Animal lovers welcome at our animal rescue charity near Aberfoyle, Scotland, UK
Last activity
: 21 Apr 2025
Min stay requested: at least 1 month
Workawayers needed
Possibility that workawayers are needed
No availability
Details
Host ref number: 396272616661
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Feedback (15)
I had an amazing time ! I stayed there 4 months and enjoyed every single day.
While the accomodation is basic and the food is your responsibility, Hermione would always make sure that you're comfortable and not lacking on anything. She's done a lot for me and I'll be eternally thankful for all the help :)
I've had the pleasure of getting lifts
… read more to do some hiking: I climbed the Ben A'an and even a Monroe: Ben Lomond!
The work itself is simple and easy to get used to. Nothing is too complicated or too hard, but everything has to be done and is always rewarding to take care of the animals.
I recommend this Workaway for any animal lover who doesn't mind a bit of basic accomodation!
Left by Workawayer (Charles) for host
I had an amazing two months during my time ! You will find yourself in a picturesque part of Scotland, which even with the nearby road was incredibly peaceful. I felt welcomed by Mionie, the dogs and the other Workawayers as soon as I arrived.
Work-wise, you will be doing several jobs to aid in the running of the sanctuary, primarily cleaning
… read more out and feeding the chickens, goats, donkeys, cow, horse and ponies each day. They are used to people being about and are all friendly! There are times when Mionie will have to head out, and someone will need to look after the dogs whilst she is away. During your downtime, you can make friends with the dogs, as well as the various reptiles, birds, rabbits, guinea pigs and the two cats that are also at the sanctuary.
I was staying in caravans for my time there which were comfortable and clean, and made warm thanks to the provided electric blanket. There is no running water, however there is always a plentiful supply of drinking water at hand. Some of the dogs are even allowed to come for sleepovers!
This was my first time up in Scotland, and on my days off, and found myself doing a lot of sight-seeing during that time. There are plenty of walks to go on and castles to visit. There is a bus link that runs from Stirling to Glasgow that passes through Aberfoyle (the closest town, about a 30-minute walk away).
It was hard to say farewell to everyone at the end of it all, though I do plan on returning at some point in the future! I became very fond of a little dog named Munchkin! I feel in a much better place, thanks to being there. If you love caring for animals and supporting a great cause, this is the Workaway for you!
Left by Workawayer (Maria & Jordan) for host
We got to hang out with loads of silly and wonderful animals and care for them! We had to leave early because of housing complications but stayed for 3ish weeks. We were in the horsebox which had a hob, sink, microwave, toaster, and kettle (and a heated blanket a beanie baby :-) )
You get 5 days of work and 2 days off! It was a 10 am start and
… read more we worked until around noon. During the morning shift we would let the donkeys (incredibly cheeky creatures) and goats into the fields, muck out the donkey shed, refill feed and small jobs. Then lunch was until 3:30 and you let all the animals back in and cleaned the fields. Pretty easy day! Bring waterproofs, wellies gloves!
Mionie is a very strong woman who has been running the sanctuary on this site for around 12 years, but she's been working with animals for her entire life.
She was incredibly accomodating, specifically to Jordan's disabilities! It was a pleasure to be able to hear about Mione's experiences with animals. She also let us eat as many eggs from the chickens as we wanted!!
On one of our days off, Mione offered to drive us up to Ben Lomond and she ended up almost calling mountain rescue on us (sorry!) It's a hike that's meant to be 4-6 hours round but if you're stopping for every single (GORGEOUS) view and also lunch like we did .... 9 hours oops.
It's a 30-40 minute walk to Aberfoyle... It's a touristy village with cycling routes, nature reserves and a supermarket. There are 3 bikes on the sanctuary (though I think only 2 are useable). We could cycle to Aberfoyle during our break :-)
From the sanctuary, you can walk 20-30 minutes to Gartmore where you can find the Black Bull pub. Highly recommend! It's community owned and has locally brewed lager and whiskey (and brilliant staff.) Gartmore is also where we went to wash clothes / shower!
There are bus routes from Aberfoyle to the sanctuary, Gartmore, Stirling, and Glasgow.
RIP Chico ❤️ It was a pleasure to meet you little manYou can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
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Accuracy of profile:
(4.9)
I had an amazing time ! I stayed there 4 months and enjoyed every single day.
