The Host Hub
We have introduced a space we are calling the ‘host hub’ a place where hosts can find all the information and resources they need for a successful WWOOF. There’s tips on communicating with WWOOFers, the best questions to ask potential WWOOFers, and links to a number of articles with the aim of providing support for our much valued hosts. We’ve also created a private Facebook group solely for WWOOF UK hosts, where they can share tips on farming techniques, ask for advice about hosting and of course make the most of this new opportunity for networking!
Taster Days, Group WWOOFs and Rich Holiday, Poor Holiday
We are going to be running taster days this year for those who’ve heard about WWOOFing but might be hesitant to jump straight in and become fully-fledged members. We’re looking for confident hosts who are motivated to reach out to people who may be new to this way of life, and who understand the importance of giving a good grounding for first-timers.
Group WWOOFs are aimed at current members looking for more social experiences. A member of staff will support hosts who can offer either a bigger project or a good selection of smaller projects for a group to get stuck into. This might appeal to hosts who would benefit from an injection of additional help at a key time perhaps.
We’ve been approached by the producers of the Channel 5 TV show Rich Holiday, Poor Holiday looking to work with a host for the next series. Since we have already had a host farm featured in an earlier series we are happy to help them find a new place with the intention of spreading the word about WWOOF to new audiences who may otherwise have never heard of us.
For more details about all three of these opportunities please follow this link.
Our new zines
Our re-designed zines are back from the printers and they’re itching to seed themselves in cafés, festivals, seed swaps, libraries and any other public places where they’ll be seen by people!
We’d be very happy to post printed copies to you, just send us an email including where you’ll be displaying the zines (the name and size of the event) and an address to send them to. Also we can send you a digital copy of the zine file via email for you to print out at home and then put up at work or wherever you think they’ll be noticed.
Board of Trustees vacancy
Are you passionate about sustainable living, organic growing and building community? We are seeking new volunteer trustees to join our board. As a trustee, you’ll help guide the strategic direction of the organisation, ensuring we stay true to our values while continuing to grow and support our network of hosts and WWOOFers.
We’re especially keen to hear from people with experience in any of the following areas: governance/legal, finance, fundraising, marketing or digital communications – but most importantly, we’re looking for people who share our commitment to sustainable agriculture.
This is how Jo Thomas, one of our newbie trustees, feels about the role so far:
“Being a trustee for WWOOF UK since November 2024 has been a really meaningful step for me. I live in a small permaculture community in West Wales and host WWOOFers through our project, idmwyd.com, which has brought so many inspiring people into my life. Hosting has given me a deep appreciation for the spirit of exchange, education and connection that WWOOF represents, so it feels great to now be giving something back to the organisation that makes it all possible.
With a background in business strategy, product development, and marketing, I’m excited to use my skills to help WWOOF UK thrive and evolve—supporting its mission to connect people with the land in a way that’s grounded, hopeful, and transformative.”
If you’d like to play a key role in shaping the future of WWOOF UK, we’d love to hear from you!
For more information about the role of a WWOOF UK trustee and how to apply please click here. Many thanks.
Planning the perfect WWOOF (and what to do if things go wrong)
WWOOF is an amazing opportunity to learn new skills, make new friends and build community. You’ll learn and discover a lot, but joining in with the daily life in a stranger’s home can also be somewhat intimidating for some. Here’s some advice to help you navigate through the WWOOFing experience and what to do if things don’t go the way we’d hoped:
You are responsible for your own safety but here are some tips for getting out of your comfort zone with confidence:
- Know yourself! What are your expectations and what are your limits?
- Get to know the culture of the region you intend to visit! People from a diverse geographical area and cultural background might have customs and traditions different from yours.
- Remember it is normal to feel somewhat awkward when you first arrive at a farm. Give yourself time to adapt!
- Share your travel plans, your whereabouts and contact possibilities with your family and/or friends.
- If you are not traveling in your own car, take notes about nearby public and private transport.
- Have medical and travel insurance in case of unexpected illness or injury. Find out more about insurance.
- Organise a back-up plan and be sure to have some extra money for any unforeseen events. This way, you have the option to leave if you don’t feel comfortable.
Open communication is the key to successful WWOOFing!
- Good communication starts before the visit. Schedule a video or phone call with your hosts before confirming a visit to get to know them.
- Ask lots of questions! How many people will be on site? It is important that you feel comfortable with being alone with your host if you decide to visit a farm run by only one person. What are the accommodation conditions (i.e. single or shared room)? What will be the activities? What is the daily routine? What are the meals like? What type of clothing should you bring?
- Share with hosts if you have any specific needs or goals.
What should you do if you have a concern about your safety or wellbeing?
- Talk to someone – if it’s appropriate, talk to your host, other WWOOFers or another person on site about your concern. Cultural differences can lead to misunderstandings. Verbalising your problems can help you solve them.
- Remember that you can contact the local WWOOF organisation for assistance any time. We’re here to listen to you and discuss your concerns in complete confidentiality. We can give you advice or have a mediation role.
- End the stay – you are under no obligation to continue WWOOFing if you feel unsafe.
- In an emergency – contact the police.
Keep in touch with us
We’ve created a page where you and your friends can sign-up to receive our newsletters as a way to keep in touch with us. Those with an active membership will receive our newsletters automatically but we also produce a non-members’ edition to help those thinking about joining and for staying in touch even when your membership has expired.
Share this link to sign-up to our newsletter.
Also, as you know, social media is a great way to help promote WWOOFing and to show the world what we do. We love sharing your photos and videos, so please include #wwoofuk and/or tag @wwoofuk on your posts so we get to see them. We’ve been told by hosts that when we repost their media it results in an increase in the numbers of WWOOFers interested in visiting.
And last but not least….
We’d love to hear about your events, your news, your stories. It’s you who make our newsletter the colourful, relevant and engaging read that we all enjoy at each of the seasonal festivals. Please send your valuable contributions to: editor@wwoof.org.uk
Many thanks for being part of the vibrant and buzzing WWOOF community in the UK, we really appreciate your support.
