Smallholding

Bedfordshire

65 reviews • Updated 12 days ago

🌿 Welcome Get stuck in —pick fresh veggies, tame the hedges, stack logs for winter, give our sheds a good old tidy, and give our tractors a well-earned spa day!” Autumn here is a busy and varied time! With the main crop harvest in and stored, we’re turning our attention to organising sheds, stables, and equipment areas, and giving tractors and implements a good clean before they’re put away. The vegetable garden is still producing well into September, there’s always hedge cutting to tackle, and for those who enjoy woodwork, plenty of logs to chainsaw into rounds and stack for splitting throughout the Autumn.. There’s something for everyone to get stuck into! Currently, we can offer you a daytime WWOOF experience on most weekends. This would be anytime from 8am to 6pm with no overnight accommodation available. We are offering wood cutting experience on the following days Thursdsay 30th October Sunday 2nd November. Also weekend stays may be available in November. We will be taking a break from wwoofing in December. Other short-notice opportunities are full, and we are taking enquiries for 2026. A Hands-On, Sustainable Experience in Nature Thank you for your interest in staying with us. Whether you're looking for a break from city life, eager to pick up new skills, or simply curious about rural living, we’re excited to share our farm, our way of life, and our values with you. We welcome WWOOFers of all backgrounds—whether you’re an experienced helper or new to this way of travel and learning. Everyone brings something special, and there’s always something to do, see, and enjoy here. 📅 Seasonal Stay Options focussing on weekend breaks The original aim of wwoofing was for weekend breaks away from London. Most of our guests stay for short visits—long weekends of three or four days—which work especially well for those living close to London. The main season runs from March through to October, with a mix of one-day visits, weekend projects, and week-long stays. During the summer, we sometimes host guests for longer periods, particularly when there are bigger projects or events on the go. During the week we prefer to focus on our other interests and activites other than hosting wwoofers. Each season has its own flavour and rhythm. In the spring, the farm comes alive with planting, preparation, and community events. Summer is the peak of activity, especially during hay harvest in June and July—one of our favourite times of the year. Autumn is perfect for land work and shows, and the colder months bring their own charm, with tree felling, country skills, and firewood processing keeping us warm and busy. You’ll also have the chance to take part in seasonal highlights such as the May Fair, the Herts County Show, the local Flower & Veg Show in September, and traditional events like the Ploughing Match (October) or Farm Walks (August). These are wonderful opportunities to meet the community and feel part of the local rhythm. 🌾 Life on the farm There’s something deeply grounding about daily life on a working farm. One of the biggest highlights is our haymaking—it’s a real team effort and one of the busiest times of the year. Over the years, our hay has even taken first prize at county competitions, and we’re always proud to share that experience with our guests. Throughout the year, you might find yourself helping with animal care, gardening, weeding, harvesting, or prepping for events. There’s also forestry work, property maintenance, and occasional building projects. Every day brings something a little different, and we try to match your interests and skills with the tasks at hand. 🛠 Calling All Skilled Helpers If you’ve got a background—or even just an interest—in construction, engineering, maintenance, IT, or any other practical hands-on work, we’d love to hear from you. Skilled volunteers who are passionate about sustainable living are especially welcome, and we’ll do our best to connect you with meaningful work that suits your experience. To get a better sense of what’s currently happening at the farm, you can check out our Trello board: 🔗 WWOOFer Projects https://trello.com/b/h83ZduVv/bury-farm-guest-opportunities 🏡 Our Two Unique Locations Our main base is nestled in the Chilterns, in a beautiful part of southern England. It offers the perfect balance between rural peace and urban convenience—just 19 minutes by fast train from London and 15 minutes from Luton Airport. The farm is set in six acres of paddocks and private grounds and includes a five-bedroom farmhouse, stables, animal pens, and an organic garden. You’ll find an eco-conscious set-up with features like natural insulation and a ground-source heat pump for heating. We also have regular pickups and great public transport connections, making your journey here easy and stress-free. Our second location is in the picturesque village of Ceres, near St Andrews in Scotland. While there’s no livestock at this site, it offers a different but equally rewarding experience rooted in community and creativity. Ceres is famous for hosting the world’s oldest Highland Games each June—a fantastic cultural event and a highlight of the summer. 🌱 Sustainability in Action At Kensworthbury , sustainability isn’t just an idea—it’s how we live. We care deeply about our land and our impact, and we invite every guest to join us in that mission. We follow regenerative practices that put the health of the soil, water, and ecosystems first. We compost, mulch, collect rainwater, and create habitats to encourage biodiversity. Our buildings are designed with environmental performance in mind—think passive solar heating, natural materials, and energy efficiency. Even our cleaning routines follow low-waste, biodegradable methods. In the kitchen, we serve both seasonal, plant-forward meals and meat made from homegrown or locally sourced ingredients. We avoid single-use plastics entirely and compost all our food waste. Everyone staying with us becomes part of this thoughtful, low-impact way of life—whether that means taking shorter showers, reusing bottles, or helping sort the recycling. It’s all part of the experience. 💤 Your Accommodation Our accommodations are clean, warm, and comfortable. Most guests have their own room, though during busier periods you might share with one other. Bathrooms and living spaces are shared, and the atmosphere is always friendly, respectful, and relaxed. We take hygiene seriously—especially in shared spaces—and we appreciate everyone’s help in keeping the environment safe and pleasant. ⏳ Flexible Stays We’re happy to tailor your visit to suit your needs. Some guests come for a weekend stay, arriving on Thursday evening or Friday and leaving Monday or Tuesday. It’s the perfect snapshot of farm life and a great way to contribute without needing to commit too much time. Others prefer to stay for two consecutive weekends, with optional low-cost hostel stays in London midweek—this can be a great way to balance farm work with exploring the city. And in the summer, we often invite skilled and enthusiastic guests to stay longer—sometimes a month or more—depending on the projects we’re running. Just let us know your availability, and we’ll work something out. Flexibility goes both ways! 🌍 More Than Just Farming Although farming is our core, our family also runs a variety of other ventures. You may have the chance to get involved in areas such as agricultural engineering, IT and FinOps, film production, car and vehicle repairs, or property maintenance. If you’re curious and hands-on, just ask—we love helping guests explore new skills and passions. 💬 Learn, Connect, Grow We want your time here to be meaningful. That’s why we’ve created a Trello board filled with useful information, project updates, and learning materials. You’ll find everything from the application process and current opportunities to sustainability resources, personal development guides, and real feedback from past guests. Take a look before you arrive to get a sense of what’s waiting : https://trello.com/b/h83ZduVv/bury-farm-guest-opportunities 🎒 Ready to Join Us? Every day offers the chance to get your hands dirty, learn something new, and connect with others in a beautiful setting. Whether you're planting vegetables, feeding animals, joining a hay harvest, or simply enjoying the peace and rhythm of rural life, we believe your stay here will leave you inspired, refreshed, and grounded. So if you're ready for a real, shared experience rooted in nature, learning, and community—we can’t wait to welcome you. Louise et Mario

