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Since 2015, we founded and manage Wild Turtle, in Douar Houmr, Morocco, a farm in northern Morocco that focuses on permaculture and sustainable lifestyles.
Faced with the challenges of erosion and a barren landscape, our main focus was to create a vital habitat on 2,5ha of land. This involved intensive crop production, reforestation and building systems to store water and create habitats for people, animals and plants.
In this process, we learned how crucial it is to establish plants in a challenging and rapidly changing climate. We focused on intensive observation to deepen our interaction with nature and respond flexibly to the needs of the ecosystem. Our aim was to create and research stable systems that are as self-regulating and long-lasting as possible. This was achieved by creating a diverse ecosystem whose biotope forms were interrelated.
During this process, we received a lot of support from volunteers, friends and family.
We developed and tested a lot of the work by experimenting together, using the expertise of friends or exchanging ideas with local people. Sometimes things went smoothly, sometimes things went wrong, and we gradually improved our living space.
For each year, you will see a recap of the conditions and difficulties faced.Expand the sections to see the achievements and volunteers that helped on that year.Finally you can click on each gallery to see the progress in images with a description.
< 2015
< 2015
From a barren land to a lush estate.
From a barren land to a lush estate.
Ismael took the first steps toward preserving the land uphill, preventing erosion, and safeguarding it from animal grazing. His vision was to create a sanctuary of freedom for himself and his friends, marking the humble beginnings of our journey.
Family visited frequently and sometimes lived there, and the land was home to various animals: goats, sheep, cows, geese, peacocks, turkeys, and donkeys. Initially, there was a lot of traditional agriculture, with animal manure used as fertilizer and a focus on vegetable production. However, due to the presence of animals, it was challenging to grow anything like trees as they were directly eaten. The first compost experiments were attempted, but progress was limited due to the animals' presence. The turning point came when the animals were progressively relocated from the area.
Expand section to see achievements …With the removal of the animals, a transformation began. The first priority was to fence the village area to allow natural plants to gradually return. Before fencing, the ground resembled stone, and while some trees were planted, the environment was very dry, hot, barren, and lifeless.
As the fencing took effect, the natural flora slowly started to regenerate, breathing new life into the landscape. Trees began to take root, and the once desolate land started to show signs of vitality. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in the project's evolution, laying the foundation for the creation of a thriving ecosystem.
Achievements at that time
Achievements at that time
Land preservation
Brainstorming an design
Progressive removal of animals
Fencing of the village area and pine plantation
First experiments with mudbricks
First experiments with compost
2015 in images
2015 in images
Team & Volunteers
Team & Volunteers
Ismael 🇪🇸🇲🇦, Ali 🇲🇦 , Kuby 🇲🇦
2016
2016
First steps into installing a permaculture paradise
First steps into installing a permaculture paradise
As the land began to flourish, so did the vision for its future. With a newfound sense of possibility, efforts shifted toward implementing sustainable practices and fostering biodiversity. The focus on traditional agriculture gave way to a more holistic approach, incorporating permaculture principles and natural building techniques. With each passing day, the project moved closer to its goal of becoming a harmonious sanctuary where humans, animals, and nature could coexist in balance.
At that time, Ismael and his friend started a hostel in Assilah called MIA Hostel, this place was hosting volunteers in exchange of help at the place. Ismael's land was there and unused so he choose to do something there with a bunch of volunteers, in 2016 he met Nina who gave a lot of herself in the project and they became partners in that adventure. At that time, the land was barren and the weather was harsh, accomodation on the land was close to none.
