They came out of the woods, in November 2023, with an original initiative – the planting of 500 trees – which attracted several dozen curious people. Seven months later, the members of the Les Chênes-17Mainclef collective took advantage of the return of sunny days to welcome, Tuesday June 11, 2024, a “installation aperitif” organized by the Association for the Development of Agricultural and Rural Employment of Indre (Adeari).
The opportunity to present to around twenty people the ten-hectare farmhouse that they acquired through a real estate company (SCI) in this bucolic place of Parnac in February 2020 to make it “a resilient living and working environment for generations to come”.
Three or four hectares still available
A project which, like the forest garden they created there, continues to grow and expand, supported by the association they created there. After having set up a gîte and guest rooms in the farm’s dwelling house, these volunteers (they all have a job on the side) installed a yurt in their garden to organize training courses, planted a forest garden and a permaculture vegetable garden, organized eco-construction activities.
For three weeks, they have also welcomed “woofers” (travelers practicing “woofing”, accommodation in exchange for services) who help them build forest cabins and dry toilets, as well as renovate a caravan.
“Ecological and civic approach”
Today, the eight members of the collective – including four permanent residents on the site – say they are ready to welcome a new person to their team who shares their values (“mutual aid, sharing, solidarity”), their ambition and their approach “ecological and civic”.
They are not looking for a particular production. “Three or four hectares are still availableindicates Annie Rigault, public writer by profession. The land, grouped around the house and the shed, remained fallow for several years and can be certified organic”.
“In addition to the hangar, we also have an old laboratory, outbuildings and a barnadds Cécile Jacquelin, professional musician. Peasant activity will, however, be financially independent of the association’s projects..
The collective specifies that at the same time, support from Adeari for installation and training is possible. And “the installation of light housing on the eco-site or the purchase of an adjoining house are possible”. The call is made…
Contact: tel. 06.70.70.79.29; leschê[email protected]; Facebook: “HumansAndNature”
A festive day on August 31, 2024
The Les Chênes-17Mainclef collective also seeks to set up cultural activities. Saturday August 31, 2024, from 10 a.m., he will organize a “festive day”, called “The Voice of the Oaks”.
On the program: guided tours, shared lunch, free access stands during the day (grain library, library and outdoor wooden games, free expression wall), artistic performances and association stands, workshop making an ephemeral mandala for children (6-12 years old, free).
From 6 p.m., concerts: Odile (hybrid and mixed covers), Till’ (jazz fusion), DJ Soleil (tropical music).
Camping.
Free price, refreshment bar and catering on site (organic and local products).
