right up to worms! Did you know that worms have five hearts?!
Whether you’re just starting out in your garden, an allotment or a seasoned farmer, there will be takeaways for everyone. Perhaps even a look through the microscope into the exciting world under our feet.
Ecosystem restoration can take place in our own gardens, starting with the soil – and reconnecting to that is the best place to start!
Join us at Furnace Brook for a special film screening exploring the power and importance of soil, as part of our Summer Solstice Weekend celebrations.
Set in our lakeside barn, this relaxed evening is an opportunity to come together, reflect and learn about the vital role soil plays in supporting life on Earth — from food systems to ecosystems and climate resilience.
This screening is part of our wider programme celebrating the Summer Solstice, marking the height of the growing season and our connection to the land.
Join Chris Hayes – expert scythe user and teacher – and discover history and theory, bodily alignment and hands on use of the scythe!
This workshop is all about getting to know the scythe, with a special focus on the Austrian scythe. You’ll learn what all the parts do and pick up practical mowing techniques—like how to stand and move properly so you don’t end up with a sore back. The session also covers how to keep your blade in top shape through sharpening and peening, plus an interesting look at scythe history from an Irish angle and how the industrial revolution changed things. You’ll discover smart ways to manage grass and learn how to cut and dry everything from grass to cereals and other fibrous plants. If you’ve got your own traditional scythe, feel free to bring it along, and Austrian scythes will be available to buy on the day. Wrap it all up with a chance to ask questions about any specific challenges or concerns you have with your land.
This Introduction to Permaculture Design course is ideal for anyone wanting to understand how to work with nature to create more resilient gardens, farms, homes, and communities. Rooted in the real-world experience of a working permaculture farm, this course blends inspiring theory with practical application. Upon completion of the course you will be issued with a certificate accredited by the Permaculture Association showcasing you have completed your introduction to permaculture. Matt Swarbrick is a regenerative farmer and co-founder of Henbant Permaculture Farm . Huw Richards is a passionate permaculture gardener, Sunday Times bestselling author, and YouTuber dedicated to making growing food simple, accessible, and rewarding.
The Ecosystem Regeneration Camp (ERC) is an immersive learning, action, and networking experience which shares, develops, and puts into practice seasonal knowledge of agroforestry and ecological regeneration. People from diverse backgrounds come together to act as regeneration agents for 7 days in a residential camp near Lagos, Portugal.
Participants come away from this training program with more knowledge, skills, and confidence in ecosystem restoration, while also creating powerful relationships with fellow attendees.
The program is taught in English, and the price is based on a donation model. Hit the link for more information.
Join us for an introductory course on designing and implementing a food forest – a layered, self-sustaining edible ecosystem modeled after natural forests! Whether you’re a homesteader, community gardener, educator, or permaculture enthusiast, this course offers the essential tools and insights to begin creating resilient, low-maintenance landscapes that produce food, restore soil, and support biodiversity. Through a combination of classroom theory, hands-on exercises, and collaborative design work, participants will explore the art and science of food forest design, including ecosystem mimicry, succession planning, plant guilds, and soil regeneration techniques.
Join us from May until October alternating between our two gardens:
Food Solidarity Garden days will be spent tending DAR’s one-acre annual and perennial garden at Yellow Barn Farm.
Elk Run Farm days will take place up the road in the Forest Garden, DAR’s pilot site and conceptual model for much of our perennial ecological stewardship.
We’ll spend our time together planting, weeding, mulching, harvesting, food processing, snacking, building community and so much more!
Spend time learning about and engaging in regenerative agricultural practices by being directly involved in a variety of hands-on activities around the farm. Come get your hands dirty while enjoying nature, and being a part of a like-minded group of earth stewards.
Anyone wishing to explore or be involved in ecosystem restoration can participate, whether you are a curious beginner, have some previous experience, or have been doing regeneration work for years. Everyone is welcome. This program is open to locals and visitors to the area alike.
Each session is planned and facilitated by Hugo Oliveira, Landscape Ecologist and Permaculture Designer.
Field Good Fridays is part of the Our Common Knowledge initiative, and is open to anyone looking to connect with nature and each other, through a hands-on restoration experience. Come join us on our 20 hectare/50 acre site in Kilfenora, Co. Clare, as we collectively grow our skills, restore ecosystems, build community, and feel good! Everyone is welcome, just bring along a bout of enthusiasm, a willingness to get your hands dirty, and connect in this special community!Typical activities include digging wildlife ponds, removing invasive plant species, planting trees, managing wildflower meadows or harvesting fresh organic vegetables. And of course a nutritious lunch and plenty of time to connect and share over a cup of tea!