Expand section to see achievements…Achivements
Achivements
Planning of infrastructure
Cleaning the site of rubbish
Fencing of the land
Management of animals
Construction of electric infrastructure
Construction of water supply infrastructure
Start with volunteer help through workaway
Set foundations of the cabin
Construction of an outdoor kitchen
Construction of a pizza oven
Setup of the bon fire pit
Repair of the volunteer shelter
The construction of a first dry toilet
Plantation of trees
2016 in images
2016 in images
Team & Volunteers
Team & Volunteers
Ismael 🇪🇸🇲🇦, Nina 🇨🇭, Kuby 🇲🇦
2017
2017
Settling buildings to stay on the land
Settling buildings to stay on the land
In 2017 Land was still pretty raw, the first buildings have popped out of the ground and electricity was brought to the village.
Expand section to see achievements…Achievements
Achievements
Roof for the cabin with reeds
Planting and testing of native trees and hedges in the cabin area
Further fencing of the cabin area
Setup of paths and the garden
Improvement of the terrain for fruit and olive trees by Swales
Setup of a grey water filtration for the cabin kitchen according to «Milkwood»
Management of animals: Chicken enclosure
Landscaping and structure creation in the cabin area
Planning the renovation of the farmhouse (today's Casa Tortuga)
The start of the renovation of the main farm house (today's Casa Tortuga)
Begin remodelling and additions to the old farmhouse (adobe and lime plaster)
Cleaning the grounds of the farmhouse of rubbish
Maintenance of the garden and fruit trees
The construction of the water castle
The setup of the pump
The construction of a vegetable drying oven
The setup of a fresh herbs garden
The management of the orchard
Plantation of new trees
Digging of swales for water conservation & Erosion control
Digging of basins around the trees for water conservation
Mulching and covering the soils
Resource planning & material sourcing
Mudbricks
Canes and thatch
Burnt wood tiles
Variouse mosaic and tiles gathering
Volunteers
Volunteers
2017 in images
2017 in images
Team & Volunteers
Team & Volunteers
Ismael 🇪🇸🇲🇦, Nina 🇨🇭, Kuby 🇲🇦, Jamal 🇲🇦, Jasmin, Emely, Diego, Daniel, Mike, Simon, Ronald, Keith, Conny, Jesus, Jan, Mauri, Sol, Mireille, Alex, Jaque, Sjorge, Izzy, Noah, Jaques, Bradley & Nicky, Sandra, Krystal, Albert
2018
2018
Farmhouse renovation & land blooming
Farmhouse renovation & land blooming
In 2018, our focus shifted towards renovating the farmhouse, which later evolved into Casa Tortuga. While the main building was structurally sound, it lacked modern amenities and aesthetic appeal. We embarked on a renovation journey, adding new features like a terrace, modernizing the kitchen and bathroom, and introducing a contemporary dry toilet system.
Additionally, 2018 was a year of community engagement, with long summer evenings spent at Room 30, the newly established bar atop Casa Pepe restaurant. As we enjoyed these social gatherings, nature began reclaiming some of our outdoor features, such as the outside shower and bonfire area, prompting us to prioritize nature management efforts.
One notable achievement of the year was the progress made in our orchard swaling project. This initiative yielded positive results as endemic plant species gradually returned, signaling a promising step towards ecological restoration and biodiversity preservation.
Expand section to see achievements…Achievements
Achievements
Extension of composting toilet, kitchen and interior work in the farmhouse
Electrification of the farmhouse
Façade construction (lime plaster with natural pigments)
Creation of gardens and dry stone walls at the farmhouse
Improvement of soil quality and erosion control through planting (acacias, pines, local trees and hedges (< 1000)
Propagation of native plants and their planting on the site and in the gardens (< 3000)
Starting cultivating more resilient and local plants by seeds and cuts.
