Food, Lodging and Travel
The volunteers’ house is located within the sanctuary and can accommodate up to 6 people, with no gender separation in the rooms. We can offer a shared 4 person room in bunk beds, or a double room, or a single room. The kitchen and bathroom will be shared by everyone. The house is equipped with a fridge, stove, oven, microwave and coffee machine. Volunteers will have access to a washing machine. Sheets and towels will be provided weekly.
Food is not included in the price and volunteers can order food from an online supermarket for delivery directly to the sanctuary. The consumption of meat and fish is not allowed in the sanctuary. Upon arrival, you must bring food for about 3 days as delivery may not be immediate. Volunteers must keep the house clean and tidy daily. The house will be cleaned once a week.
Volunteers will work between 7 and 8 hours a day, with two days off per week.
Although no special equipment is needed to carry out the tasks in the sanctuary, we recommend wearing clothes that can get dirty or damaged, and comfortable shoes. In winter we recommend the use of waterproof clothing and wellies. In summer we recommend the use of sunscreen and a hat.
Travel
This project is located in Santarém. You will need to fly to Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal, and from there take the subway, train and taxi/uber (about a 2-hour journey).
Volunteers must arrive at the sanctuary on the first day of their participation by 2pm.
During your free days, you will have time to explore nearby tourist sights in Lisbon, Santarém, Tomar, Leiria, Caldas da Rainha, Foz do Arelho, etc. by bus, taxi or train.
Volunteer Requirements
Our volunteer programme is aimed at people over 20 years old, in good physical and mental condition, who share the values of this project and who have the desire to contribute to this unique project in Portugal. You should also accept to be vegetarian throughout your stay at the sanctuary.
Volunteers must be vaccinated against tetanus.
You should expect to be doing lots of manual work, in a hot climate. You will be carrying heavy items and the tasks can be repetitive. Volunteers will also work with spades, hoes, and similar tools.
Volunteers should be fluent in English or Portuguese.
If you are not Portuguese but you are living in the European Union, you must bring a European Health Card.
