A 40-acre vineyard, cider orchard, smallholding, winery and press in South West Somerset
Somerset
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
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40
Acres
Sophie
Member since 2024
Languages spoken:
English
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Response rate: 93%
Response time: typically within 3 days
Somerset
Taunton
Reviews
Miranda
United Kingdom
•
January 2026
I had a wonderful time here. Sophie and Panu were so welcoming and the team were great to work with. I learned a lot about vines, pruning and management, as well as all the work that has gone into the kitchen garden. The place is amazing. There's a lovely cabin for wwoofers, a lake to swim in and a sauna for those cold winter evenings. It was a real treat! The family were so kind, great cooks and I enjoyed our dinners together. Highly recommended!
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Reply from Sophie
Thank you for being such a brilliant Wwoofer! We loved having you here on the farm, and despite the constant downpour, you got an amazing amount done. It was really lovely to get to you know you and you're always welcome with us at Thornfalcon. S&P
Tessa
Australia
•
December 2025
We had a fantastic time at [Host]! Panu and Sophie were welcoming and friendly, and generous with their time and hospitality. They provided us with plenty of delicious and healthy food and were very willing to drive us into town and pick us up from the station. We got to do a variety of tasks from weeding, laying compost on the vines, clearing brash, learning how to drive the quad bike, and using the gorgeous old Victorian apple press. The accommodation was self-sufficient, comfortable and very cosy - particularly during cold winter evenings. Jeremy and Helen, the permanent farm hands/gardeners, were also extremely lovely, helpful and willing to share their knowledge. We particularly enjoyed the nights we had dinner with Sophie and Panu and their kids, and were lucky enough to try some of their delicious cider and wine. We can't wait to see how the farm progresses and would definitely come back next time we're in the UK! Highly recommend WWOOFing here if you can - its a lovely family and farm.
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Reply from Sophie
So sorry for the late reply - we've been thinking of you and a massive thank you once again for being so brilliant during your time with us. We loved having you here, and hope the rest of your travels were as rewarding as the first few months - you always have a room with us for when you're next over. S&P x
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Anne
Germany
•
December 2025
A wonderful place with a huge variety of tasks in a highly inspiring environment.
There's much to be learnt from the knowledgeable people you'll be spending your time with.
Fantastic accommodation too, in a comfortable, self-contained, light and airy 'cabin'.
Highly recommended!
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Becs
New Zealand
•
November 2025
I had a great 2 weeks with Panu and Sophie! Panu taught me so much about wine and cider-making and I got to press apples using their Victorian apple press - which was a fantastic experience! I also got to work with Helen and Jeremy in the garden who were very knowledgeable and kind. I thoroughly enjoyed the varied work, the great company, the warm family dinners, and getting to walk their dog Captain! The accommodation was peaceful and very comfortable, and there are some lovely walks along the river nearby too!
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Lara
Germany
•
September 2025
Our stay with Sophie and Panu has been such a wonderful experience. We truly couldn’t have asked for better hosts. From the very first moment, they made us feel welcome and at home and their kindness and patience was far beyond what we expected.
This was our very first WWOOFing adventure and we honestly can’t imagine a better introduction. Not only were Sophie and Panu incredible hosts, but everyone we met during our time here was lovely, open and warm-hearted, as well. We felt part of the family straight away.
We’ve had incredible opportunities to learn, but also to enjoy the place itself.
Even while we were still here, we found ourselves talking about when we could come back and we absolutely will.
This experience will always stay close to our hearts and we are so excited to return soon!
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Amy
Australia
•
September 2025
My partner and I had such a wonderful time at [Host]! Panu and Sophie are such lovely, accomodating and knowledgeable hosts.
The accomodation is great, and you’ll have plenty of time to relax, read and soak up the Somerset air.
We were lucky enough to arrive in time to do some apple pressing, on the most incredible old (Victorian?!) apple press.
Sophie and Panu have created such a beautiful life at [Host], and it was very inspiring to have the opportunity to stay there.
The area is also so gorgeous. Sophie and Panu were very helpful and generous with driving us places and sharing reccomendations of what to do in local towns/ on our day trips to Bridport and Lyme Regis.
Special mention to lovely Helen and Jeremy too, we really enjoyed every conversation shared with them.
All the best, and we hope to visit one day again in the future, maybe for a little wine tasting!
Amy and Oskar xx
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