Casalinho

Author: Andrea

  • Schneckle

    Apparently it means something like ‘cutie’ in German*, but it’s also the name of our latest goat. Schneckle recently joined us because she was lonely as an only goat, and is settling in well with our little herd. She’s standing her ground quite effectively, struggling only with Beyonce who has turned into the beastgoat from more »

  • Preserving an Abundant Harvest

    As summer draws to a close we’ve a huge abundance of foods coming out of the garden.  Nothing will be allowed to go to waste. As I look around me, these are just a handful of examples happening right now.  Whilst we use a wide range of techniques to preserve our bounty, we’re making the more »

  • Healing Agriculture article

    Healing Agriculture is a new(ish) blog and website produced by Katie Shepherd with a view to showcasing ‘the many people working in broad scale agriculture in Europe, aiming for ‘beyond sustainability’, using the ethics of Earth Care, People Care and Fair Share in their farming work and lives. ‘ At Casalinho we are honoured to have more »

  • Whilst I was out …

      Hey Mum! We remodelled the rabbit shed for you 🙂  

  • A Visitor’s Perspective: A Letter to Dona Céu

    This is part of a series of posts where we ask one of our visitors to say a few words about their stay. Dominik and Matic wrote this note to the lady who runs our local bar in Unhais o Velho.     Olá Dona Céu, (Scroll down for English) Vamos embora amanhã, por isso queriamos more »

  • Learning about Bees at The Hive

      Jeroen took a course on beekeeping organised by the local beekeepers co-operative some time ago, when we originally purchased our hives. I’ve never had any training in beekeeping though, so I was thrilled when The Hive offered another Introduction to Beekeeping Workshop. The Hive are a local cultural co-operative focussing on sustainable education. Apiculturist more »

  • In the Kitchen: Plantain & Kefir Bites

      No, I’m not talking about the plantain that looks like a sort of banana, but Plantago major, the ribbed leafed plant which people who don’t know better call a weed. We’ve loads of it growing at Casalinho and in this ‘hungry gap’ time of year when last year’s stored vegetables are running short and this more »

  • Ram Pump Workshop

    A Ram Pump is a hydraulic pump which allows you to raise water from one point to another without using an outside power source. We’re astonished that they aren’t more widely known as you can make one at home. All you need is a water drop and cheap parts you’ll find in the plumbing aisle of more »

  • Easter at Casalinho

    I’m pleased to report that the Easter Bunny appears to be well and living in central Portugal.   We heard rumour that he had a mysterious horned assistant this year.                     I followed their trail around the garden, a good opportunity to take the camera. Easter more »

  • Our Easter Lilly

    I find it hard enough to post here once a week, and here I am doing it twice in a single day! Only cute baby goat pictures could elicit such enthusiasm! Easter is traditionally a time where we think about new life, and that’s certainly been the case here at Casalinho today. Horny had to more »