While the accomodation is basic and the food is your responsibility, Hermione would always make sure that you're comfortable and not lacking on anything. She's done a lot for me and I'll be eternally thankful for all the help :)
I've had the pleasure of getting lifts
… read more to do some hiking: I climbed the Ben A'an and even a Monroe: Ben Lomond!
The work itself is simple and easy to get used to. Nothing is too complicated or too hard, but everything has to be done and is always rewarding to take care of the animals.
I recommend this Workaway for any animal lover who doesn't mind a bit of basic accomodation!
Left by Workawayer (Charles) for host
I had an amazing two months during my time ! You will find yourself in a picturesque part of Scotland, which even with the nearby road was incredibly peaceful. I felt welcomed by Mionie, the dogs and the other Workawayers as soon as I arrived.
Work-wise, you will be doing several jobs to aid in the running of the sanctuary, primarily cleaning
… read more out and feeding the chickens, goats, donkeys, cow, horse and ponies each day. They are used to people being about and are all friendly! There are times when Mionie will have to head out, and someone will need to look after the dogs whilst she is away. During your downtime, you can make friends with the dogs, as well as the various reptiles, birds, rabbits, guinea pigs and the two cats that are also at the sanctuary.
I was staying in caravans for my time there which were comfortable and clean, and made warm thanks to the provided electric blanket. There is no running water, however there is always a plentiful supply of drinking water at hand. Some of the dogs are even allowed to come for sleepovers!
This was my first time up in Scotland, and on my days off, and found myself doing a lot of sight-seeing during that time. There are plenty of walks to go on and castles to visit. There is a bus link that runs from Stirling to Glasgow that passes through Aberfoyle (the closest town, about a 30-minute walk away).
It was hard to say farewell to everyone at the end of it all, though I do plan on returning at some point in the future! I became very fond of a little dog named Munchkin! I feel in a much better place, thanks to being there. If you love caring for animals and supporting a great cause, this is the Workaway for you!
Left by Workawayer (Maria & Jordan) for host
We got to hang out with loads of silly and wonderful animals and care for them! We had to leave early because of housing complications but stayed for 3ish weeks. We were in the horsebox which had a hob, sink, microwave, toaster, and kettle (and a heated blanket a beanie baby :-) )
You get 5 days of work and 2 days off! It was a 10 am start and
… read more we worked until around noon. During the morning shift we would let the donkeys (incredibly cheeky creatures) and goats into the fields, muck out the donkey shed, refill feed and small jobs. Then lunch was until 3:30 and you let all the animals back in and cleaned the fields. Pretty easy day! Bring waterproofs, wellies gloves!
Mionie is a very strong woman who has been running the sanctuary on this site for around 12 years, but she's been working with animals for her entire life.
She was incredibly accomodating, specifically to Jordan's disabilities! It was a pleasure to be able to hear about Mione's experiences with animals. She also let us eat as many eggs from the chickens as we wanted!!
On one of our days off, Mione offered to drive us up to Ben Lomond and she ended up almost calling mountain rescue on us (sorry!) It's a hike that's meant to be 4-6 hours round but if you're stopping for every single (GORGEOUS) view and also lunch like we did .... 9 hours oops.
It's a 30-40 minute walk to Aberfoyle... It's a touristy village with cycling routes, nature reserves and a supermarket. There are 3 bikes on the sanctuary (though I think only 2 are useable). We could cycle to Aberfoyle during our break :-)
From the sanctuary, you can walk 20-30 minutes to Gartmore where you can find the Black Bull pub. Highly recommend! It's community owned and has locally brewed lager and whiskey (and brilliant staff.) Gartmore is also where we went to wash clothes / shower!
There are bus routes from Aberfoyle to the sanctuary, Gartmore, Stirling, and Glasgow.
