As the impacts of the triple planetary crisis (climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss) become increasingly felt, we want to shine a light on the multitude of inspiring initiatives taking place across P-O where communities are actively restoring, protecting and aligning with nature.

From community farming to energy conservation, from agroecology to circular economy, this new series aims to illuminate examples of eco-innovation and experimentation by local groups forging new paths for living (and thriving!) within the boundaries of our natural systems.

Micro ferme la Cotcolleda, Sorède

Damien Tarrazona is one of the founding members of Micro ferme la Cotcolleda, a community farm located on the outskirts of Sorède, on the Argelès-side, just off the EV8 cycling route.On the genesis of the five-year-old community farm, Damien explains,

“The basic idea is to avoid food waste. We drew inspiration from what our elders have been doing for generations, keeping chickens, among other things, to recycle waste and produce eggs and manure to enrich the vegetable garden and fruit trees, creating a virtuous circle.”

In 2020, during the uncertain early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, Damien and a group of enthusiastic neighbours set up a new association and, supported by the local authority (Mairie), identified and secured a suitable site for the new community farm.

While the main goal is still to recycle food waste – buckets are provided at the entrance so that volunteers can easily drop off their waste -, the farm’s secondary objective is to sensitize and educate people, young and old, on the value of farming.

“We want to raise awareness among children and their parents and teach them about working the land and animal management and welfare. This initiative allows us to learn more about the processes involved in running a community farm – about ourselves, nature, water management, animals, and so on.”


Finally, and importantly, the farm provides easy and affordable access to locally grown food.

“It allows us to eat excellent farm produce: eggs, vegetables, fruit and more. And it allows us to share this with many people and make wonderful connections.”

Roughly ten committee members are responsible for daily tasks on the farm, directly or indirectly, all year round. Twice a day, members are on site to clean, feed and take care of the animals, which include chickens, goats and ducks, and to collect eggs and sell produce.

To ensure financial sustainability, self-sufficiency and to support continued investment in the farm, in new equipment and trees, the team offers events outside of the farm’s general work, such as dances, raffles and social meals.

The farm has gone from strength to strength in the five years of its existence, evident in its expanding membership and in its offerings. It remains, as it began, a highly sociable and family-oriented initiative with Easter treasure hunts, vegetable garden workshops, opportunities for children to feed the animals and a general open-house policy for all visitors.

If you would like us to highlight an inspiring eco-initiative in your area, please get in touch with maebh.nifhalluin at gmail.com.