Flavie has been doing her environmental civic service at the Domaine des Courmettes since June 2025… She’ll soon have spent a year at this exceptional place! She shares a little about what motivated her to get involved with A Rocha, and what her daily life has been like over the past few months.
1. What made you decide to join A Rocha as an environmental civic service volunteer?
After finishing my A-levels, I went on to do a bachelor’s degree in Geography and Urban Planning. At the end of those three years, I felt the need to take a break from my studies. That was when I remembered A Rocha. Someone had told me about it a few years earlier, and I’d been immediately drawn to its mission and values.
At the time, the Courmettes estate was looking for someone to undertake a one-year civic service placement, focusing largely on the educational garden. I wanted to learn more about the subject, as well as about conservation and scientific monitoring. The setting also seemed perfect for spending quality time with God in nature, a little removed from the world.
2. What were your main responsibilities during your stay?
I arrived in June and soon started spending time in the vegetable garden. We welcomed schools and groups during their stays, organising tours and activities centred around the vegetable garden. The garden took up a lot of space in my schedule throughout the year, both in practice (maintenance, tree pruning, composting, sowing, etc.) and in theory (life cycles, the water cycle, soil structure, tree architecture, etc.).
I was able to go out into the field to monitor species such as reptiles, dragonflies and the Hermit butterfly, but also monitoring the ponds (water levels, vegetation, etc.). I also helped look after visitors at the weekend (running the refreshment stand, chatting with walkers, etc.)
In winter, our activities change a bit. I’ve produced quite a few communications, particularly on social media. We’ve also carried out some upkeep and maintenance work (creating a barefoot trail, building bird boxes, etc.).
3. What did you particularly enjoy (both in terms of the tasks related to the environmental community service and in terms of daily life at Les Courmettes)?
The atmosphere at Les Courmettes is truly unique. In this environment, I have been able to flourish not only in my work, but also on a personal, spiritual and interpersonal level.
At work, I appreciated the wide variety of tasks, which allowed me to learn about a broad range of areas as the seasons changed. No two days were the same throughout the year. I was given a supportive environment and the space to learn, whilst my feelings and aspirations were taken into account.
The team on site plays a major part in creating this positive atmosphere, whether it’s the permanent staff or those passing through (volunteers, interns, European volunteers). This environment allows for the development of truly special relationships and friendships. I found a Christian community there that has strengthened my faith and my relationship with God.
Contemplation and wonder were at the heart of this experience. I could talk for hours about the place, its natural surroundings or the view. The sunrises there have a special charm. You have to see it to understand…
4. Were there any aspects that proved more difficult?
It may have taken me a little while to settle into this somewhat secluded life in Les Courmettes, particularly in the autumn when things slow down a bit. But now, I can only see the positives in this simple way of life and in the slower pace of everyday life.
It’s also as the season draws to a close that the team starts to dwindle. Seeing people you’ve spent every day with for several weeks leave hasn’t always been easy.
But ultimately, I think the hardest part will be having to leave myself.
5. What have you learnt from this experience, particularly with regard to your future career path?
In the end, what was supposed to be a simple break from my studies turned out to be a gateway into the world of permaculture, but it also had a much greater impact on a personal and spiritual level.
I am grateful to have been welcomed for a year to this very special place. This year away has allowed me to refocus on what really matters, and to gain a better understanding of my desires and aspirations in life. I feel renewed and more at peace in my daily life. A peace that I will cherish for a long time to come. And if one day that is no longer the case, I will simply have to return to Les Courmettes…
The Courmettes estate is currently looking for a civic service volunteer to take over following Flavie’s departure in June… Please don’t hesitate to get in touch for more information!