Lowie Mulders

Good evening
You’ve got a solid plan Cob is a great material but working with large batches is always a challenge Using your Case 580C to mix and compress blocks sounds like a smart way to speed things up while keeping the natural benefits of cob
A few things to think about
Mixing The loader should handle blending fine but getting the right moisture balance is key Too dry and it won’t bind Too wet and it’ll be tough to transport
Compression Might give you denser blocks and speed up drying but test it out first to make sure they bond well when stacked
Transport Moving 6x3x3 blocks without cracking could be tricky Using wetter cob between layers should help them fuse together and keep the structure solid
Efficiency If this works you could get walls up much faster while still keeping cob’s durability and aesthetics
Haven’t seen this exact method used before but it’s worth trying If it holds up structurally you might have a great hybrid approach here
Let us know how it goes This could be a real step forward for cob construction

Man, that’s tough. You’ve put in so much effort, and now the heat and drought are hitting hard. First off—you’re doing all the right things. Mulching, rainwater collection, greywater systems, planting smart... but when nature throws extremes at you, it’s just brutal.
Here’s some stuff that might help:
- Shade is everything – Since your trees aren’t big enough yet, try temporary shade cloth, fast-growing shrubs, or even placing rocks strategically to keep the ground cooler.
- Make the most of water – If your rainwater reserve is drying up, consider swales, hugelkultur, or buried clay pots (ollas) to keep moisture where your plants need it most.
- Think drought & fire resistance – Maybe swap in hardier Mediterranean plants like carob or cork oak that can handle extreme conditions.
- Tap into local resources – Severe drought restrictions are brutal, but are there community wells, shared reserves, or permaculture groups that could help? Sometimes teamwork is the only way through.
Bottom line? It sucks. But nature is stubborn—and so are you. Some plants might recover, others might need replacing, but every bit of effort builds resilience for the long run. Keep going, adjust, and trust that you’re making a difference on that land

A hub for regenerative agriculture is a center or network that brings together farmers, researchers, and organizations to promote sustainable and regenerative farming practices. These hubs focus on restoring soil health, increasing biodiversity, and reducing environmental impact, while also improving farm productivity.
They typically provide:

Education & Training – Workshops on soil regeneration, water conservation, and carbon sequestration.

Collaboration & Research – Connecting farmers with scientists to develop best practices.

Resources & Funding – Access to tools, techniques, and financial support for regenerative projects.

Community Engagement – Encouraging local partnerships to support ecological farming.

Hello,
Thank you for reaching out! My project is still a vision that I’m working to develop, and it's where I want to be in the future. I’m actively researching and exploring ways to secure EU funding to bring this idea to life.
The website is still in progress, and I will need to translate everything into Spanish to ensure accessibility. A cooperative structure is definitely an option, and I’m keeping a close eye on potential sites that could be a great fit.
I appreciate the interest and support, and I look forward to sharing more updates as things evolve!

There are several sustainable alternatives to traditional greenhouse materials that align with your values while ensuring durability and efficiency. Here are some eco-friendly options:

🌱 Reclaimed Glass – If old windowpanes are hard to find, consider reclaimed glass from construction sites or recycling centers. It’s durable and provides excellent light transmission.

🌍 Polycarbonate Panels – A long-lasting alternative to plexiglass, polycarbonate is UV-resistant, strong, and energy-efficient.

🔬 ETFE Film – A high-tech, lightweight material used in modern greenhouses. It’s more durable than polyethylene and has excellent light diffusion.

🍄 Mycelium Insulation – If insulation is a concern, mycelium-based materials can provide natural fire resistance and carbon sequestration.

♻ Recycled Plastic Sheeting – Some manufacturers offer non-toxic, UV-resistant plastic sheeting that lasts much longer than conventional polyethylene.
For your small greenhouse project, a combination of reclaimed glass and polycarbonate panels could be a great solution.

