Small farm producing lots of different things.
Dorset
'Live like you're going to die tomorrow but farm like you're going to live forever'.
As well as shorter term wwoofers I'm also looking for long term wwoofers who would have a different deal to the short term ones - roughly 16 hrs / week in return for accommodation and food from the farm. If interested get in touch.
This is a new-ish small farm. Currently I have a small flock of sheep, a veg garden, 2 poly-tunnels and a small flock of laying hens.
The activities involve tending these and also grassland management jobs like scything weeds etc. Seasonal activities include- hay-making; making apple juice; elderflower champagne and cordial making. Mostly it'll be garden and poly-tunnel things. I've recently opened a tiny honesty-box shop down in the village and that's functioning really well so some of the time will be spent harvesting and restocking that. There can be tractor driving if you can drive a tractor or want to learn how to - doing things like topping the pasture. There's hedges around the site that I've planted that need the bracken around the young plants squashing down.
Living on the farm currently there are 2 of us: me - a 59 yr old woman, my friend Dan (45) and a long-term wwoofer called Rosie who is 31. My teenager lives nearby with their Dad and comes and eats here frequently. And my son and his girlfriend drop by for meals sometimes.
The hours you can spend joining, and catering deals, are flexible depending on what suits all parties. These can be discussed via email or on the phone before you book. But basically I like wwoofers to join in for 25-30 hours a week. (Though you can do more if you want!) But its up to you whether you do 5 x 5 or 6 hours, or more hours on fewer days.
There is a lovely beach 2 miles away, good for swimming, and also hills and woods for walking. Bridport and Lyme Regis aren't far away. Buses go through Charmouth which is 2miles/40 minute walk away. There are bikes here you can borrow.
I have spare water-proofs, wellies and work gloves which I can lend to wwoofers.
In August I have campers staying in bell-tents at the top of the field.
I'm not certified organic but follow organic farming principles. I try to do the very least harm that I can through my farming practices. Am learning about regenerative agriculture. I'm currently trying to build up the carbon in my soil in the pastures and the garden. I also plant hedges and trees wherever I can. Many of my practices could be classed as permaculture.
Organic methods: Really trying to look after the integrity of the soil, both in the pasture and the garden/poly-tunnel,by avoiding soil-compacting practices as much as possible, adding manure judiciously, encouraging herbage in the pasture, etc.; trying to keep fossil fuel usage to a minimum; obviously not using artificial fertilisers, pesticides, herbicides etc.; trying to buy animal feed that doesn't have soya in it (not always possible for various reasons but mostly) and that is from the UK. Probably more things. Basically trying to cause the least damage that we can.
Certifications: I don't sell to wholesalers but direct to the customer, and as they all know me they know that I farm according to organic principles.
Jobs coming up next:- fencing the garden and making proper compost bay and apple pressing starts in late September
NB. We have 3 cats here. (I never meant to have 3. Its excessive I know. Long story!) So if you're allergic to them, or just really don't like them, then this may not be the best place for you. Sorry!
Internet access available
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Learning opportunities
Vegetable farming
Poultry farming
Sheep or goat farming
Meat processing
Vegetable or fruit preservation
Green Building
Methods or systems
Biological pest control
No-till farming
Host type
Production farm
Former WWOOFer
2.4
Hectares
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6
Acres
Mary
Member since 2018
Languages spoken:
English
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Response rate: 60%
Response time: typically within 6 days
Dorset
The nearest train station is Axminster. Then either get the bus to Charmouth (2 miles away) and I pick you up from there, or I'll pick you up from Axminster
Reviews
Lily
Germany
•
August 2025
I had the loveliest time at [Host]! Mary is a very kind soul and it was a pleasure to work with her. Work was diverse and never too hard, including the task of washing apple juice bottles, working in the vegetable garden and painting a shed. In the evenings we would have interesting conversations over dinner, followed by some hedhehog observations. I would highly recommend a trip to Bridport and all of its Antique shops and visiting the various beaches in the area. Thanks again to Mary and Dan for an amazing stay and cherishable memories!
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Hannah
Germany
•
June 2025
I had a lovely stay on Mary's farm! Mary and Dan are both very kind, welcoming, and nice. The tasks were well explained and very diverse, and there was plenty of time to explore the beautiful hilly area around the farm, with its many paths, and the beaches of Lyme Regis and Charmouth. Mary prepared delicious and hearty meals for dinner. The accommodation was a cozy caravan with a sea view.
It was a nice experience helping out at the country fair in Sherborne Castle and visiting a pub for the first time in my life! I am glad to have been at this lovely farm.
Thanks a lot! :)
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Sophie
United Kingdom
•
October 2024
This was my first WWOOFing experience and Mary, Dan, Rosie and the cats were all so welcoming and kind. Mary was very helpful with explaining the tasks and giving me help if needed and also taught me a lot about growing vegetables and gave me helpful books to get me started. I did mostly jobs around the vegetable garden and poly tunnels such as weeding and taking off caterpillars, digging up comphry to use the root for medicinal purposes, protecting the poly tunnels from rainfall and protecting the apple trees from sheep. Mary is a great cook and we had some wonderful meals and also went out for dinner a couple of times. The view from the farm is beautiful and the surrounding area is great for walks and it's not too far to Charmouth or Lyme Regis to visit the beach. Would recommend for any first time WWOOFers! :)
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Manola
Germany
•
August 2024
Absolutely loved my time at Little Oak Farm. Such kind and fun people, taking great care of the animals and earth. Every day was different and beautiful. We cooked delicious food and had many good laughs. The area is just stunning and I hope to return soon. Thanks so much for everything Mary, Dan & Rosie <3 Lots of love from Eberswalde
Fanny
France
•
August 2024
This was my first wwoofing experience and it was amazing !!! Mary and everyone else on the farm were immediately very welcoming and friendly ( thanks for the delicious meals :)) I did lots of different tasks (depending on the weather), always given with very clear and patient instructions. Mary generously showed me many aspects of her work. On days off, I enjoyed walking in the beautiful fields or along the huge cliffs near the farm. I am very thankful for everything I learnt and saw there, I’ll definitely wwoof again.
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Ralph
United Kingdom
•
April 2024
This was my first wwoofing experience and it was a real pleasure. Mary was a very kind host and shared her knowledge and experience generously. She's also a terrific cook. Dan was very helpful and knowledgeable about the practical aspects of polytunnel assembly and other farmyard maintenance.
This was a good insight into all the hard work and true effort it takes to work a smallholding.
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