Self-sufficient farm volunteer | UK Rural Experience

Experience Rural Life on a Self-Sufficient Farm (England)

This placement offers a unique chance to become a self-sufficient farm volunteer, experiencing life on a rural property near Peterborough and March railway stations. Volunteers can engage fully in growing vegetables and fruit, raising livestock, and learning traditional skills in sustainable living. The setting provides a tranquil countryside environment with easy access to nearby attractions such as Sandringham, the Norfolk Coast, Cambridge College Backs and Sutton Hoo, making it ideal for those seeking hands-on rural experience combined with cultural exploration.

Self-Sufficient Farm Volunteer: Tasks & Roles

As a self-sufficient farm volunteer, participants assist with a variety of outdoor and practical tasks. Responsibilities include maintaining the garden, repairing field fencing, caring for bees, sheep, pigs, hens, quails and rabbits, as well as maintaining animal housing and refurbishing polytunnels. Volunteers may also be involved in laying paved areas, planting and weeding in the greenhouse, and documenting daily activities. The role provides an opportunity to gain experience in animal husbandry, beekeeping, and general farm management while contributing their own skills to the smooth running of the property.

Self-Sufficient Farm Volunteer: Living & Getting There

Accommodation for the self-sufficient farm volunteer is provided in a large mobile home with no mains electricity or water, including access to bottled gas for cooking and a porta potti for night use. A solar shower is available in summer, and a private shower and toilet in the main house can be used during the day. Sleeping arrangements include a double bed, with two additional single beds in the lounge if needed. Volunteers receive breakfast, lunch and dinner each day, with packed lunches provided on days off. The property is within easy reach of local shops and towns, and bicycles are available for travel. London Heathrow is the closest major airport, and volunteers can be collected from Peterborough or March train stations.

Self-Sufficient Farm Volunteer: What else

Volunteers can work flexibly for around twenty hours per week while enjoying the peaceful countryside. While some livestock is raised for meat, all animals are treated with care, and dietary preferences such as vegetarianism, veganism or food intolerances are respected. The property enforces a strict non-smoking, non-vaping and drug-free environment near animals and accommodation. This opportunity allows participants to learn a wide range of rural and sustainable living skills, gain practical experience in animal care, and enjoy the slower pace of life on a self-sufficient farm while exploring the surrounding countryside.

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