There is great interest in re-imagining the WWOOF exchange. One of our members of staff – who is also a host – has a regular volunteer who visits once a week. Instead of the traditional food / accommodation / learning in return for his help, he takes home produce, seeds and other items for his own small garden. There is interest in this more local form of WWOOFing from organisations such as the CSA network, as the prospect of not having to provide accommodation opens up lots of new possibilities. There are also people who would like to make closer and more regular links with host sites in their area for social reasons, and also a local climate / soil type is more relevant to learn about.
Because this also chimes with WWOOF UK’s own wish to build up the number of domestic exchanges from within our own shores, we’re considering making changes to the website to better accommodate this new-look model – but first we’d like to hear from you.
Do you have a day / local WWOOFer? What does the exchange look like for you? Do you think it’s a good idea or can you see a potential problem with it?
We’re keen to kick-start the debate – email with any thoughts to editor@wwoof.org.uk
