22.th-Transforming Land: The Journey of thisPermaculture Farm

About us

Keela is a sizeable 18-hectare homestead, permaculture farm and permaculture education centre. Keela was founded in 2016 and first and foremost, it is our home where we live off the grid and in harmony with nature.

At Keela, we have a reforestation program, market vegetable gardens, agroforests, food forests, yoga room, many natural buildings, a cold plunge pool, lakes and many established permaculture systems. We also have a reforestation program and a community centre for permaculture education.

Laurence Manchee lives onsite and is a certified permaculture educator with the Permaculture Association UK. Apart from being a farmer and educator, he speaks at permaculture events, writes for permaculture magazine UK and provides consultancy services locally.

We have Permaculture Design Courses, yoga retreats, natural building courses and volunteers starting every month.

We are located in the centre of Portugal near Fundao

Welcome

This is an inspiring rural eco-community and learning center
founded in the years 2016-2017.

Located in a serene environment,
this community serves as a beacon of sustainability,
demonstrating how an abandoned piece of land can be transformed into a flourishing ecosystem.

With the help of five dedicated members,
we cultivated a space that welcomes volunteers, students, and visitors all year round.

A Flourishing Ecosystem

The transformation was no small feat; it embodies the principles of permaculture.

By implementing strategies such as food forests and agroforestry,
the community has turned desolate land into productive landscapes.

Natural buildings constructed from sustainable materials, including straw bale,
cordwood, and cob, complement the green initiatives
promoting ecological harmony.

Sustainability goes beyond simply growing food.
The community has developed facilities that enhance the lifestyle of its residents and visitors.

These include abundant food sources, comfortable living areas, communal spaces, eco-friendly toilets, refreshing showers, and even harnessing solar energy.

Spring water naturally flows through the land, ensuring that the need for water is sustainably met.

Learning and Enrichment Opportunities

This permaculture Farm places a strong emphasis on education and skill-building.

The community frequently hosts workshops and courses that delve into
various aspects of sustainable living.

keeSome of the most popular offerings include courses on natural building techniques, practical applications of permaculture, and a comprehensive two-week
Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC).

Each program is designed to educate participants on how to restore land through permaculture, ensuring a broad understanding of these vital concepts.

Accommodations cater to a variety of preferences, offering options
for tents, tipis, and caravans.

This diversity allows visitors to immerse themselves in the community fully,
fostering a sense of connection and shared purpose.

We stands as a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration,
dedication, and sustainable practices.

Whether you are looking to become a member, visit for a workshop,
or volunteer your time, we welcomes you to join in its mission of restoring land through innovative permaculture techniques.

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Keela Permaculture Farm

Restoring Land Through Permaculture

Setting: Rural

Type: Eco Community, Eco Project (Eco Farm, Learning Centre, Permaculture Project, Restoration Site)

Status: Established

Founded: 2017

Main Language: English | Other Language: Portuguese

Keela Permaculture Farm is a thriving eco-community dedicated to land restoration through permaculture. Currently, five community members live on the land, and numerous volunteers, students, and local residents visit Keela for workshops, open days, and courses.

The community was established in 2016 when four people moved to the land together, transforming an abandoned agricultural farm into a flourishing ecosystem through food forests, agroforestry, and land restoration initiatives. Over the years, Keela has developed functional permaculture systems and a variety of natural buildings, including straw bale, cordwood, and cob structures.

Today, the farm boasts abundant food, living areas, a community building, eco toilets, showers, solar panels, and spring water. As a busy and growing community, there is always much work to do to maintain the land and its systems. In 2025, Keela opened its doors to new members, inviting others to join and contribute to the ongoing development of the farm.

Membership & Visitors

Open to new community members

Open to visitors

Past guests of Keela Yoga Farm may apply

Volunteer Opportunities:

Volunteer during our permaculture courses and receive a discount on the course fee.

Courses & Accommodation

Natural Building Course (including food): €500

Extra nights (including food): €50 per night

Accommodation Options:

Bring your own tent or caravan – Free

Private Caravan – €150

Tent or Tipi – €100

Discounts:

€75 for Portuguese residents

€75 for volunteering during the course

€75 if you have completed a PDC with us

Only one discount may be applied per participant.

Upcoming Courses – Spring 2026

Spring PDC:

12th – 25th April 2026: 2-week PDC (€950)

27th April – 3rd May 2026: Permaculture in Practice Course (€500)

5th – 11th May 2026: Natural Building Course (€500)

Special Offer: Join all three courses for €1,750 (€200 discount)

https://ecovillage.org/ecovillage/keela-yoga-farm/

Keela Permaculture FarmRestoration of land through Permaculture

Setting

: Rural

Type

: Eco Community, Eco Project (Eco Farm, Learning Centre, Permaculture Project, Restoration Site)

Status

: Established

Founded

: 2017

Main Language

: English

Other Language

: Portuguese

Currently there are 5 members of the community living on the land and numerous volunteers, students and local residents attend keela for workshops, open days and courses.

Keela was established as a community in 2016 with 4 people moving to the land together and started working on restoring an abandoned agriculture farm into an abundance of food and life through Food Forests, Agroforest and land restoration activities. We have established working Permaculture systems with various natural buildings including Straw Bale, cordwood and cob.

Now there is an abundance of food, living areas, a community building and eco toilet, showers, solar panels and spring water.

This is a busy community ad due to the size of the land there is a lot of work to keep the place alive

in 2025 we have decided to increase the number of people are currently accepting new community members