Established permaculture smallholding project in Romagna, Italy
Lab'Arca, house, chickens and veg box cabin in the spring sunshine

Lab'Arca is the headquarters of Armonie Animali®, a network of professionals who collaborate with the same goal, that of human, animal and environmental well-being. A 5-hectare system designed on permaculture principles since 1999. We are currently two families (6/8 inhabitants). The house is powered by wood, photovoltaic and solar panels. 

Course run onsite currently include 'Happy Chickens in Permaculture' and Permaculture Design Courses. Wood sourced onsite is used for heating, cooking and domestic hot water. The system produces wood, vegetables, wild herbs, fruit, eggs, (including for organic veg boxes) compost and training courses. Rainwater is collected and used to water plants, for animals and to create areas useful for wild fauna. The fruit trees are native and some of the vegetables come from self-produced native seeds. The land is worked with small tools (no tractors). Green manure and self-produced compost are used. We have previously run a Forest School in the woods. However, we currently lack a well-structured room for training and compost toilet. We are looking to expand as a training centre sharing skills in low impact living impact and work with young people and children, potentially accommodating school groups from overseas and day events for nature connection for children and young people. 

We welcome wwoofers and people interested in natural systems. We are convieniently situated on the 'Via Romea Germanica' for those completing the section from Forlí to Cusercoli. We can communicate in Italian, English, Spanish and French. 

If you would like visits, how should people arrange their visit?
Email
Sustainable transport options
Trains to Forli, 20 mins bus ride, 15 minute walk.
Type of project
Private (visits by arrangement only)
Physical Elements/Features
Alternative energy
Farm
Wildlife meadows
Woodland
Services/Activities
Camping
Courses
Veg Box scheme
Visits (by arrangement)
Volunteering
Workshops
When the project started
Contact name
Teresa Dowding
Postal address of project

Strada San Colombano-Castelnuovo
47014 Meldola FC
Italy

Contact email