“I am Simone, I’m 31 years old and I am from the Netherlands. This summer I’ve been volunteering with Plantar uma Árvore, and it was an amazing opportunity to reconnect with myself and with nature and think about my place in the world. The work can be challenging, but I grew confident in my physical abilities while working in tough climates and environments. Also, I learned to find ease, relaxation and a lot of fun while living closely with the other volunteers. I loved the fieldtrips to other areas, not only to learn more about different landscapes and types of work, but mostly because it felt a little bit like a schoolcamp. That is; stargazing, enjoying eachothers company and lots of swimming. Looking back, it’s great to have been able to contribute to Portuguese nature conservation and to get to know such awesome people along the way.“