Help with some garden projects and animal care on a former farm in Basse-Normandie, France

Details

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  Description

  I own a former farm in Basse-Normandie, where I now keep animals and birds, many of them are rescued such as our Cotentin Donkey, Daisy and the Poitou goats, Blue & Granny. We also have a one year old Norvege Fjord horse who I bought as a foal from a neighbouring farm. Nuage is more like a dog-horse as he mixes with all the dogs and sheep!
  I moved here permanently from England 3 years ago with my daughter and we love the tranquil setting, in the lush green Normandie countryside.
  We are only an hour away from the coast and towns such as Granville and the stunning Mont St Michel.
  Due to health issues, occasionally I find it difficult to complete some of the projects I have on the farm and it would be great to host my beautiful little gite in the garden, a former bread house, when it is not occupied by guests, to a workaway or two!
  I am a professional musician but animals have always been my passion as well.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Language practice

  Help with Eco Projects

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Animal Care

  Farmstay help

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  We are a bi-lingual family, English/French. I am a musician and music teacher.
  My daughter studies Arts Plastiques and is interested in eco Art projects.

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  Projects involving children

  This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

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  Help

  The tasks I would like help with are managing the land, strimming and wood cutting. Clearing the small wooded area to make a secure pig enclosure, as I have 4 Kune Kune pigs.
  Mucking out the pigs, goats and chickens. Feeding and watering.
  I will be working alongside and showing how I complete the tasks.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  French: Intermediate
  Italian: Beginner

  This host offers a language exchange
  This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
  You can contact them directly for more information.
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  Accommodation

  I have a separate Gite in the garden that has a fully equipped kitchen and bathroom with shower. It accommodates 2/3 people and is comfortable but rustic.
  There is no WiFi in the gite but there is fast fibre WiFi available in a seating area near the main house.

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  What else ...

  I have 2 ancient bicycles which need some attention, so if anyone is interested in doing them up then they're welcome to use them.
  
  Buses are infrequent but the nearest town is Sourdeval 10 minutes away by car. I can offer lifts when I am available.
  
  Our farm is a secure and safe environment for our animals, so only guests who love animals and respect their needs should get in contact.
  I will provide food, but you must prepare your own meals in the gite and please keep it clean and tidy. We are vegetarians but eat fish, so I will not provide meat as an option.
  
  We enjoy our privacy and will respect yours too outside working hours.
  However, I'm sure that we can share some meals outside in the good weather.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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  Hours expected

  3-4 hours a day