Lekeitio (Bizkaia) is known for being a fishing town: port, fishermen, beaches, tourists... On the other hand, Julian Arrate, a member of the Lekitto Bedarra group, explains that the link with the earth is also a very rich people: “In Lekeitio there has always been a great culture of horticulture, and we join in the idea of feeding and promoting it.” Four years ago, when the group’s founding assembly was convened, more than 50 people responded to the call. Seeing that I was already interested, they started organizing and taking the necessary steps to get what today is the Usotegi Park.

Individual to Collective

The City Hall transferred the land from the Usotegi Park to Lekitto Bedarra in response to the group’s request. “In the village there are many small gardens, family, but they are all surrounded by walls and each one does what he wants and can.” By cultivating the land of Usotegi in common, people share their experiences, seeds and plants by fostering communication and mutual support. Asked about the age and profile of the participants, the group member mentioned the difference between the ages of 20 and 60 and added a nice paragraph: “A grandfather comes to the park with his two nephews, there you see the children with the azada, the grandfather giving advice.” Arrate says that the mix of people is enriching for strengthening relationships and for the transmission of knowledge.

In addition to the auzolans that are made without rest every Saturday (today cutting the grass, tomorrow learning to prepare the seedlings, the day after tomorrow planting tomatoes or peppers), Lekitto Bedarra also organizes other activities: courses, conferences, Usotegi Day; learning and enjoying at the same time.

Auzolana bidea

From the beginning, the work of the plot has been carried out in auzolan by Lekitto Bedarra. As its name suggests, it was formerly a pigeon park, where the tower where the birds were housed is located. “The tower was completely aged, it was starting to fall. We started working in an auzolan state with the repair work and got the participation of several masons from the village.” Now, once the arrangements are completed, the group members use the ground floor of the tower as a kitchen to prepare the natural medicines and their potions.

A nice example of what can be achieved by putting together the orchard and the auzolan. Vegetables certainly have a different taste in Usotegi...