RIP Chico ❤️ It was a pleasure to meet you little manYou can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by Workawayer (Allan) for host
I spent a full six months here and very easily could've stayed even longer. The work itself is usually simple, easy, and fulfilling (I'm in the best shape of my life now after all the poop I've shoveled!), and while the whole surrounding area has many gorgeous sights to explore, even just the view walking down the field to check on the cows and
… read more ponies was often stunningly beautiful. The animals themselves of course are all easy to fall in love with, and always being able to take a second away from your work to pet a goat or donkey is a definite plus. The dirt itself isn't that bad, too - you're working with poop and mud, of course, but it's not like you're expected to roll around in it either, and some gloves, some old clothes you can set aside as being just for work, and a pair of wellingtons should be more than enough to keep you nice and tidy without any worry between showers.
My hobbit house, and the camper and lorry from what I saw of them, was cozy and private without ever feeling cramped and didn't take much time at all to start feeling like a home, while the free eggs from the chickens were delicious and put a welcome dent in my grocery spending. Mione was always very attentive about making sure all the workaways had two days off a week and organizing them so the work was spread evenly between us. Even the few times when circumstances necessitated us putting some extra work in she was still careful to accommodate us as much as she could.
Mione was a wonderful host to me and is also a truly incredible woman - both her and the local volunteers were very kind, helpful, and did so much to make me feel at home, and I can't thank her or the rest of them enough for making my stay so wonderful! I can't recommend it enoughYou can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by Workawayer (Vikki) for host
I initially arranged to stay at The Roost for one month but in the end I extended it to two! The people and animals here are nothing short of amazing and I feel privileged to now be part of this extended family.
Left by Workawayer (Dan) for host
What an amazing way to start our workaway experience. We loved every moment of being there and we're so sad to leave!
The animals are all so lovable......especially all the dogs :) so many characters that we will miss dearly. Mione is a lovely lady and has a heart of gold who made us feel at home and was always there to help if we needed it.
The
… read more sanctuary honestly started to feel like home by the time we left and we can't wait to visit again in future :)
Highly recommended for any real animal and nature lover!
Miss you guys! xYou can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (Dan)
Dan and Bridget stayed with us at our sanctuary for over a month and we were so sorry to see them leave! Such a pleasure to have around, kind, competent, willing and good company...all animals and humans alike loved them and they were a massive help to us in so many ways! Highly recommended workawayers, if you accept them you definitely won't
… read more regret it! Thanks guys, you're welcome back anytime :)
Left by Workawayer (Paulroyd) for host
I spent a month here from the beginning of June, '22 and really enjoyed the experience, so many wonderful animals to spend time with. Hermione is very friendly and obviously cares for all the residents, including the other volunteers.
I will miss everyone and would visit and work here again if I am in the area with time to spare.
You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by Workawayer (Fabienne) for host
My five weeks at the animal sanctuary went by so quickly! The animals give so much back and are just wonderful. They all have great characters. You definitely have time to explore the area besides work, which you should do. It was a great experience and I had a lot Fun, even though the work can be hard. But it's all doable. And yes, it is dirty
… read more and basic. But you get used to it quickly and you should give it a chance. The caravan and the hobbit house are nice retreats where you can take time for yourself. You can also reach the nearest shop quickly by bike. For me, it was an enrichment for my trip to Scotland.
So thanks again especially to Mione! :)You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by Workawayer (Ellie) for host
This was ideal for me as I was looking to do something completely different to my normal life. Everyone at the sanctuary was so lovely and friendly, I was very pleased that there were other volunteers as it seemed each of us would pass down what we learnt/making sure we were aware about how to take care of all the different animals. I was so
… read more pleased to be able to spend so much time with all of the animals (especially the dogs) they all have such lovely characters. I did find the work hard as I'm physically not very strong and there was lots to remember but over time and with other volunteers around it became much easier&as said in their profile you do get very dirty so be prepared. The caravan was basic but you have everything you need or if you do need something it wont be far or easy to access. All in all was a great experience with beautiful views, thank full to have this experience! :)You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by Workawayer (Elliot) for host
Perfect. I came here at a time in my life where I was desperate to get away from the hustle of a city and the stress of a busy work life. It was exactly what I needed. I fell in love with all the animals (especially the troublesome lot). You really need a sense of independence but once you’re settled, everybody is so accommodating and friendly, I
… read more even became close with the goose! Mione has a heart of gold and the sanctuary is really centred around looking after the animals there. I left the roost a stronger, smarter and more compassionate man. I also love chihuahuas now! Haha
You have to be strong and headstrong and I’d advise going when it’s warm, although watching autumn and winter hit the Glens, lochs and Bens was beautiful.
