An important message from the WWOOF UK team

Sep 19, 2022

Recently, we have been hearing increasing reports of WWOOF volunteers cancelling visits at the last minute, with some providing no notice at all. While we understand that there are exceptional circumstances in which you cannot complete your WWOOF visit, it is unfair to hosts when WWOOFers continually cancel visits, especially when hosts have already prepared for their arrival.

Choosing to WWOOF is a big decision, both for hosts and volunteers. Making the plan to visit a host is a commitment – we understand that life happens, but we encourage you to do everything you can to maintain your commitment. If your plans are in flux, it is always wise to keep your WWOOF host in the loop. And if you are truly unable to follow through on your visit, it is imperative that you communicate this to your host as soon as possible. Many hosts begin preparing for WWOOFers a week or more in advance, which can include cleaning, cooking, purchasing groceries and more. Hosts also plan time-sensitive projects with helpers in mind – not showing up could mean leaving your host without enough help for the harvest, or not enough builders to safely work on a project.

One of the most important tenets of the WWOOF experience is mutual exchange, where hosts and volunteers are teaching and learning alongside one another. Part of that exchange relies on trust – trust that a volunteer is going to show up and help, just as a host is trusted to provide food and shelter in a safe environment. The WWOOF UK community has been built on this trust alongside our shared commitment to living and learning organically. Please be considerate in making and holding to your WWOOF plans so that this community can continue to grow and thrive together. Thank you!

– The WWOOF UK Team

WOOF experience is mutual exchange, where hosts and volunteers are teaching and learning alongside one another. Part of that exchange relies on trust – trust that a volunteer is going to show up and help, just as a host is trusted to provide food and shelter in a safe environment. 

Classifieds – Autumn Equinox ’23

Classifieds – Autumn Equinox ’23

Welcome to the WWOOF UK Classifieds section. Here, you can find postings from members and other friends of WWOOF UK regarding opportunities, job listings, property advertisements and more. Have something you’d like listed in our Classifieds section? Send us an...

Hive mind – letters to the editor – Autumn Equinox ’23

Hive mind – letters to the editor – Autumn Equinox ’23

Do you have a question for the ‘hive mind’? Do you have any answers to these questions? Do you have any top tips you want to share? Feel free to email the editor – editor@wwoof.org.uk Slugs galore! The latest question for the hive mind is...

Seasonal recipe – Autumn Equinox ’23

Seasonal recipe – Autumn Equinox ’23

Parsley Pesto Do you have a glut of parsley? We don't have enough customers for our luscious crop of parsley so we're enjoying it in bulk! But maybe you have a plant that's gone a bit mad in your greenhouse or herb garden and want to prune it back? Serves: 4 + •...

Barn to be wild

Barn to be wild

An opportunity to live in the Brecon Beacons Ten years ago I bought a dilapidated stone barn high on a hill in mid-Wales. I had been visiting the area for several years, staying in my campervan, walking and exploring. I started to look for somewhere to make a more...

The joy of reciprocity

The joy of reciprocity

By Sue Pritchard My WWOOFing relationship started at a tough point in my life. Newly divorced, a single parent, with caring responsibilities for my own parents, and running another business off the farm, I was hugely relieved that I had managed to keep the farm - our...