news from the office

May 28, 2016

It’s been 12 months since the UK Home Office updated their immigration rules for visitors, and during that time we’ve had some really useful feedback from WWOOFers who have spoken to immigration officers at the UK border.

Fortunately, very few WWOOFers experience any problems when entering the UK from abroad, but we usually hear of a few cases each year so we’ve updated the immigration information on our website to make sure it’s as accurate as possible. It’s especially useful for WWOOFers who are not citizens of an EU country – and if you’re a host and get any questions from your WWOOFers about immigration, it’s useful for you to know where this information is. Hosts will also find newly updated immigration info in their Guide to Hosting which is available on their My Tools menu on our website.

During May two members of staff and two directors travelled to Skibbereen in the south west of Ireland to join the European WWOOF meeting to discuss issues which affect us as a continent and to talk about ways in which we can work more closely together in areas such as memberships, IT and legalities.

SheldonThanks to hosts and WWOOFers who have been in touch when they find something that’s not working as it should on our website, or with suggestions for improvements to it. We welcome your input and particularly those of you who are willing to help us work through the issues until they are resolved. RHCs Jane Thurlow and Fuggo King come to mind particularly this time but there have been other people. To get in touch please use info@wwoof.org.uk.

Host Contact Taryn Field reached a big birthday during May and celebrated in her own inimitable style. Congratulations Taryn and happy next decade.

And the very best news of all is that Sheldon our office tortoise is awake!

Soil lovers, this one is for you!

Soil lovers, this one is for you!

WWOOF UK is pleased to be working with Mycoharmonics to offer one WWOOF UK member a free place on their upcoming 5-day Natural Farming Course at the Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester. The course takes place from 16th - 20th October 2026 and the place is...

Before you head into the long grass: a practical guide to ticks

Before you head into the long grass: a practical guide to ticks

Photo Credit: Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust Long grass, woodland, orchards, hedgerows and fields are all part of spending time on the land. They are also places where you may come across ticks. Ticks are found across the UK. Most tick bites do not cause...

A hidden forest adventure at Dukes Barn

A hidden forest adventure at Dukes Barn

Tucked away in the Monmouthshire countryside, with views towards the Brecon Beacons and 15 acres of woodland, orchard and wildflower meadows to explore, Dukes Barn feels a little like the sort of place you might stumble across at the end of a winding country lane and...