We are always on the look out for ways to get the word out about WWOOFing, and we’re particularly chuffed when members lend a hand. So well done Fernhill House for squeezing a mention in about us when they were interviewed about their participation in the National Garden Scheme for the June edition of Cumbria Life.
In amongst comments on the ‘Alan Titchmarsh’ rose, ‘peasants gold’ (compost to WWOOF members) and self-sown seedlings hosts Adele and Mike added:
‘We couldn’t manage the orchard and gardens on our own. We rely on volunteers from WWOOF who come to help us every spring and summer. They stay with us at the Coach House for a couple of weeks at a time. We provide their accommodation and meals and they work in the garden and orchard. That is why we keep so many wheelbarrows – we never have enough barrows.
‘The volunteers have the chance to learn about the principles of organic gardening and improve their language at the same time, and we benefit from their help, especially at apple and damson harvest times. It is also a wonderful way to meet and work with so many young people from all over the world – it’s a symbiotic relationship and they give what they give so freely. We feel the volunteers, or WWOOFers as they are called, bring fresh air to our lives and the garden.’
We couldn’t have put it much better ourselves!
Adele and Mike also give us a mention in the information leaflet they supply about their orchard, where WWOOFers are described as being part of the crew that conserve and regenerate the orchards they care for in the Witherslack valley.
Every mention is appreciated! Unlike many large organisations we do not have a full-time publicist. It is one of the many things our small team do, so (if you’ll excuse the cliché) every little helps. Research suggests that volunteers need to encounter WWOOF several times before making the leap to become a member. Do sow a seed wherever you can, whenever you can. Who knows where it may lead. If you need any advice on what to say please contact us via info@wwoof.org.uk.