Learning opportunities

Vegetable farming

Fruit or nut farming

Pig farming

Sheep or goat farming

Flower farming

Meat processing

Vegetable or fruit preservation

Bakery

Renewable energy production

Mechanics / tools / technology

Methods or systems

Biological pest control

Biodynamic agriculture

Host type

Self-sufficiency property

2.4 Hectares | 6 Acres

Accommodation

4+ WWOOFers

Bedroom

Children not accepted

Pets accepted

Meals

Omnivore

Vegetarian

Vegan

Length of stay

1 day (local)

Weekend

Less than a week

1-2 weeks

3-4 weeks

Over a month

Louise & Mario

Member since 2019

Languages spoken: English, French Response rate: 100% Response time: typically within 1 day

November 2025

Open

Planned visit

Closed

MapLibre | Protomaps | © OpenStreetMap

Bedfordshire

Kensworthbury is situated 30 miles from the centre of London and close to London Luton and Heathrow airports.Some wwoofers cycle into London We are also close to the M1 & M25 motorway and are served with two major rail lines London Euston to Tring and

Reviews

Rachel

United Kingdom • October 2025

We had a wonderful time at [Host]Farm. We loved spending time with Louise, Mario, Joshua, and their two adorable dogs! The food was delicious and the home was beautiful. Thank you for a great experience!