It looks like low voltage and frequency issues with micro hydro turbines can stem from a few key factors. Based on troubleshooting guides and discussions, here are some possible causes and solutions:
🔹 Field Windings May Need Flashing – If the turbine has been sitting unused for years, the exciter fields may have lost their charge. A common fix is to manually "flash" the windings using a drill or another method to re-energize them.
🔹 Pipe Configuration & Flow Rate – The current pipe setup (2” and 1.5” poly pipes) may be limiting water flow. A larger diameter pipe or increased vertical head could improve performance.
🔹 Generator Load & Efficiency – If the turbine struggles beyond 90 watts, it may indicate inefficiencies in the generator or incorrect load balancing. Checking the capacitor under the generator cover could help diagnose the issue.
🔹 Mechanical Wear & Electrical Components – Since the turbine was never installed, some components may need additional cleaning or replacement (e.g., brushes, copper rings, or internal wiring).

La Cumbre Sereno: Cultivating a Regenerative Future in Europe
🌱 A Bold Vision for Sustainable Agriculture
In the heart of Europe’s evolving agricultural landscape, La Cumbre Sereno is emerging as a pioneering initiative that blends traditional farming wisdom with cutting-edge regenerative practices. As the world grapples with soil depletion, biodiversity loss, and climate challenges, this project seeks to establish a self-sustaining agricultural hub where ecosystems thrive alongside human communities.
🔹 Building from the Ground Up
Unlike conventional farms, La Cumbre Sereno is still in its startup phase, actively searching for the ideal land in Northeast Spain. The vision? A 165-hectare property, including 150 hectares of forest, designed to integrate sustainable farming, biodiversity restoration, and renewable energy solutions.
🚜 Partnering with Industry Innovators
To bring this vision to life, La Cumbre Sereno is forging collaborations with companies that share its ambition, including Kubota—renowned for its precision agriculture and eco-conscious machinery. These partnerships will enable the farm to implement low-impact tillage, autonomous farming technologies, and carbon-smart agriculture.
🌍 A Call to Action for European Sponsors
To make this dream a reality, La Cumbre Sereno seeks €600,000 in funding to acquire the land and establish a foundation. The team is reaching out to European businesses, impact investors, and sustainability advocates who believe in the future of regenerative agriculture.
🔹 Ways to Get Involved
✔ Financial sponsorship for land acquisition and infrastructure
✔ Partnerships for sustainable technology and ecological restoration
✔ Knowledge-sharing opportunities with farmers, scientists, and policymakers
🌱 The Future of Farming Starts Here
As La Cumbre Sereno moves forward, it represents more than just a farm—it embodies a new approach to food production, conservation, and rural renewal. By aligning with like-minded innovators, this initiative aims to create a living blueprint for sustainable farming in Europe.
🚜 Want to support the mission? Learn more at La Cumbre Sereno and join us in shaping a greener future! 🌿✨

Thank you Anne

What do you people think of this idea?  it take some hours of research on the internet and i found a tip on the net to find resources by EU for the right projects who can help with funds, i know the idea is big but i can scrap some things.


🌱 A Vision for Sustainable Rural Renewal in Northeast Spain
For centuries, the landscapes of Northeast Spain have been shaped by hardworking farmers, vibrant communities, and the resilience of nature. Yet, like many rural regions, this land faces pressing challenges—aging agricultural practices, diminishing biodiversity, and limited opportunities for economic sustainability.

We envision something different.

Amidst the rolling hills and fields, we see a thriving, innovative farm, where agriculture embraces sustainability, where rural communities find new economic opportunities, and where the land recovers its native beauty.

This farm is more than just soil and crops—it is the foundation for a movement.

Restoring ecosystems by reintroducing native plants, trees, and brush, bringing biodiversity back to the region.

Revitalizing rural livelihoods through cooperative farming and regenerative agriculture practices.

Harnessing technology with precision agriculture and smart water management to modernize farming while preserving traditions.

