Volunteering

Experience life on a small-holding! We are now offering volunteering/skill-gain experiences that explore aspects of nature reserve management, rewilding, organic food production and outdoor life.

 

The general format is we undertake a task outdoors for two mornings, or longer if you like, during which there will be plenty of instruction and demonstration. We then have a shared lunch with time off after that for you to do your own thing. We hope you will take away new knowledge, skills and enthusiasm for the outdoors and the good life.

 

All tools are provided but you will need to bring wellies and outdoor clothing. Free accommodation is provided for two or three nights in Tawny Little House and you get to choose when you would like to come. Alternatively, you can come just for a day - we are on a bus route!

 

We have the following opportunities available. All are on a first come, first served basis, so if you’re interested, it’s best to throw your woolly hat into the ring now!

 

The first step is to sign up as an honorary citizen of Orchid Meadows. This entitles you to a discount on holidays, access to volunteering opportunities and news from us. You can do that here. Then, if one of the following opportunities appeals to you, just get in touch at hello@orchidmeadows.co.uk 

 

Woodland management

Find out about the trials and tribulations of creating a new wood, native tree species in West Wales and tree care while helping to clear out tree guards to ensure our recently planted trees have the very best chance of survival. Available during January or February.

 

Firewood processing

Discover which trees make the best firewood, use a moisture meter to check whether a log is ready for the fire and cut up brash for the campfires. Available January or February.

 

Boardwalk improvement

Explore our bog area, find out about the special plants within it and help make it more accessible by making the boardwalk easier and safer to use. Available February or March.

 

Living willow structures

Learn how to make structures from willow tunnels to huts to gateways using freshly cut grey willow. Then create your own structure! Available February.

 

Potting up for self-sufficiency in vegetables

Discover organic no-dig food production in our polytunnel and raised beds, learn about seed saving, compost making, soil health and crop rotation and then pot up seeds for the summer, autumn and even winter harvests. Available early April.

 

Yurt erection

Discover the intricacies of an authentic Mongolian-style yurt made by Avalon Yurts at Glastonbury and help put it up for the new season. Available April but strictly weather dependent and subject to last minute confirmation.

 

Outdoor sculpture

This one’s a bit different. We have a number of clearings in our new wood that are crying out for some sort of interesting outdoor sculpture. We are looking for someone artistic who can create a shape that is nature-inspired using natural materials. If you have the skills and ideas, we can offer a free residency of several days to give you space and time to make something, or several things, to catch the eye and add to the character of Orchid Meadows. Available anytime by mutual agreement!