Ecosystem Restoration Communities

Get Involved

Take up the Task of Earth Restoration

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.

Upcoming Events

Help us Make a Human-Size Beaver Lodge

13 June 2026, 10h00 - 16h00

ERC Furnace Brook, East Sussex (UK)

Help us build a life-sized beaver lodge that we can climb inside and experience what it is like to be a beaver! Let’s have fun together and create a fantastic educational space and habitat all rolled into one. All welcome (children supervised please). Bring a packed lunch and wear outdoor clothing. Tea & coffee provided. No need to book, but hit the link below to reach out if you have questions.

Introduction to Scything

4 July 2026, 10h00 - 12h30

ERC Siolta Chroi, Monorgan (Ireland)

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.

Ecosystem Regeneration Camp

2 - 8 November 2026

ERC Quinta Vale da Lama​, near Lagos (Portugal)

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.

Ongoing Events

Tuesdays of Regen

Every Tuesday, 10h00 - 13h00

ERC Quinta Vale da Lama​, near Lagos (Portugal)

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

Every Friday, 10h00 - 16h00

ERC Field Good Fridays, County Clare (Ireland)

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!

Volunteer at an ERC

Know Before you Go

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!

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