Folha Verde is a community centred project initially created by a group of around 150 like-minded adults and 50 children, many of who chose to make their home in central Portugal to live closer to nature and embrace a more sustainable way of life.
Nestled in a central valley beside the river in Benfeita, Folha Verde serves the wider community and is easily accessible to those living in the nearby villages of Luadas, Esculca, Pai das Donas, Pardieiros, Sardal, Monte Frio, Cerdeira, and Dreia, as well as the wider region stretching between Arganil, Côja, and Oliveira do Hospital.
Our community is a vibrant mix of people of all ages, backgrounds, and cultures, each bringing their own skills, experiences, and perspectives. Among us are artists, musicians, eco-builders, carpenters, linguists, writers, teachers, nutritionists, renewable energy experts, wild food foragers, chefs, and holistic health practitioners. Together, we share knowledge, creativity, and passion, making the Lagar a lively hub for workshops, events, and gatherings that celebrate our diversity and collective wisdom.
We value coming together whenever we can; to enjoy each other’s company, connect with the wild beauty of our valleys and rivers, exchange skills, and share stories. Regular workdays offer opportunities to support one another on our land-based projects, while community initiatives strengthen the ties that connect us all.
The monthly arts, crafts, and food markets (held in Benfeita on the first Saturday of each month and in nearby Côja on the third), give us a chance to share local produce, handmade goods, and good conversation in a relaxed, friendly setting. The popular destinations of Fraga da Pena, a beautiful waterfall, and the Mata da Margaraça as well as numerous river beaches and hiking trails offer beautiful opportunities to explore the area.
Folha Verde provides a welcoming space for everyone in the community to exchange knowledge and talents, resulting in a rich variety of creative workshops and educational events throughout the year.
If you’d like to explore the individual projects of some of our local members, experts, and people that have beautiful things to offer, you can find several things shared online below. The community and surrounding area is rich with diversity and new ideas and offerings being brought to the community all the time. Here are just a few interesting activities and offerings in the surrounding area:
A Fonte Benfeita. A beautiful health and wellbeing centre offering various classes, workshops, circles and gatherings as well as a yoga shala and community and treatment space for hire.
Permaculturing in Portugal. One family’s attempts to live in a more planet-friendly way.
Magic Valley Bee Farm. A completely organic sustainable local bee farm.
Arbor Benfeita. A group of local residents and landowners facilitating and supporting sustainable and regenerative initiatives in the area.
Textalier. Workshops and offerings around textiles including natural dyeing, mixed media and art classes.
Terra Verde Portugal. Ideal for retreats, group stays, or private events, Terra Verde offers a distinctive setting that invites connection, focus, and inspiration in a landscape untouched by mass tourism.
Trust Collective is a transdisciplinary and international artistic platform that encourages creation and cooperation, in a close relationship with the surrounding nature, the community and the local territory.
Numerous other offerings and activities are available for both children and adults such as circus classes, second-hand thrift stores, festivals, art classes, music lessons. The list goes on.