We are part of the old Rutland Brewery but now make cider not beer. The vegetable and fruit plots, polytunnel, chicken pen and orchard cover more than an acre. As part of Stamford Community Orchard we also manage several other orchards. The main house, stable house and cellars have various renewable technologies. We have been gardening organically and educating about it for more than 30 years. So the WWOOFers can learn a lot about a lot in a small space.
We have a range of tree fruit (apples, pears, plums, quince), soft fruit (raspberries, blackcurrants, gooseberries, blackcurrants) - all of which are processed and preserved in some way, esp. cider, juices, jams and pickles. The chickens, vegetable plots and polytunnel provide us with most of our food through the year. Fruit and veg are sold on the road. We also have a range of renewable energy technologies such as heat pumps, PV panels and a solar thermal panel.
Adam was a part-time member of staff for WWOOF-UK and coordinated the LLOOF education project. Adam and his wife Mary are both involved with education for sustainable development, Transition Towns, Forest schools, Fairtrade Town and Community Orchard groups. We also run regular traditional music sessions and dance workshops. So food, drink, dance and good company is a major part of our lives.
Life at Brewery House is closely associated with education for sustainable development, Transition Towns, Forest Schools and Fairtrade. We have also currently restored an old beer cellar and built a stone barn, and cob oven. We would welcome hosting WWOOFer volunteers interested in any of these areas in relation to sustainable food production, ecobuilding and renewable technologies.
We are mainly vegetarian but do not cook or eat gluten or lactose-free meals.
We only accept single WWOOFers for up to two weeks. WWOOFers eat all meals with us, join in normal household duties. They would have their own room but share a bathroom and shower. They have full internet access, the use of a bike to explore the local area.
Let us know what interests you, but our typical activities for WWOOFer volunteers may include:
Spring/summer
Weeding
Harvesting soft fruit
Cutting logs and firewood.
Managing compost and wood shredding.
Preparing and painting woodwork.
Repairing dry limestone walls.
Researching and planning forest school activities
Autumn
Harvesting and storing apples, pumpkins, beans, grapes and potatoes.
Saving and storing veg seed.
Planning and supporting village community apple picking, processing and Apple Day in October.
Making cider, wine and juices.
Feeding and managing chickens.
Harvesting and storing sunflower and pumpkin seeds, walnuts and hazel nuts.
Planting trees with local school pupils
Taking cuttings of willows, vines and fruit bushes.
Pruning fruit bushes and trees.
All year
Monitoring and analysing energy generation and electricity use from a wood-burning cooker, large photovoltaic panels, solar thermal panel and two air source heat pumps.
Building a dry stone wall
Cutting logs and firewood.
Managing compost and wood shredding.
Preparing and painting woodwork.
Repairing dry limestone walls.
Researching and planning school activities.
Organic methods: All organic but not certified.
We use heavy mulches, own-produced compost and wood chips, leaf mulch, wood mulch, and minimum dig on some areas.
Current projects: Managing orchard
Preparing soil and compost, seed sowing
Building a dry stone wall
Internet access available
Read more
Learning opportunities
Vegetable farming
Fruit or nut farming
Poultry farming
Viticulture
Forestry
Aromatic or medicinal plants, teas
Seed saving or production
Vegetable or fruit preservation
Beer, cider, wine, or juice making
Renewable energy production
Host type
Self-sufficiency property
0.4
Hectares
|
1
Acres
