Reforest Spiritual Retreat

Rainbow Lodge is a Spiritual retreat in the Serra da Estrela,  that was devasted by the recent wildfires that swept through Central Portugal. We become guardians of this registered Nature Reserve one year ago and are feeling shocked at the loss of over 2000 trees, plus plants and wildlife. 

During our first year we have supported over 200 people who have needed time out in nature to recuperate and re-evaluate their lives.  We offer healing support and guidance through Energy Medicine & Astrology. 


We desperately need financial help and volunteers to help us replace the pine & cypress woodland, that was under 5 years old, that burnt almost in it's entirety. We want to replant with at least 2000 indigenous trees on the upper slopes. Each small tree costs under one euro. 

Here are some trees we can sourve locally:
Oak : 50 cents
American Oak : 60 cents
Chestnut : 80 cents
Ash : 70 cents
Plantano : 70 cents
Cedar : 30cents or 2 euro ( depends on size)
Poplar: 80 cents



We need to introduce as many grasses, plants and flowers that we can to stop soil erosion from the rains. This will enhance the land and ensure it maintains it's status as a Nature Reserve. 1kg of seed costs 2 euros. 

Here is a seed mix that has been recommended for our soil type that can be sourced locally:

80% grasses
Festuca arundinaceae
Lolium perens
Dactylis glomerata
Poa pratensis
Brisa Maxima

20% "leguminosas, tervos and flowers":
Borago officinalis 10,00%
Calendula arvensis 5,00%
Lotus corniculatus 5,00%
Lupinus angustifolius 5,00%
Lupinus luteus 15,00%
Medicago sativa 15,00%
Melilotus officinalis 5,00%
Papaver Rhoeas 10,00%
Plantago lanceolata 5,00%
Sanguisorba minor 5,00%
trifolium incarnatum 5,00%
Trifolium pratensis 5,00%
Vicia sativa 10,00%




We need to improve water retention on the land as we had no water to fight the fire after an unusually dry hot summer. The simplest way to protect the house is to hold water in a pond that has already been dug but has leaked. Because we prefer to use natural materials then this needs to be sealed with clay. Clay costs 650 euros.


We are thanking our lucky stars that we did not lose our house, workshop & tools like many in Portugal. But we did lose one caravan that we need to accommodate volunteers. Ideally we would like to replace this as we  need volunteers to help with planting and restoring the land. And our winters here in the mountains can be cold and wet! Caravan & contents 1000 euros. 


We feel more motivated than ever to do our part to reforest Portugal. During the last week we have become painfully aware of the evidence that Portugal is in danger of becoming a desert by 2100. Our only hope and wish is that this disasterous event changes the attitude and policies of local government. We are inspired by local communities coming together to share resources and knowledge to help each other and make a difference. 


Much Love & Gratitude
Andrea & Daniel