Area: Cariboo

Welcome to our north Cariboo cattle ranch and garden market! We offer the opportunity to engage in a quiet, hardworking, back to basics way of life that reconnects people with the land, its creatures and all that can be produced from the soil. We believe in both self and environmental sustainability which translates into ever decreasing consumerism. We are a "middle aged" couple who live the enviable ranching lifestyle which many people can only dream about. Both Dave and Rosie come from a traditional background with very strong work ethics. We enjoy working hard as well as taking time for recreation and relaxation when time permits. Buck Ridge Ranch and Gardens is located approximately 40 kilometers south of Quesnel, BC. Learning opportunities are varied - anything from crop and vegetable production to animal husbandry; as well as forestry related activities, construction/building projects and eco projects etc. Our proximity to the Fraser River and vast tracts of crown land provide for numerous recreational opportunities, eg. hiking, canoeing, mountain biking. Our ranch property is situated in the North Cariboo region, close to the famous Cariboo gold fields of the 1860's. The Fraser River borders the east side of the ranch while the immense Fraser Plateau Wilderness area borders us to the west. The ranch is a 120 cow/calf operation where we over-winter our weaned calves and market them as short or long yearlings. Low-input, holistic management techniques are implemented in many facets of our ranching operation. Our land base comprises of both deeded and leased land as well as crown range. The ranch and garden is our sole occupation which allows us the time to be continually improving the operation from the somewhat neglected condition we found it in 7 years ago. The garden market is a relatively new enterprise which we hope to expand over the next few years. A wide variety of vegetables are grown organically and sold at local markets. Rosie is currently enrolled in a university Master Gardener program. She hopes to have much to offer by way of both hands on experience and scientific knowledge for those who are interested in gardening. Other ventures include a small scale egg laying operation as well as a grass fed poultry growing enterprise. Workawayers have their own space in our 28' furnished travel trailer. Three meals a day are provided and other than breakfast, are eaten together. As could be expected our diet is highly carnivorous, however we do eat the odd vegetable once or twice a month - just kidding! Yes, we do like our protein but we eat lots of veggies too - someone has to consume all of Rosie's extra garden produce! Speaking of eating, we expect those who do, to be part of the cleanup crew! The type of work to be done varies with each season. Spring brings a busy work schedule: garden preparation and seeding; feeding and calving; fencing and pasture cleanup; field preparation and irrigating. With the summer comes more irrigating, moving cattle and haying, in addition to the garden market harvest season. In the fall we are wrapping up the gardening season and Saturday markets while still moving cattle, finishing any crop harvesting that needs to be done, fencing, trying to get projects we've started finished, winterizing equipment and gathering firewood for the winters fuel supply. Workawayers need to bring their own work clothes and personal effects including ALL hygiene products and should be prepared for working in all types of weather. We do enforce a few house rules but nothing unreasonable. Feel free to ask about them - most are straight forward and common sense. Other than special circumstances, we require farmstay participants to stay a minimum of 4 weeks. We find it takes most people at least 2 weeks to adjust to a new lifestyle and learn the routine. Usually those who stay longer really enjoy their time with us. Leisure activities that we take part in occasionally include: hiking, ATV trips, photography, canoeing, fishing, camping, cross country skiing, snowshoeing etc. For those who enjoy nature and wildlife our location is often quite amazing. Wildlife that is seen, sometimes on an almost daily basis, includes deer, and bear. Less seen but very present are moose, elk and wolves. Many varieties of birds and waterfowl pass through at various times of the year. Bird watching can be very rewarding at times. In conclusion, our need for help is constant but continuously changing. We have found from experience that the most important asset a Workawayer can bring to our ranch is an optimistic outlook and a positive attitude. Anyone who comes needs to be willing to work effectively and not be afraid to try new things. Keep in mind that the ranch/farm life, among many other things is hard work - you have to love that aspect too. If you don't value a healthy, hardworking lifestyle our ranch probably won't be a good fit. Only volunteers 21 and over need apply.

Area: South Wales, UK

Elderly, but active married couple living in a small market town in South Wales. We are in easy reach of Cardiff and Bristol which are lively towns. There are also plenty of interesting places to visit locally and good restaurant and pubs. We are active members of our local amateur drama group and Workawayers here at the right time might be asked to help with scenery construction or costumes.

Area: Normandy

**** We are now full untill the end of September 2013 ****** We are a French English couple, Alexandra and Ed. Ed is retired and Alex works part time from home. We are restoring our Normandie Farmhouse. We live within 30 minutes drive from the main Normandy landing beaches, with 4 horses and 3 dogs and a few chicken. We are well integrated in the local village community and involved in local events. If you are looking for outdoor work, are physically fit and happy to live the village life, we can offer you a warm welcome. Please check our calendar as some periods are already fully booked.

Area: Costa Azahar

Retired pensioner, living in quiet pretty, country area ,needing just a little assistance with housework, garden, dog walking, painting and general maintenance. Short and flexible hours with lots of free time Lovely pretty pleasant location within easy reach of Valencia and the coast on one side and mountains on the other. Lots of open countryside and nice walks close by. Friendly local villages with adequate facilities and supplies close by. Internet available. Further references available. Choice of two pleasant private rooms Position would suit a lady looking for a comfortable, easy-going and relaxed lifestyle.. Non smoker preferred.