Opportunity to look after a small Organic Farm for WWOOF hosts on the Orkney Islands, Scotland.
Lovely organic farm in Orkney overlooking the sea needs Tenants / Farm Managers for 6 months over winter – November – April.
Wheems Organic farm is an ecological and organic 6 hectare horticulture and animal smallholding, producing organic food for a local market. Wheems farm buildings are 200 years old and have been renovated using local, traditional and sustainable materials. Wheems farmland has been sensitively landscaped with areas set aside for conservation, areas carved out with stone dyke walling, and areas of tree planting.
Wheems Farm produces a broad range of organic vegetable and fruit crops throughout the summer. Crops are grown undercover in a greenhouse and in a large polytunnel, and outside. There are free range chickens, geese and a flock of sheep. Wheems Farm is certified Organic by The Soil Association for over 20 years. The farm exists in summer as a working vegetable farm run by Michael Roberts but in winter there is much less vegetable work to do and Michael goes away for 6 months to offer his skills as a volunteer on environmental projects in India.
This opportunity offers free accommodation in exchange for willing workers who would like the experience to enjoy a period living on a self sustainable organic vegetable farm. Unfortunately we are a small family business and are unable to pay, however we will be as fair and flexible as we can so please get in touch with your cv and profile also outlining your interest.
Wheems is powered entirely by renewable sources, ground source, wind and solar. During winter, the farm does not produce many vegetables so the work involves preparing the ground, planting of winter crops, maintenance of the farm, garden and grounds. Ensuring safe storage of any crops / seed crops.
The ideal candidate / couple will have a strong desire to gain experience in organic vegetable farming, they will already have some knowledge of organic farming practices and have some horticultural experience. They will be environmentally aware and passionate about sustainability and self sufficiency.
A period of tutoring will also be part of this arrangement. Michael is extremely knowledgeable about sustainable organic vegetable production and passionate about Wheems and small scale farming so it would be perfect if candidate/s can come in advance of November to stay and learn from him on the farm about what needs to be done to keep the place ticking over winter.
The position might be more suited to a couple, there is a village 3 miles away and a car and bicycle are available for tenants to use.
Please email wheemsbothy@gmail.com for more information.
Here is the Wheems website: www.wheemsorganic.co.uk
