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 and into the early afternoon, during which there will be plenty of instruction and demonstration. We enjoy a shared lunch and there is time off 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 nights in Tawny Little House and you normally get to choose the dates you would like to come. Alternatively, if you live nearby, 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 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 

 

Big Orchid Count 2026

Play a part in our orchid conservation programme by monitoring the success of flowering this summer. We will be counting flowering heads of heath spotted orchid in our Morning and Evening Meadows. Available on Saturday 27 June - please note, lunch is included but not accommodation.

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Berry picking

Help with the blackberry and blackcurrant season and secure the ingredients for new jam-making sessions. Available early September.

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Apple picking and juicing

Celebrate harvest time by picking apples with us and preparing juice for freezing, pasteurising and fermenting into apple wine. Available mid-September and late October.

 

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!