Update May 2019: the classroom is really taking shape and the build camp would welcome contributions from experienced carpenters or builders who are interested in learning about sustainable building materials and techniques. This can be on a drop-in basis rather than a two-week commitment to the camp. Please use the link below to contact Adrian if you’d like to contribute to and learn from this beautiful building.
Following all the wonderful support and generous donations to our crowdfunder last year, we’re now preparing for the main building phase and there will be opportunities for all to get involved. We’ve finalised the design, cleared the ground carefully to minimise wildlife disturbance and we’re starting to install padstones for the structural posts to stand on.
The main building phase will start from 1 April for 3 months and will be organised as a ‘build camp’ where you can come and be part of creating the classroom, a fully-insulated reciprocal roundhouse. We’re working with Adrian Leaman of Wholewoods who has organised many of these volunteering build camps to make mind-bogglingly beautiful natural buildings for schools, community groups and charities who put other people and the environment first. Not only does it make the buildings more affordable, it gives people the opportunity to learn and take part in a collective building experience. Organiclea’s classroom will be build camp no.7.
To take part you need to be physically fit and competent with tools, and over 18. There is the option to camp during the build, which means living outdoors in basic conditions. Non-residential places are also available. We ask a minimum commitment of two weeks but the longer you can spend with us the better. There are a range of start dates throughout the build: Monday 1 April, 15 April, 6 May, 20 May, 10 June.
Build Camp is not a course but we’ve all come to learn as well as give, and the outcome will be a wonderful new space in the forest edge on Organiclea’s growing site. The main currency is your physical work and every participant pays only for food which is £45 per week to cover the costs of meals. This is also your deposit to book a place.
You can apply for the build camp here. And see Adrian’s Wholewoods website for more information about reciprocal-framed roundwood buildings and how they are built.
There will also be opportunities for more occasional participation for regular volunteers and on open days during the build for certain key tasks – we’ll advertise them here and on our email list.