Before visiting an Ecosystem Restoration Community you will need to read and accept our Terms & Conditions and our Code of Conduct.
The restoration communities are mostly run by a very small team of dedicated volunteers who are rather stretched, especially because they spend most of their time physically restoring the land. So please understand if communications are a little slow.
Every Ecosystem Restoration Community is different: some have minimum/maximum stays for volunteers, and some charge a stipend (basic fee) for food and accommodation because many are non profit organisations not able to cover the cost of volunteer expenses. You’ll need to enquire directly about the duration and cost of your stay.
If you’re volunteering, we suggest a video call check-in with the ERC leader before you arrive, to make sure you’re both prepared for the experience and to manage expectations. We also recommend some pre-departure reading about the ERC location including geography, culture and environmental challenges to ensure an informed and rewarding experience!
Anjos do Sertão is looking for volunteers to help them implement their regenerative agriculture and ecosystem restoration plans on site! If you’re keen to get your hands dirty and learn new skills in the process, this one could be for you!
Nueva Vida is looking for creative, innovative and hard working individuals to help them take their ecovillage project to the next level.
Are you passionate about nature, regeneration, agroforestry? Join us for an incredible volunteering opportunity funded by the European Solidarity Corps!
Would you like to participate in forest restoration, regenerative agriculture and community activities in Costa Rica’s scenic Osa Peninsula?
If you enjoy spending time in nature, and can bring positive energy to help create and cultivate this special place, this opportunity may be your perfect fit!
Can you provide technical support to help establish a Carbon Market project for riparian residents of the Wiyeta Wetland and for the farmers within the Saiwa Swamp catchment area of Trans-Nzoia County in Western Kenya?
Calling all soil enthusiasts! ERC Pachaland has embarked on a soil regeneration journey and needs your help.
This ERC located near Cochabamba is looking for a handy volunteer to help them build a small house on site, constructed with natural materials.
This position on the Red Sea is suitable for someone with a passion for coral reef ecosystems, species identification, and ecological dynamics.
Do you have the skills to help Koromi River tell their story through content creation, digital marketing, community outreach and more?
Take on an assistant camp manager position and help develop the infrastructure for landscape restoration and protection in southeastern Kenya.
Keen to combine your Zoology/Ecology, land use planning, media or socio-economic modeling skills with a volunteer experience in East Africa?
Dreaming of work experience in Africa, where you can put your environmental science degree to the test? If GIS mapping, biodiversity capturing and carbon testing are your thing, read on…
Are you a graduate or undergraduate student in the field of Agriculture, Environmental Science or Biology, with a passion for soil sampling and analysis? If so, this opportunity will float your boat!
Are you an ecological research assistant, keen to get cracking with data gathering, mapping, and researching different regenerative agriculture techniques?
Be part of the development of a bioregional regenerative economy in the Mata Atlântica Biosphere Reserve, volunteering in forest restoration, social enterprise, or local community outreach and education.
An opportunity to exercise your ecosystem restoration, permaculture or regenerative agriculture skills in the Peruvian jungle!
An exciting opportunity for an experienced fundraiser to support two restoration projects with proposal writing and funder relations, working online or onsite – you choose!
Select the specific skills you have to see where they are needed. Advanced first-aid (7) Agroforestry (1) Animal husbandry (11) Architecture (15) Bio-remediation (7) Biochar production (1) Bioconstruction (16) Bioremediation (5) Carpentry (18) Chef/cook (14) Community building (1) Compost making (2) Cover cropping (1) Cultural renewal (1) Data collection (26) Desire to learn and be open minded (1) Drone mapping (20) Erosion prevention (1) Film making (16) Fire prevention (1) Food growing (1) Forestry (40) Fundraising (48) Group facilitation (25) Habitat creation (2) Heavy machinery operator (12) Legal (specific to ERC location) (13) Marketing or social media (22) Medicinal herbalist (26) Monitoring and evaluation (52) Other useful skills (1) Permaculture design (10) Photography (39) Regenerative agriculture (50) Renewable energy engineer/installer (32) Restoration design (45) Restoration of livelihoods (1) Soil restoration (1) Soil science (44) Syntropic farming (8) Teaching for adults (27) Teaching for children (30) Tree planting (2) Videography (40) Water management (41) Water retention (1) Website design (30) Wildlife biology (30) Writing/copywriting (27)
