Hi all
I've just been reading about WWOOF which is an organisation that brings together volunteers who want work experience on organic farms (in return for bed and board), with host farmers looking for volunteers.

Has anyone had experience of this scheme? It sounds like a great opportunity for me to learn vital skills before heading north to start my smallholding (well, I can dream). But it's all new to me, I'd feel better with some feedback from experienced WWOOFers!

Thanks!
Anna

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Namaste Anna,

I don't have experience of this organisation but I did briefly work on an organic farm many many moons ago. My experience wasn't a particularly rich one and I can't say I learned much, if anything. I found the farm to still have the typical farm type mentally, regardless of it being organic or not. This system/organisation might be better, I would certainly think so, since it is geared towards people wishing to learn. However I would throw in a word of caution and say that try to get smallholding experience rather than farming. The type of people involved would probably be just as important as what was being offered.

Let us know if you embark upon this and thanks for posting it (of personal interest).

Om Shanti
Neil

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Thanks Neil
I'm certainly going to join up, it costs £20 for a year and you get a copy of the book with details of all the hosts in the UK (I'm sticking with Scotland though). You can view a brief preview of the hosts on the website though, and it seems to give some indication of where the hosts are coming from and what to expect.

I'll take your advice and go for smallholders, I don't want to spend my week learning how to make silage! (do I?)

I'll keep posting updates!

Anna x

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