In the first years we worked hard to become as self sufficient as possible in our food production. We also created accommodation for volunteers and interns so they can stay with us. To give an idea of the essential tasks that need to be carried out in the coming period, a short description is given per theme.
General
At La Resse we depend on spring water. To make this available to everyone, a larger water reservoir will be created closer to the house. In addition, a reed bed system will be installed as a natural water purification solution.
Living from the forest
To generate a valuable harvest from the forest in addition to the existing natural woodland areas, some plots need to be managed. This includes planting, pruning, crown lifting and eventually felling trees, as well as removing broom that hinders the development of young trees. The harvest is then processed into usable products, such as cutting and splitting firewood and sawing tree trunks into beams and planks.
Living from agriculture
We have a large vegetable garden designed entirely according to permaculture principles. Every year we work towards being self sufficient in vegetables throughout the seasons. At present all the vegetables we eat come from our own garden. In addition to the vegetable garden we have a large greenhouse in the meadow where mainly summer crops grow, such as tomatoes, aubergines, cucumbers and peppers. Around it a piece of pasture has been cultivated for larger crops for our animals, including corn, grain and sunflowers. Our fruit trees are still relatively young and do not yet produce enough fruit to supply us all year round. We have recently grafted many young fruit trees which, together with various nut trees, will grow into a food forest. We have also built an orangery in the shape of a dome where citrus trees and avocados grow.
Living with animals
At La Resse we currently have dogs, cats, sheep, pigs and poultry. We are improving the existing animal shelters, fencing the pastures and building stables for larger animals. The sheep graze the meadows, the pigs plough and fertilise the land that is later cultivated and the chickens provide eggs. In the future we may expand the herd with a few cows and horses.
Sustainable building
There are two buildings at La Resse. One large building of about forty by seven metres and a smaller one of twelve by six metres. Both buildings require thorough renovation. In the work in progress phase we first focus on essential works such as increasing sanitary comfort and making the small house habitable. This involves activities such as pouring concrete, bricklaying, sawing, carpentry, digging, repairing roofs and installing water pipes. At present we have built two tiny houses in tent form and fully renovated an old pizza caravan. In the barn two bedrooms and a bathroom have been created. There is also an additional kitchen and an outdoor kitchen, as well as two outdoor showers and baths overlooking the vegetable garden. These facilities are especially for our guests and volunteers.
