Smallholding
Staffordshire
******I welcome refugees from Ukraine or elsewhere****
Day Wwoofers especially are very welcome.
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Hurst Bank Farm is a 200 year old farmhouse with 5 acres in the Staffordshire Moorlands near the Peak District. It is on a west facing hillside, just above the National Trust's Biddulph Grange garden. There are stunning views over Congleton Edge and the Cheshire Plain, including Jodrell Bank.
Organic since 1981 when George and I moved here with heads full of The Good Life and John Seymour's Self Sufficiency book. George died in 2007, so I am always in need of help and inspiration to keep the place going, although I have reduced the amount of veg grown recently.
I have a shetland pony inherited from my neighbour who looks after herself and I host a friend's beehives. I also have a large vegetable garden, fruit trees/bushes, 1 poly and 1 netted fruit tunnel, an acre of trees (half an acre planted in '84 and the other half in 2000) which I coppice for firewood. So - less than a farm but more than a large garden.
I try to use permaculture / no-dig / forest gardening principles as far as possible. I loan a part of the veg garden as an allotment to a local family.
Your accommodation is likely to be in a small annex to the house with ensuite toilet with only cold water for washing. But access to the house for showers etc.
I have a piano and musicians are especially welcome.
Nearest big shopping/cultural centre is Hanley (Stoke-on-Trent / The Potteries). Trains to Manchester / Birmingham / London from Congleton station, 3-4 miles away.
There are a couple of pubs and shops in walking distance. Bus stop just a bit further for buses to Congleton and Hanley.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Organic methods: no dig, forest gardening, permaculture, composting.....
Certifications: not certified, but Organic since 1981
Internet access available
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Learning opportunities
Vegetable farming
Fruit or nut farming
Forestry
Flower farming
Aromatic or medicinal plants, teas
Seed saving or production
Vegetable or fruit preservation
Beer, cider, wine, or juice making
Bakery
Food justice / sovereignty
Methods or systems
No-till farming
Permaculture
Host type
Self-sufficiency property
2
Hectares
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5
Acres
Joy
Member since 2009
Languages spoken:
French, Greek, Irish
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Response rate: 100%
Response time: typically within 1 day
Staffordshire
Train to Congleton or bus to Biddulph. I can pick you up from there.
Reviews
Steven
Isle of Man
•
March 2026
I spent a week with Joy at the end of March. The weather was frequently cold but the welcome was exceptionally warm. Joy is lovely and serves up great food too. I feel like I've made a new friend.
Jude
United Kingdom
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March 2026
Joy was the loveliest host I could’ve asked for. She had a clear idea of what needed doing and a variety of jobs for you to do. Joy is an incredible cook too, making the heartiest vegan meals for us. Thank you so much Joy!
Andreea
United Kingdom
•
August 2024
My "keywords" would be: sunny, garden, beautiful view down the vale, wood chippings, ragwort (half wanted), vegetable beds, wild strawberries, hearty lunch, horses... The host is kind and has a lot to share, and the experience is worthwhile.
Richard
United Kingdom
•
July 2024
Really enjoyed my stay at Joy’s farm and garden set in beautiful countryside. Joy is always so grateful for work done and is a great cook. A particular highlight was sharing meals on the patio on a summer evening and taking in the fabulous views. Many thanks Rich
Lewis
United Kingdom
•
July 2023
Hurst Bank Farm was my first Wwoofing experience and I couldn't have asked for a better one. Both Joy and her partner Michael were unbelievably welcoming and friendly (as well as Sally the dog). The food made by joy was incredible as well. Would highly recommend this site for everyone.
Ian
United Kingdom
•
March 2022
I really enjoyed my stay at Hurst Bank Farm. Joy is a great host, full of knowledge and fascination conversations. In her charming and characterful house, I’d never get tired of the smell of freshly baked bread!
Satisfying days working against the backdrop of beautiful trees and hills, followed by a delicious meal and cosy evenings relaxing by the fire. All of this made my visit a truly memorable WWOOFing experience.
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