9th-14th MARCH 2026

A hands-on volunteering opportunity to slow down, reconnect, and learn from the land itself.

9th-14th March: Healing the Land is a week-long retreat at Oru El Saltador, designed for those seeking to slow down, reconnect, and engage in meaningful, hands-on land restoration. Emerging from our permaculture retreat, the programme is rooted in ancient techniques and Moorish cultural traditions that work in harmony with the landscape. Participants will take part in four essential practices that support the healing and protection of the land: Planting, Dry Stone Walling, Channel Closing, and Cane Covering (cañé).

You will learn regenerative methods that build climate resilience, reduce the effects of erosion and drought, and restore balance to the ecosystem. The programme offers a rare opportunity to gain traditional ecological knowledge while experiencing the rhythm, discipline, and satisfaction of working directly with the land. Alongside developing tangible skills in land stewardship, participants are invited into a deeper relationship with nature, one that fosters presence, reflection, and a renewed sense of responsibility for the environments we inhabit.

The price for the retreat is between £200 and £500, depending on your room choice. This helps us keep the programme accessible while supporting the shared care and resources of the space.

If this cost feels out of reach for you, please email retreat@oruspace.co. We’re open to discussing ways we can subsidise the fee where possible.

Who this is for

This programme is suited to people who:

• Are seeking a slower, more grounded way of spending time

• Want to learn practical, land-based skills rooted in traditional knowledge

• Feel drawn to land restoration, permaculture, or regenerative practices

• Are interested in understanding how hands-on work can support climate resilience

• Value physical labour as a form of learning, connection, and care

• Are comfortable working outdoors and contributing to communal living

No prior experience is required - only a willingness to learn, participate, and work with the land.

What you will take away

By the end of the week, participants will:

• Learn ancient land management techniques used to protect and restore ecosystems

• Gain hands-on experience in planting, dry stone walling, water channel restoration, and cane covering

• Understand practical ways to reduce the impacts of climate change at a local, land-based level

• Develop a deeper connection to nature through embodied, physical work

• Experience the mental clarity and grounding that comes from working in rhythm with the land

• Leave with skills, insight, and perspective that can be carried into daily life and future projects