New requirement for long term volunteer ASAP.
We are looking for a replacement for our previous volunteer who has looked after the livestock for the last year. People who can commit to 2 months or more are favoured. All training given, but enjoyment of working alone is essential. Work during the winter involves feeding out hay/silage to cattle, tending to pigs and poultry and general farm work. Some tractor driving. Experience of livestock is a benefit but not essential.
It is hard physical work but really rewarding, and a beautiful environment to work in.
Accommodation in a shared house with all groceries provided. There is always a warm, dry place to return to!
Our farm has been a very traditional Lake District farm for at least the last 100 years. I took on responsibility ten years ago, and we are renovating the farm along traditional lines, replanting hedges, mending dry stone walls, bringing back mixed grazing and a sustainable farm business. We are aiming at financial sustainability, but are not there as yet. Our primary drive is for environmental improvement within the context of feeding people.
We have 180 acres on the east side of lake Coniston. It has half of its land on the hill and half on lower ground. We have hens, ducks, geese, bees, sheep, cows and pigs. Also vegetables in the garden. We host WWOOFers to help with the farm operation and renovation. Seasonal work includes care of livestock, gardening, fencing, hedging, rebuilding stone walls. It is physically demanding work, but most volunteers discover the physical and mental benefits of a good day's work done in the fresh air.
I have hosted WOOFERs in the past on another farm in Shropshire. We are happy to host anyone who is prepared to 'have a go'. Lots of opportunities to learn skills by practically trying them.
We take WWOOFers in groups at certain times of year, accommodation being in a large house, close to the farm - all shared with other volunteers. I also host single WWOOFers at certain times - but for this you need to be confident working alone.
During the summer, especially July and August, I will be looking for WWOOFers who are happy to do plant surveys and hay making. During August the accommodation will be in a barn conversion on the farm. It is a new conversion and consists of a kitchen/sitting room and shower/toilet downstairs, with a single large room upstairs with enough room for 4 single beds.
I provide all your food (95% organic) and it is important to me that volunteers all share in this. It is part of the ethos of the farm that volunteers experience an organic lifestyle, and aim not to support the market of conventionally farmed produce.
This is a lovely area to stay in. We are 1.5 miles from the village where there are many pubs, only half a mile from the lake where you can swim or borrow our canoes, and we have fabulous views if you just want to stay at home. We expect a good day's work (5 hours per day) for your board and lodging but your evenings and weekends are free to do as you please.
If you wish to apply, please provide a full profile, with an explanation of what you wish to get from your experience, so that I can judge if it would suit you.
Certifications: OF&G certification
Internet access available in your accommodation
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Learning opportunities
Vegetable farming
Fruit or nut farming
Poultry farming
Pig farming
Cattle farming
Sheep or goat farming
Dairy farming
Forestry
Beekeeping
Methods or systems
Biological pest control
Biodynamic agriculture
Holistic management
Regenerative agriculture
Host type
Nonprofit / Community
Certified organic
68.8
Hectares
|
170
Acres