Construction of small structures for animals and promotion of biodiversity
Planning and realisation of a new vegetable garden
Creation of a keyhole/African garden for lettuce experiments
Maintenance of the garden and fruit trees
The renovation of the main farmhouse
Added the kitchen and bathroom extensions of the farmhouse
Added the modern dry toilet to the farmhouse
Started the Room 30 Project
2018 in images
2018 in images
Team & Volunteers
Team & Volunteers
Ismael 🇪🇸🇲🇦, Nina 🇨🇭, Kuby 🇲🇦, Jamal 🇲🇦, Maria, Agustina, Facundo
2019
2019
Adaptation and pursuing of establishing an ecosystem
Adaptation and pursuing of establishing an ecosystem
In 2019, we focused on completing the farmhouse's interior and exterior renovations, including the installation of a heating system. We repurposed the cabin area into a helper space and propagated and planted native plants across the grounds and gardens. Additionally, we constructed small structures to support local biodiversity and created new garden layouts. Through seed cultivation and soil enhancement efforts, we aimed to cultivate resilient, locally adapted plants while tackling erosion control measures.
Expand section to see achievements…Achievements
Achievements
Completion of the interior and exterior work on the farmhouse
Installation of a heating system in the farmhouse
Conversion of cabin area to helper area
Propagation of native plants and their planting on the grounds and in the gardens
Construction of small structures for animals and promotion of biodiversity
Creation of new garden structures
Cultivating more resilient and local plants by seeds and cuts
Improving soil quality and erosion control through planting
Volunteers
Volunteers
2019 in images
2019 in images
Team & Volunteers
Team & Volunteers
Ismael 🇪🇸🇲🇦, Nina 🇨🇭, Kuby 🇲🇦, Jamal 🇲🇦, Hayley, John, Paulina, Tanja, Antoine
2020
2020
A year of confinment, a slower pace, good for the project
A year of confinment, a slower pace, good for the project
In 2020 the world changed and morrocan border closed due to the pandemic, the hostel had to stop because there was not enought travellers to maintanin acitvity. Nevertheless there was a bunch of travellers stuck in Morroco at that time and a couple of them stayed at wild turtle. On the other hand, Nina was stuck back in Switzerland and finally had to stay for administrative reasons.
The project took a hit down and we had the chance of being able to enjoy the peace and quiet during this strange days of confinment. Here in the countryside we were almost already confined. Life was sweet and quiet. Projects continued at a very slow pace.
Expand section to see achievements…Achievements
Achievements
Wooden mezzanine in the cabin
Started digging the natural pool
Planning and realisation of a natural pool at the farmhouse
Completion of the bathroom in the farmhouse
Construction of an outdoor kitchen and poolbar at the farmhouse
Maintenance of the garden and fruit trees
Volunteers
Volunteers
Romain 🇫🇷, Carina 🇺🇸, Lexi 🇬🇷 and their cute doggies.
2021 in images
2021 in images
Team & Volunteers
Team & Volunteers
Ismael 🇪🇸🇲🇦, Nina 🇨🇭, Kuby 🇲🇦, Jamal 🇲🇦, Laotaro 🇧🇷
2021
2021
Maintenance, comfort & forest preservation
Maintenance, comfort & forest preservation
Achivements
Achivements
On that year was achieved :
The natural pool
The poolbar
Team & Volunteers
Team & Volunteers
Ismael 🇪🇸🇲🇦, Toma 🇧🇪, Kuby 🇲🇦, Jamal 🇲🇦, Hammid 🇲🇦, Laotaro 🇧🇷, Toma 🇧🇪, Line 🇲🇦🇧🇪 Neo🇧🇪, Aaliyah🇧🇪, Carina 🇺🇸, Lexi 🇬🇷
2022
2022
A breath of fresh air and new ideas
A breath of fresh air and new ideas
Toma embarked and partnered with Ismael to pursue the initial plan while adding a lot of new ideas.
The workaway profile was re-activated, interest rise as there was a lot of volunteering inquiries.
As Toma got a bit excited by the possibilities he started all the projects at the same time which proved to be overwheling and energy burning at the end.
Expand section to see achievements…Achievements
Achievements
General project redesign and mapping.
Clearing, cleaning, ordering and organising material and storage space
Design and landscaping of a plant nursery, a compost place and a gardening workshop.
Design and landscaping of a vegetable garden.
