Mossy Earth Journeys Avis 4

In every aspect this trip was everything I expected and more. it was fabulous. I had been wanting to work on reforestation in Iceland for years, so teaming up with Mossy Earth as a member and actually doing this was like winning the lottery for me. I was with a group of great and like-minded people, and our Mossy Earth facilitator was superb! There was an excellent mix of volunteer work and sight-seeing. I got to see things that were way off the tourist path and meet some fantastic Icelanders. Our cabin was super-functional and taking turns to cook worked out really well. The food was fabulous! Everything was fabulous! I want to go back next year.

I was fortunate to have been part of Mossy Earth's very first trip and the entire team's appreciation of their guests was apparent from the start. Preparation and planning were careful and well thought out, while always having a great plan B in case the weather changed. Our accomodation was beautiful, cozy and clean, the food was amazing and the staff would always make time to help or have a little conversation, too. Surrounded by nature, you can enjoy some bird watching just by stepping out of your room and looking around. Occasionally a cat, dog or piglet will walk by and greet you!

I loved every minute of our activities, from exploring the Mira to planting trees, installing camera traps with expert guidance to visiting the coast and hiking while removing invasive plants. From helping at the tree nursery to observing an impromptu session of electro fishing. From bird watching and hiking the land among beautiful flora and fauna inhabiting an awe-inspiring variety of habitats, to kayaking on the Mira - all while having the best time chatting away and getting to know my group and the team members: The word "magical" comes to mind.

Having followed Mossy Earth for several years, I was already convinced of their careful and scientifically sound approaches to rewilding, but the insights gained on this trip showed just how responsible the team is with every donation. Be it the meticulous tests with different regimen to cut resprouting eucaplyptus or the careful calucation of cost and effect when it comes to expenditures for materials and tools. With all their passion for nature and rewilding, the team still never forgets about working with and benefitting the local community just as well. As a long time supporter, too, I came away yet more confident.

In this fast-moving age, it is often easy to get swept up by your daily life as soon as you return home. This time, however, I find myself stopping and returning to this trip in my mind again and again, contemplating the experience and wonderful people supporting Mossy Earth's projects in various capacities. I have come away more educated and inspired, with more knowledge and tools to become more active in rewilding at home as well. This is thanks to all the team members who would not only show us their respective areas of expertise and workshops, but even make time to spontaneously accompany us on other parts of the trip, never tiring to answer our many (!) questions, explain about the nature surrounding us or point out interesting things on the way: Their genuine curiosity and love for nature is truly inspiring and will stay with you for a long time.

I whole-heartedly recommend Mossy Earth Journeys and extend a heartfelt thank you to my group and the team for making this possible.

Travelling down from the airport in Lisbon to our destination near Odemira, I was not sure what to expect from this trip. As we moved past electricity towers filled with storks' nests, ancient olive trees, and freshly harvested cork oak trees, I wondered what lay ahead. And as the roads got narrower, the foliage got greener and we finally bumped up the drive to our quaint quinta to be greeted by tiny dogs (enthusiastically), cats (haughtily), and pet pigs (indifferently) I felt that this could be a very special experience. And I was right!

Each morning our small group would meet for an excellent breakfast of freshly baked bread, freshly lain eggs, freshly squeezed orange juice, and home-made marmalade (freshness unknown but delicious) to discuss the day's new adventure. As we finished our meal with some fresh fruit and a delicious piece of cake, we'd get ready to go out. One day tending to the trees with Theresa; willows on the river bank, alders above, and oaks overlooking the valley. The next day experiencing the joy of journeying with Joao through the undergrowth, following boar trails, studying fox droppings, and searching for that rare glimpse of a Genet. Then off with Francisco to savor the fragrant flowers growing along the rugged Portuguese coast. Or flowing with Flora up and down the streams and tributaries of the wild Mira river delta. Searching for the elusive Mira chub and other rare waterfauna. And at the end of each day we sat around the table for a fine dinner, sharing the day's experiences, satisfied in the knowledge of having learned a lot, helped a little, and having earned a good night's sleep!

Spending time with Mossy Earth's remarkable team of biologists has been really awesome. Their enthusiasm for their work has been absolutely infectious and it´s wonderful to experience how much they enjoy sharing their work and the amazing plants and animals in one of Europe´s last wild refuges. The small group size also meant that we really got to know everyone and had plenty of opportunities to ask questions and get hands-on experience. This has truly been a one-of-a-kind experience!

Highly recommended for those looking to make new friends and explore new surroundings. For those not afraid to get their hands dirty and their socks wet. For those willing to step out into the high grass when the path runs out...

Accommodations were clean and the food was great, fresh orange juice every breakfast and a bird concert in the morning, with cats and dogs (and sometimes little black pigs) roaming around the compound.
Guides were very enthusiastic and knowledgeable, it's hard to not fall in love with nature just listening to them for five minutes!
Organisation was smooth and quite flexible, adapting to circumstances like the weather or our preferences on the fly.
Most events will take place outside, so you should be fine with a little rain if you're unlucky, but that's what you would expect from a nature trip.
All in all, this is a very unique and heartfelt experience very every single involved person makes you feel welcome and is obviously enjoying themselves while doing so.