Reply from Louise & Mario

Rachel and Sophia joined us at Kensworthbury for a short but memorable stay over the weekend of 25th October. They were considerate, capable, and genuinely engaged from the moment they arrived, bringing curiosity, initiative, and care to every task. They quickly adapted to the rhythm of farm life, helping with late-season harvests, shed tidying, and general maintenance. Their work was thoughtful and thorough, always completed to a high standard. Rachel’s background in Environmental Science and Public Policy showed through in her insightful questions about soil and ecosystem health, while Sophia (Katie) impressed us with her practical attitude, keen interest in chainsaws, and willingness to learn safely and effectively. Their shared focus on sustainability was clear throughout their stay, reflecting a genuine commitment to environmentally conscious living. They were perfect house guests — tidy, respectful, and easy to host — and showed kindness and acceptance towards neurodivergent behaviour, which we greatly valued. Both showed real appreciation for the WWOOF experience and the effort involved in hosting, engaging thoughtfully with the farm’s regenerative approach. We wholeheartedly recommend Rachel and Sophia to any host. They embody the spirit of WWOOFing — open-minded, hardworking, and environmentally aware — and would be welcome back to Kensworthbury anytime.

Emma

United States • August 2025

I spent a lovely 3 days at the farm, would definitely recommend! Lovely surroundings great for walking and running, amazing food, fantastic people - and perhaps most importantly, the two most adorable dogs ever! Mario and Louise were both extremely attentive and warm and made me feel right at home. I had a blast enriching my farm skills, learning everything from how to operate power tools to how to chop wood and even how to drive a small tractor with trailer. Thank you for the wonderful experience!

Reply from Louise & Mario

Emma stayed with us for a short but memorable visit, and we could not have asked for a more delightful guest. From the moment she arrived, she demonstrated exceptional maturity, warmth, and curiosity — qualities well beyond her years. She integrated seamlessly into our routine, showing great initiative and a genuine eagerness to learn about sustainability put into practice. Emma is bright, thoughtful, and very capable, quickly picking up practical tasks and applying herself with care and precision. Whether it was helping in the garden, assisting with farm maintenance, or asking insightful questions about our methods, she approached everything with enthusiasm and attention to detail. Her interest in organic gardening and green space shone through, and she was keen to broaden her practical skills further. On a personal level, Emma is charming, engaging, and worldly, making for rich and enjoyable conversation. She has a natural emotional intelligence and an easygoing presence that makes her a pleasure to host. We particularly appreciated her genuine interest in our work and her openness to experiencing the rhythms of life on the farm. We would wholeheartedly recommend Emma to any WWOOF host — she will bring curiosity, capability, and good company in equal measure. Emma, we wish you all the best with your studies and travels, and hope to welcome you back one day.

Jacob

United Kingdom • August 2025

This was my first time WWOOFing and I honestly don’t think I could have had a better experience. The hosts were so welcoming and made me feel at home from the very beginning. I got the chance to try out log splitting with different axes, which was both fun and rewarding, and I also learned a lot about the realities of running a farm, both the challenges as well as the rewards. I was always well fed and well looked after, and I’d happily recommend this farm to anyone considering a stay.

Reply from Louise & Mario

Jacob stayed with us and proved to be an exceptional addition to our team. At just 25, Jacob has already realised there’s more to life than a well-paid corporate job – a refreshing perspective that shines through in his enthusiasm for hands-on work, outdoor living, and connecting with people from all walks of life. From the start, Jacob demonstrated a natural aptitude for practical tasks. He quickly mastered log splitting and stacking, as well as shifting and levelling large quantities of gravel for landscaping projects. His skill with manual axe splitting was particularly impressive – confidently using everything from light 4 kg splitters to the Fiskars X27 on 12-inch rounds. He approached every task with energy, focus, and a genuine desire to do the job well. Safety was second nature to Jacob; we saw no unsafe practices, and he handled tools responsibly. He fitted in seamlessly with our team, inspiring others through his high activity levels and long hours spent working without prompting. In conversation, Jacob was curious, eager to learn, and genuinely interested in hearing about others’ experiences – a charming and thoughtful presence around the farm. We’re already looking forward to his next visit, when we’ll introduce him to long-pole machine hedge trimming, 18" chainsaw logging, and tractor driving. Jacob is a credit to the WWOOF community, and we’d wholeheartedly recommend him to any host. https://photos.app.goo.gl/VS8yLoBEb8FpaNFRA

Momoko

Japan • August 2025

It was a true pleasure to stay with such generous hosts who live with both warmth and a thoughtful commitment to sustainability. Louise kindly introduced me to the joys of gardening, an entirely new experience for me, which proved to be both eye-opening and deeply enriching. Mario shared his well-founded awareness of sustainable living through his exceptional cooking and by sharing their lifestyle at home, for which I am truly grateful. A further highlight of my stay was the opportunity to engage in thoughtful and wide-ranging discussions with both Louise and Mario. Although my stay was brief, we were able to exchange ideas on a variety of topics, from cultural differences to political perspectives while improving my English language skills. I also greatly appreciated the chance to meet their wonderful friends, which gave me valuable insights into British culture from the locals. Thank you once again for your warm hospitality. I hope to have the opportunity to return in the future if you’ll have me again.

