Solidarity Gardens

CODE: ANEC20

Work
For over 10 years, volunteers and employees in job integration programs at the natural market gardens of Grigny have been working together on projects involving vegetable farming, construction, and landscape development. This year’s workcamp will give volunteers the opportunity to help improve the farm’s facilities for welcoming the general public.
This year, you will actively take part in improving life at the farm by helping to develop a new relaxation area in the park. The project includes building wooden furniture, such as benches and picnic tables, to create a welcoming space for visitors. You will be supported by a technical supervisor and will learn how to handle tools like a pro while discovering carpentry and painting techniques. And since the farm wouldn’t be a farm without its garden, you will also get an introduction to market gardening and permaculture and get your hands in the soil. As the farm is a lively and ever-evolving place, tasks may vary throughout your stay depending on current needs.

Accomodation and food
Volunteers will be accommodated in individual tents in a shaded area of the farm park, close to the association’s communal living facilities: kitchen, marquee, showers, toilets, and gathering spaces.
Beyond working hours, volunteers come together to organise daily life on the camp. Often divided into teams, they plan menus, help with the shopping, prepare meals, and ensure the cleanliness of shared spaces. Fully involved in shaping your experience, you will also take part in decision-making regarding group activities and daily organisation!
In order to reduce the environmental impact of our projects, we prioritise vegetarian menus, which meet all the nutrional needs of participants.
There will be French volunteers on the workcamp. Some of them might not speak English. This can be an opportunity for everyone to develop new language skills and innovatove ways of communicating!

Location and leisure

La Ferme Saint-Lazare is an educational, urban, and community-focused farm located in the heart of Grigny, in the Île-de-France region. This living and learning space promotes reconnection with nature in urban settings, ecological transition, and social inclusion. Driven by a participatory approach, the farm welcomes residents, school groups, volunteers, and project leaders throughout the year around the theme of urban agriculture.

Project hosted by
The Ferme Saint-Lazare in Grigny is an educational and solidarity farm. It offers work integration programs in organic market gardening, welcomes the public to discover animals and the garden, and raises environmental awareness. Its organic produce is sold locally.

Directions to meeting point
Grigny train station, France

Requirements
no access for wheelchairs