Seeded, planted, re-planted and processed a lot of plants.
Planted more than 150 baby trees on the land.
Landscaped dirt terraces to prevent soil erosion.
Weeks of digging dirt terrasses, paths, stairs, foundations, plant beds.
Made a lot of bonfires, wrote songs, pizza parties and boardgames nights
Team & Volunteers
Team & Volunteers
Ismael 🇪🇸🇲🇦, Toma 🇧🇪, Andreea 🇷🇴, Kuby 🇲🇦, Jamal 🇲🇦, Hammid 🇲🇦, Ulysse 🇧🇪, Anna 🇩🇪, Mao🇨🇴 Andrea 🇨🇱, Emil 🇩🇰, Jakob 🇩🇰, Freed & Jonas 🇩🇪, Saoirse 🇬🇧, Dries 🇧🇪, Mason 🇬🇧 Klaus 🇧🇷 & Lola 🇬🇧, Orion 🇬🇧, Goele 🇧🇪 & Isa 🐶,
2023
2023
Steps towards a financial balance
Steps towards a financial balance
Achievements
Achievements
Planted a succulent plants and cactus garden.
Built several stonewalls, stairs and seatings.
Cleaned & updated the water filtration system.
Plants reproduction for ornemental gardens and essential oil cropping.
Complete renovation of the main farm house.
Some furniture renovation.
Chopped a lot of trees
Designed a logo.
Designed a yoga place.
Designed a workshop and a storage place.
Designed housing units.
Designed a new kitchen and canteen place.
Lay the foundations of the yoga temple
Lay the foundations and begin the structure of the the rooms
Lay the foundations, made the structure and the roof of the the workshop
Planned and learnt about treehouse building.
Days of cutting tires to make recycled roof tiles.
Hours of wood prepairing for construction : peeling, sanding, treating, oiling, painting.
Experimenting essential oils extraction of our aromatic herbs
Started kombucha tea, ginger beer and fruit kefir brewing.
Went to the beach, hiked and enjoyed the wonderful nature
Sold some peacocks… and breed some more !
Team & Volunteers
Team & Volunteers
Jakob 🇬🇧, Michele 🇮🇹, Clémentine 🇫🇷, Timo 🇩🇪, Mao 🇨🇴, Martina 🇮🇹, Rebecca & Bendagouz 🇭🇺, Bilge 🇹🇷, Jordan 🇬🇧 & Paula 🇩🇪, Bela 🇩🇪, Kate 🇬🇷 & Easy 🇩🇪, Gabriel 🇫🇷, Alicia & Tom 🇫🇷, Natasha 🇬🇶, Ariane 🇧🇪, Yoann & Anna 🇧🇪, Tissam 🇧🇪🇲🇦, Emily 🇬🇧, Miri & Fabi 🇩🇪, Emilie 🇧🇪, Caio 🇧🇷, Adele, Tino 🇨🇭, Asti 🇳🇱 & Milos 🐶, Niklas 🇩🇪, Moses 🇩🇪, Dominik 🇩🇪, Oscar 🇿🇦, Mimy, Lene 🇩🇪, Fath 🇲🇦 & Ninon 🇫🇷, Jean & Nathalie 🇧🇪, Victor 🇧🇪, Giuditta 🇮🇹, Angela 🇳🇿, Eoin🇮🇪 & Erin 🇮🇪, Jules 🇺🇸 & Patrice 🇲🇦, Violette 🇫🇷, Adèle 🇫🇷, Nina🇨🇭, Tissa 🇨🇭, Reda 🇲🇦, Ulysse 🇧🇪, Saint-Marc 🇫🇷
2024
2024
First rental of Casa Tortuga
First rental of Casa Tortuga
…
Expand section to see achievements and volunteers…Achievements
Achievements
Buildin of the village kitchen & laboratory
Building of the garden workshop with recycled tire tiles
Volunteers
Volunteers
Jojo, Tissam, Ulysse, Marc
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