Reply from Louise & Mario

We had the great pleasure of hosting Momoko and recommend her most highly to other hosts. From the outset, she impressed us as an outstanding individual – intelligent, thoughtful, and deeply committed to sustainability and making a positive contribution to the world. Her passion for understanding how people and nature can coexist shines through in everything she does. Momoko approached all tasks with enthusiasm and care. She quickly adapted to a range of practical jobs and was adept with tools and equipment, safely handling hedge clippers to help with trimming. With more time, we are confident she will develop further skills with machinery such as the tractor or chainsaw, as she showed strong ability and a real willingness to learn. Despite modestly describing herself as inexperienced, she proved highly capable, reliable, and eager to gain hands-on knowledge. Conversations with Momoko were a joy. She shared fascinating insights into Japanese culture and society, as well as thoughtful perspectives on the relationship between Japan, the UK, and the wider world. We felt privileged to learn from her experiences, and her presence enriched our time together in many ways. Momoko is not only a hardworking and committed WWOOFer but also an inspiring person to spend time with. And if you are lucky, she will literally sing to you in Japanese should you ask – a unique gift that made her stay especially memorable. We look forward to a future visit.

Sophie

United Kingdom • August 2025

My friend and I stayed at [Host] Farm for 6 days, Louise and Mario were so welcoming, and the house and surrounding area were beautiful. Mario’s food was incredible, using fresh vegetables from the garden. The tasks were very varied and there were so many opportunities for us to learn different things such as wood splitting, strimming and using the chainsaw, and teaching us the safety precautions when using power tools. Everything was well organised and prepared, with plenty of breaks from the summer heat, and we were encouraged to choose what we wanted to work on. I would definitely recommend staying on [Host] Farm.

Reply from Louise & Mario

Sophie stayed with us at [Host] Farm in August and proved to be a truly valuable member of our team from day one. She arrived with a positive attitude, a genuine interest in learning, and a friendly, respectful manner that made her a pleasure to host. Although she describes herself as “new” to farming and homesteading, Sophie quickly demonstrated a natural aptitude for the work and an impressive willingness to take on challenges. Her physical strength and stamina stood out – when Sophie pulls, mountains move! She tackled tasks such as hedge trimming with focus and care, and even had her first introduction to chainsaw work. We believe she has the potential to develop her machinery skills to a very high level with more experience. Sophie is capable, trustworthy, and adaptable, equally comfortable working independently or as part of a team. She asked thoughtful questions when unsure, which meant work was done thoroughly and safely. Beyond her work ethic, she brought a worldly and open-minded perspective, engaging warmly with everyone on the farm and showing genuine curiosity about rural life. We have no hesitation in recommending Sophie to any future host. She will bring strength, commitment, and good humour to any project, and we look forward to seeing how her skills and confidence grow in the years ahead.

Antoine

France • July 2025

I had a wonderful stay with Louise and Mario. The exchanges were rich and their meals were great. They really helped me to improve my English.

Reply from Louise & Mario

Antoine stayed with us as a WWOOFer during the summer and was an absolute pleasure to host. At 20 years old, he brought a mature, positive, and upbeat energy to our home and projects. He is naturally good-natured, always in a good mood, and fitted in well with everyone here, including other volunteers and our wider community. Antoine was happy to help wherever needed and approached each task with care and enthusiasm. He was particularly skilled at detailed and meticulous work – whether tidying the workshop, cleaning the kitchen, or polishing floors, everything was done to a high standard. He is organised, dependable, and takes pride in what he does. He was flexible and considerate of others – happy to eat anything and willingly stayed on a vegetarian diet to suit the needs of the group. With prior experience in market gardening, he was confident outdoors and eager to learn new skills. His technical strengths were clear, and he will do well in industrial engineering. Antoine’s motivation to improve his English and explore a new culture was clear in his curiosity and open-mindedness. He communicated well and made noticeable progress. After taking our advice, he planned an extended one-month trip to visit other hosts and experience more of life in England. We thoroughly enjoyed hosting Antoine and recommend him highly to other WWOOF hosts.