OUR FARM
Hello – we are Panu and Sophie (and our two children), and we live on a picturesque farm near Taunton in Somerset. We moved here in late 2022, with the dream of creating a sustainable wildlife haven, and a new winery, cider press and visitor destination for our beautiful corner of Somerset.
The farm dates back 250 years, and has 40 acres of land, including two prolific cider orchards, pastures and a 2-acre swimming lake. In 2023 and 2024, we planted two new vineyards, converted one of the barns into a winery, and started to make wine and cider.
We are also the custodians of new woodlands, with over 1000 new trees planted in 2022 to connect new to ancient woodland, and create wildlife corridors for animals. We plan to plant an additional 700 trees in 2026, restore our old orchards, convert 4 acres into a rewilded wildflower meadow, and introduce beehives in several places across the farm.
We have 10 chickens, a bevvy of 30 doves, a family of swans, a Labrador and a small cat, and a large and prolific organic vegetable garden, all planted and tended to support maximum biodiversity. An extensive and rich compost system supports the farm, and we also have a kitchen orchard – almost every type of fruit grown in the UK is to be found somewhere on the farm!
We are a small business, and you would be the sole WWOOFer staying here, helping alongside Panu and our highly experienced, part-time farm hand and gardener.
We are looking for people aged 20+ , who would like to stay for a minimum of 10 days - and please do look at our calendar for availability. If you would like to join our close-knit, friendly and positive farm family here, read on.
ACTIVITES
Across the year, activities include gardening, mowing, supporting the vegetable garden, fencing, tree and wildflower planting, woodland management, bee support, and other conservation activities.
At different times of year, there will be a range of cider orchard and grape vine tasks - from pruning to composting. From January to April, the focus is on preparing the orchards, vines, veg garden and land for the growing season ahead. This includes tree planting, straightening and maintenance; vineyard and orchard pruning; fence maintenance and deer proofing; seed and vegetable sowing; farm maintenance and looking after the animals.
May to September is peak growing season. The orchards and vineyards need weekly support, maintenance and upkeep; the vegetable garden and fruit cages are prolific and we harvest as much as possible for food, jam, cordials, juices and produce; and weeding and farm maintenance is ongoing. We also hope to introduce bees in 2025, so bee support and honey will also be part of the mix.
From September to December, the main focus is harvesting and pressing apples and grapes. The first apple press takes place in September, then the focus in October moves to grapes and wine making (as well as apple harvesting), and in November, we make cider – all on 19th century original cider press, returning the art of traditional cider making to our farm. It’s a hugely rewarding opportunity to support and learn about apples, orchards, vineyards, and cider and wine making.
A TYPICAL DAY
We have lots of different things for you to get involved with and learn about, depending on the season. These include helping out across the farm; orchard/ vineyard duties – pruning, tree maintenance, apple harvesting; supporting the organic vegetable garden, fruit cages and fruit trees; chicken duties – feeding, cleaning, maintenance; and equipment cleaning - all depending on skill sets and experience.
YOUR ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation for WWOOFers is in your own private hut in the nut orchard – a wood clad, converted caravan that has been lovingly kitted out and redesigned by Sophie. The cabin includes a bedroom with queen sized bed, bathroom, and kitchen living room. We will get you a weekly shop, so that you can make whatever food you like to eat in the privacy of your own space. The cabin can comfortably accommodate a couple, or an individual staying with us.
AROUND THE FARM
The farm has a two-acre swimming lake with an off grid, wood-fired sauna, which you would be welcome to use. There are lovely local walks, charming villages and a thriving community.
Thornfalcon is 15 mins from Taunton with excellent transport links across the South West, 15 mins from charming Ilminster, and close to the picturesque landscapes, beaches and walks of the Quantock hills, Exmoor and Dartmoor. Bristol is 50 mins away, and Exeter is 40 mins, both with excellent train connections from Taunton.
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Learning opportunities
Vegetable farming
Fruit or nut farming
Poultry farming
Raising of other farm animals
Viticulture
Forestry
Vegetable or fruit preservation
Beer, cider, wine, or juice making
Methods or systems
No-till farming
Permaculture
Host type
Production farm
16.2
Hectares
|
40
Acres