I’d go again in a heartbeat and I’m so grateful for everything. I miss the donkeys, munchkin and Ruby the most.
If you go, take the time to sit on rabbit hill in Aberfoyle for the sunset, it’s incredible. ❤️
Lots of love to all the volunteers I met there!You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by Workawayer (Barry) for host
What an amazing time I had working at this project. Such a rewarding 3 and a 1/2 months working alongside Mione and other volunteers. Great to be able to get on with all the work, whether it was regular daily tasks or DIY jobs to improve the sanctuary. Getting to know all of the animals was so special. All the dogs have amazing personalities, the
… read more donkeys are great to work around, and the cows are loveable.
The surrounding areas are great to explore.
Overall, it is an amazing place to workaway, and as long as you are willing to throw yourself into the experience, you will have a great time.You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by Workawayer (Hayden & Anne-Sophie) for host
This was an amazing place for me to stay at. The animals were all interesting to be around, especially since I had never worked on a farm or with Donkeys and Horses before.
The caravan was awesome. Bed was comfy and clean. It was easy to cook, and washing up was done in a nearby sink which was fine too.
The dogs were all amazing. Was fun to take
… read more Ruby and Benni for a walk.
Towards the end of my stay Mione even helped me arrange to have my girlfriend stay for the last month which was amazing too.
The people who help on the farm are all wonderful. Duncan will be very much missed as he's an amazingly kind man who made my stay very memorable. Trish was super helpful around the farm as well and a wonderful lady. Mione who was on the farm with me at all times with me was a great boss and I had tonnes of fun learning from her.
Would recommend this farm to anyone wishing to help out animals in need in Scotland.You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
I can say with confidence that volunteering here was amazing. Taking care and giving a home to these abandoned animals was very rewarding. I stayed here for around 3 weeks. The caravan was all mine for the time I was there. There were bikes for me to use to go into town for groceries. Even if I didn't travel around Scotland, I knew Mione would
… read more have helped me out. The worked done includes: giving walks for the dogs, mucking out the stables, painting and general cleaning and maintenance . Not anything too complicated nor do you overwork. Mione and Cathy were very nice and patient with me, to the point of helping me with a minor medical emergency. I know at one point I will return! I'm really going to miss all the animals including: Gizmo, Gremlin, Squirtle, Mogwai, Olaf, Dobby, Rubyloo, Eregon, Falco, Bilbo, Avatar, Gandalf, Flag, Sherlock, Murloch, Mr. McMoo, Zoro and the rest of the animals of which I can't remember their names! Thank you so much for having me and I hope I was of help.
Left by Workawayer (Evastella) for host
The experience at Glendrickroost has been amazing. The place, animals and the people is lovely. Thanks to Mione and her daughter Cathy for make possible this experience, they always are available to help and do more comfortable all that you need. Aberfoyle zone is perfect for make hiking and explore with bike or get a drink in the village, also
… read more you have connections to bus for to go anywhere (Stirling, Glasgow...). The caravan is very comfortable, although you have got a shower at Mione’s house near at roost, is good for bike ride.
Is the best experience if you want to stay in a quiet place and enjoy with animals, there are a big variety and all were very special to me. Also I want to highlight the good feeling with all volunteers and friends that I knew there. I take in my heart!You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by Workawayer (Niveditha & Beth) for host
I had a great time being the first person for workaway to go and stay and volunteer at the Animal Sanctuary. I was immediately made to feel welcome by Mione and her daughter Cathy as well as other volunteers and neighbor's. I helped out with everything from feeding the calf to fundraising and loved learning how to care for the animals and found it
… read more very rewarding. There is also the opportunity to get involved in Harmony Fields a business extension, aimed to raise funds for the charity through connecting people to animals and exploring the positive impacts this can have on ones life. The local countryside is beautiful for walking and cycling in and there is the nearby village (1/2 miles walk in distance) of Aberfoyle in which you can go shopping and also get buses to other areas. Mione also gave me lifts to areas I wanted to visit on my days off and was flexible about working times. The caravan is lovely to stay in, although the facilities are basic with a portaloo and having to be driven, cycle or walk to a bungalow in a nearby village for showers.You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
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