Fostering knowledge-sharing with a community kitchen for workshops, training programs, and hands-on learning.

Building a place for innovation by converting sheds into a rural workshop, where small projects and sustainable solutions come to life.

And we won’t do this alone.

With the support of EU funding, together we can create a self-sustaining rural hub that regenerates the land, empowers communities, and shapes a future where tradition and innovation walk hand in hand.

This is not just about preserving the past, but about building the future—for farmers, for the land, and for generations to come.

1️⃣ Executive Summary
We respectfully submit this funding request to support the purchase and renovation of a 165-hectare farm in Northeast Spain, transforming it into a sustainable agricultural hub, rural innovation center, and biodiversity restoration site.

With a funding request of €2 million, we seek EU support through the following grant programs: ✅ European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) – Supports rural farm acquisition, infrastructure modernization, and innovation. ✅ Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Direct Payments – Provides financial assistance to farmers for land purchases and sustainability projects. ✅ Spain’s Rural Development Programs (RDPs) – Funds local agricultural transformation efforts, including ecosystem restoration and rural employment.

This initiative integrates smart farming technologies, rural entrepreneurship, and native biodiversity restoration, ensuring long-term sustainability.

2️⃣ Project Objectives & Alignment with EU Priorities
✅ Sustainable Agriculture & Smart Farming – Implement precision agriculture, IoT-based monitoring, and regenerative farming techniques. ✅ Community Development & Infrastructure – Convert part of the farmhouse into a community kitchen, while repurposing sheds into a rural innovation workshop. ✅ Environmental Restoration – Restore native ecosystems, improve soil health, and implement climate-resilient agricultural practices. ✅ Policy Contribution – Strengthen EU rural development strategies and support Spain’s agricultural innovation goals.

3️⃣ Budget Breakdown (€2M Request)
📌 Farm Purchase & Land Development (€450,000)
Acquisition of 165-hectare rustic property

Initial land assessments & ecosystem mapping

📌 Infrastructure & Renovation (€550,000)
Farmhouse restoration (includes community kitchen integration)

Repurposing sheds into a workshop for rural innovation and craft projects

Building company & architect oversight for structural modernization

Installation of water systems, solar energy, and farm utilities

📌 Agricultural Equipment & Tools (€300,000)
Tractors, soil preparation machinery, and irrigation systems

Greenhouse infrastructure & crop storage facilities

Eco-friendly composting & waste management systems

📌 Smart Farming & Digitalization (€250,000)
Implementation of IoT-based land management monitoring

AI-powered precision agriculture and sustainable water management

Farmer training programs focused on digital sustainability

📌 Native Plant & Forest Restoration (€250,000)
Reforestation and native brush restoration across the farm

Soil regeneration initiatives using organic and permaculture methods

Biodiversity conservation programs to support local wildlife habitats

📌 Education, Training & Community Engagement (€200,000)
Community kitchen for food sustainability education and rural networking

Workshop for rural innovation, small-scale projects, and knowledge-sharing

Development of a cooperative farm model with local engagement

Volunteer programs & rural entrepreneurship training

4️⃣ Expected Impact & Long-Term Sustainability
📌 Boosting Rural Livelihoods – Job creation, skill development, and cooperative agricultural growth. 📌 Strengthening Environmental Resilience – Protecting ecosystems through regenerative farming and biodiversity restoration. 📌 Enhancing EU Rural Innovation Strategy – Supporting long-term agricultural transformation in Spain. 📌 Driving Economic Viability – Establishing self-sustaining revenue models through farming, eco-tourism, and research programs.

5️⃣ Call to Action & Next Steps
We respectfully request EU funding support to acquire, renovate, and operationalize this rural project, ensuring agricultural sustainability, rural innovation, and environmental regeneration.

We welcome collaboration with EU policymakers, funding bodies, and agricultural experts to drive this initiative forward.