If you want to help us we require that you subscribe with the wwoof scheme and have a valid membership card and number. WWOOF web site
Getting here and staying.
The wwoofers that come to help usually come and stay for a week or two and are often picked up from the train or bus. We can easily pick up and drop off at Axminster, Chard or Honiton at the Bus or Train stations.. Sometimes we can get to Taunton but this will depend on how busy we are at the time. You are able to check emails and use the telephone here (within reason).. We would encourage a stay of at least a week but if you are local of have your own transport then as long as we have a bit of notice we appreciate some adhoc help.
Your best bet would be to take that train from Waterloo to Axminster. If booked in advance can be cheap £6 each. Try the web site www.megatrain.co.uk This takes 3 to 4 hours on our slow trains.http://www.megatrain.co.uk/uk/
If you have problems with this please let me know as I'm not sure about overseas
ticket purchases
Also I think you cannot book more than 3 months in advance but still worth getting
them as early as possible because they get sold out quickly.
other options are:
www.nationalexpress.com/save/funfares.cfm
http://www.southwesttrains.co.uk
Alternativly Exeter airport is not far and has some budget airlines
Southhamptom ariport is not far and has a local train station within walking distance Cheap flights to european destinations.www.southamptonairport.com
Accommodation
You would normally stay in the house and have your own bedroom. For short stays we would expect you to bring a sleeping bag or one of those YHA type sheet bags. Duvets, blankets and pillows go without saying. Sometimes if the weather is warm you can camp or sleep in the hammock. The house still needs a bit of attention but is comfortable and warm. We do have hot water in the house but some people like to light the fire under the bath outside and have a real outdoor experience star gazing and relaxing after a hard days work. In July and August you may be sharing a room with other woofers.
Food
We can cater for vegetarians but appreciate some help sometimes with the menu and are open to trying something new. We like to cook straight from the garden and often use our own meat or other locally produced meat. Help in the kitchen is always appreciated and we usually operate a self service approach for breakfast. Lunch is a light affair and we normally eat well in the evening. Cider is on tap (if you so wish) and at 8% will help you sleep well too.
Work
The work is varied and generally depends on the weather at the time. You will normally be working with someone else unless you just need a bit of space and just want to potter around the garden . The work will be light but the hours could be long especially in the summer during haymaking. This being said we have no work regimes and 'start time' for helpers is quite relaxed. When the weather is hot we sometimes do a trip to the beach at lunch time for a dip. This is normally during haymaking as the really hard work usually starts about 3pm and can go on till dark. You are expected to wear sensible clothes and bring sturdy foot wear. We have a selection of rubber boots, overalls, gloves and safety gear but you are advised to bring anything you feel comfortable wearing such as gardening gloves, wet weather gear or sun hat. We have a cafe on the beach at Lyme Regis and some times help is needed there also.
Time Off
We have bicycles that can be used to explore the country side or cycle to the beach. Sometimes on a day off we can arrange a pickup and bring the bicycles back if we are in the area. We don’t operate 9 to 5 so you could be expected to work strange hours sometimes and if you need time off then you just have to ask. As we live here we are constantly on the go but will work with your needs - if you need a break. You just have to ask, but generally we don’t expect you to work as much as we do. Some times we can arrange to take you to the beach on your days off.
call Julian or Katie on +(44) 7770694646 or 01404881335