Volunteering questions

Some, ideally, yes. These days we're especially keen on experienced, skilled people, because the place is busy and we lean on the help. That said, nobody arrives knowing everything, and a willing, capable person who's good in a team and quick to learn is always welcome. Be honest about what you can and can't do, and we'll find the work that fits.

We host year round, and we ask for a couple of weeks at the very least. It takes a few days to find your feet, and the longer stays are where the best work and the real friendships happen. Plenty of people come for a month or more. Just tell us what you have in mind.

Comfortable, warm accommodation and three good meals a day, much of it grown here, in exchange for around thirty hours of work a week. It's board and lodging for your help, year round, not a paid job. You'll also leave with real skills and, we hope, some good friends.

Around thirty hours, spread across the week, with proper time off to rest and to explore the valley, the mountains and the coast. We work hard while we're working, but it isn't all hours and we make sure everyone gets a real break.

Yes, we often welcome couples and pairs of friends, and many hands make the work lighter. Just let us know when you write, so we can sort the right accommodation and make sure we've the room for you both.

Good waterproofs and sturdy boots above all; it's wet, hilly, outdoor work a lot of the time. Warm layers, work clothes you don't mind getting muddy, and a torch. Any tickets or tools of your own (a chainsaw certificate, say) are a real bonus. We'll tell you the rest before you come.

There's no mobile signal down here in the valley, which is honestly part of the appeal. But there's good wifi in the shared Breakfast Room, so you can keep in touch with the world, make calls over WhatsApp, and check in with home whenever you want to.

We're so sorry, but no. With so many ground-nesting birds and a family of wild beavers living close to the house, it's just too risky, however lovely and well-behaved a dog is. We really are sorry, and we know it's a shame.