We live on 2.5 acres about 8 miles north of Aberdeen in a semi-detached cottage with a small vegetable, soft fruit and flower garden. We look after Shetland ponies Aero and Truffles, and some 18 hens. Mario and Katrin work full time off-farm. Occasionally, one of our sons comes up from Dundee for a visit, or we have friends staying.
NOTE: We are unable to accommodate requests from people younger than 18 years. Also, it is unlikely that we can host Wwoofers who are looking for short stays, i.e. Iess than 2 weeks. It takes quite a bit of our time to "show you the ropes", you don't get the diversity of activities and have less opportunity to learn in short stays.
You will participate in looking after the animals, garden and land. This includes taking care of the ponies and chickens, gardening, tree pruning, painting the sheds/fences, cooking and preserving, grass cutting, weeding, haymaking. In addition, Mario can teach you lots of DIY skills and breadmaking, Katrin can teach you some horsemanship. There is often log splitting and stacking. We hope you are ok with windy weather and can dress warmly. It would be helpful if you are not afraid of heights i.e. are happy to use a ladder.
From about October the days get so short that we are finding it too difficult to teach volunteers about the tasks outside (it's dark by the time we get home from work), and the weather is not conducive for days trips and sightseeing. From about March or April, the weather turns more friendly again.
Normally, Wwoofers actively participate for 5 hours, on 5 days a week. On the days we are at home, we get started about 9am. On the days that both Mario and Katrin are at work (off-farm), we'll show you the activities before and then you can do them during the day at a time that suits you - except looking after the animals: feeding and the like are time sensitive!
We need you to be flexible about the time you participate in activities because we have to make the most of dry weather - it is very changable so close to the coast. We've become quite good at figuring out Wwoofers' strengths and preferences so we'll offer you a choice of activities to ensure fun, learning and satisfaction.
We have a log cabin to accommodate Wwoofers. It is simple but has a comfy feel and and a woodburning stove. We need you to learn how to light a fire and use the stove responsibly. You are welcome to use living room, kitchen and bathroom in the main house (there is no bathroom in the log cabin). We would have meals together. Wifi available. No smoking please.
We speak both English and German, having moved from Germany to Scotland in 2009. Katrin is also learning Spanish so happy to try some conversation. We have wwoofed in Australia twice (once as a couple and once as a family) so have experienced this kind of exchange from the other side before. We have been hosts since 2016 and enjoy getting to know people from other cultural backgrounds as there are always new things to learn.
We have beautiful views over the Northeast farmland of Aberdeenshire, and walks around the neighbouring estate. It's 2-3 miles to the nearest villages. There is a bus connection into Aberdeen but happy to give you a lift when we go in for work/ errands/ leisure. It's 8 miles to the coast and not much further to spectacular places like Forvie Nature Reserve (seals are regular sights) and Slains (Dracula) castle. There is always lots to do around the house but we also like to go on day trips to castles, gardens or hillwalking - you are welcome to join.
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Learning opportunities
Vegetable farming
Fruit or nut farming
Poultry farming
Horse or donkey farming
Wild foraging
Vegetable or fruit preservation
Bakery
Mechanics / tools / technology
Methods or systems
Permaculture
Regenerative agriculture
Rotational grazing
Host type
Self-sufficiency property
Former WWOOFer
1
Hectares
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2.5
Acres
