Woodland
Kent
Our camp, in ancient woodland, is the perfect base from which to explore London and the southeast. We live in caravans, 2 miles from the nearest train station, Knockholt. The station is within the Oystercard area and has a good fast service to London and also, in the other direction, the coast. We can pick up and drop off to Knockholt station by prior arrangement.
Our family keeps a small flock of chickens, have an ancient terrier and three cats.
The wild, woodland gardens, woodland fruit and veg patch and our large allotment of vegetables, fruit and flowers in the local village are all tended using organic practise. Although we don't have organic certification, we use only natural gardening and use of recycled materials. Our compost is the best, and made in huge heaps! Our woodsman, Jim, is expert at creating beautiful wood stacks and we coppice the chestnut and hazel understorey for poles and stakes, etc. to use in our gardens. We have a pond teaming with life, with many dragonflies, newts and frogs. Help is needed with all these projects and others, and we will be happy to teach what we know.
Breakfast and lunch are usually self service, and there is always plenty of (mainly organic) food and snacks available. We all take it in turns to cook dinner, so visitors will be asked to join the rota..and that for washing up.
Unusually for this part of the UK, we live off-grid, with no mains water, drainage or electricity. On a practical level, this means careful use of the water we catch for washing and washing up, and also respect for the really special drinking water which we keep in milk churns. We don't have a shower and heat water up to have our bucket washes. We have a well functioning compost toilet. A generator supplies power in the evenings if there isn't enough solar power.
Although we are lucky enough to live in a very beautiful spot the modern world is right on our doorstep, and the sound of the nearby motorway could be off putting for those seeking an idyllic silence.
Accommodation is in a caravan, which has a wood burning stove for chilly nights. We provide plenty of bedding, clean sheets, towels, etc.
Organic methods: No artificial fertilizer or pest controls
Certifications: Follow organic practise
Current projects: Maintaining and improving existing gardens. Making art pieces for the woods. Building hazel structures. Food production. Cooking. Making wild wreaths. Seed saving. Weeding the woods of brambles. Improving children's play area. Planting trees. Firewood chopping, barrowing and stacking.
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Learning opportunities
Vegetable farming
Fruit or nut farming
Poultry farming
Forestry
Wild foraging
Flower farming
Aromatic or medicinal plants, teas
Seed saving or production
Vegetable or fruit preservation
Green Building
Methods or systems
No-till farming
Permaculture
Host type
Nonprofit / Community
7.3
Hectares
|
18
Acres
Colin
Member since 2019
Languages spoken:
English
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Response rate: 96%
Response time: typically within 4 days
Kent
We will collect from Knockholt station
Reviews
Hamed
United Kingdom
•
March 2026
We had a wonderful stay with Damaris, Colin, and their family. They are incredibly welcoming, kind, and supportive hosts who made us feel comfortable from the moment we arrived. We had a great time working together and really enjoyed learning about their lifestyle and projects. The atmosphere was warm and relaxed, which made it a truly lovely experience overall. We’re very grateful for their hospitality and would happily recommend staying with them.
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Reply from Colin
Thanks for being such good, interesting company; we are grateful to you for all your hard work in the garden. Your amazing carrot koftas will be talked about for years to come!! We hope to see you both again- perhaps for the teaparty in May? xX Damaris
Hana
United Kingdom
•
July 2025
I had the loveliest time staying with Dam and Collin. The family was so kind and welcoming, and taught me so much about off-grid living. Thank you for being wonderful people and I hope I can visit again.
Reply from Colin
Thanks for all your help Hana!
Samantha
Australia
•
October 2024
I had a wonderful, unforgettable stay at The Lime. I think that this has to be the loveliest family in England. I'm so grateful to have been welcomed into their home like one of their own. The property is stunning and there is so much beautiful surrounding woodland to explore & more. The work is fun and rewarding, and there's tasks for anyone. The food is amazing, I definitely was never hungry. Dinner time with the family was also so wholesome. Big shout out to my sister Keturah! She always brought great energy to the family dynamic and always gave you something to laugh about. I miss you all <3
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Reply from Colin
We miss you so much Sammy! If you ever come back to Europe we would love to see you again. Thanks for everything xxxxx
Clarisse
France
•
August 2024
I have spent two weeks with Dam and Colin, and their Family. Despite difficult times for them, they welcomed me with open heart and true kindness, always making sure that my stay was comfortable. They are lovely people and during my stay I met some great Friends of theirs. They live in respect for people, environment, and animals. We have a lot to learn from them. Communication was easy and the whole family is very nice. I would recommend ++++ to have wwoofing experience there.
Thank you Damaris and Colin for everything.
I wish you both and your family the very best for the future.
Clarisse
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Reply from Colin
Thank you Clarisse for your help with every task that we gave you. It was lovely to meet you and to spend a little time chatting. Best wishes, Damaris
Lydie
France
•
August 2024
A very human, supportive, welcoming, open-minded family🤗
Damaris and Colin are so kind, welcoming, attentive...what humanity and generosity!
Next to London and in nature, with magnificent trees, walks or bike rides to the village, squirrels, cows, sheep...a collective space and rest in comfortable private caravans...moments of sharing friendly, games, around tea, meals (great hake porridge! fish and ships, culinary creativity with local vegetables...), tasks of life in the woods, in the vegetable garden, with the chickens, cats too cute...meetings with other woofers, family and friends...
in short, a big thank you for your welcome with open arms! Humanity and heart are what we bring back from home. Looking forward 🌸 💕 2 French woofers Lydie and soan (and welcom france too)
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Reply from Colin
Thank you so much for helping us during a difficult time for our family. You were cheerful, helpful and sociable!
Come back again please!
Damaris x
Kate
United Kingdom
•
July 2024
I had a great time at the Lime. Colin and Damaris were very welcoming and happy to share their knowledge; I learnt lots about off-grid living. The work was varied, including garden maintenance and vegetable gardening. I had plenty of time off to relax and explore the surrounding area. The woodland is beautiful and I would highly recommend staying here!
Reply from Colin
Thanks for all your help! Hope to see you again!
