Join our animal liberation & vegan sanctuary in Brandenburg, Germany

We've been travelling for two years, Elizabeth was workaway host nr 26 and we think she was a really special one! And that's positive. It's incredible that all hosts are so nice and helpful but this one was definitely in our top 5.

This is not your typical workaway address. It's an animal sanctuary. While we arrived there was a bit of chaos. The… read more sanctuary is very young (about 1,5 year old) and still in it's (sub)baby steps. So still searching for the 'perfect' plan. That's also the beauty we think, you can really leave your mark. That being said, it's already just lovely. The place for the workaway people is just perfect, very comfortable, and with all the others volunteers still very private. And in the evening you are by yourself which is very special with all the non-human animals.

We worked a bit more than normal but that was by our own choice, Elisabeth told us every day we worked to much. She's really kind but we understood we arrived in some difficult weeks for the sanctuary and loved to help them; we didn't feel like lying down and reading a book....

The area around is farming area but with lots of nice walks. If you go a bit further you have nice swims and we especially liked the parc in Buckow to hang out. We didn't see that much though because it was very warm (+30) and we stayed with the animals a lot. Dex is good company, just like the 14 pigs:)

We saw lot's of deer and hare just next to the shelter. For birds lots of cranes (!) and the 'usual' birds and there is a couple of crested lark at the shelter every day, and if you walk just ten minutes there is a couple of great grey shrikes just to name a few! And lots of poppy's and cornflowers to make the picture complete.

We've been working with animals before and it was a pleasure to get this drive be satisfied again. That's what makes the difference. Being involved with animals for years this was still a VERY good place to open up our eyes again and see things as fresh. If you're involved with animal rights, veganism, diy, this is your place. The people are so cool, i'm not going to mention names, because we don't want to forget somebody.

All animals are treated very well, being looked after. This is a place of love. A place of change. These people mean really well. Support them!

There was just really one bad thing. Two weeks was way to short......

Lot's of love, keep fighting, we know you will!

We miss you (the first time we wright this I think!)
Bart & Taniya

I spent three weeks in July helping Elisabeth and the animals and I wish I could have stayed longer! Being involved in the care of the rescued animals was a privilege and a pleasure and the support offered by Elisabeth and her amazing team of volunteers was wonderful. The accommodation was comfortable, clean and quiet and it was a very calm place… read more to both work and rest.

I especially enjoyed playing with the pigs. They all had unique personalities and really seemed to enjoy human company, plus you can get some fantastic photographs of all the animals to show your friends that animals are here with us, not for us! You need to be reasonably fit and enjoy a mixture of being indoors and outdoors with the animals, and the reward is that I learned lots of new things about them and enjoyed the space and peacefulness of the farm. I enjoyed being left to work alone sometimes and also had plenty of help when needed. I do not speak German, but Elisabeth and some of her volunteers do, so I was able to communicate easily and understand what work needed doing. Elisabeth was always at the end of the phone if I needed to ask something.

I had my own car and enjoyed driving to the lake for a swim or a peaceful walk in and around the area's beautiful forests on my days off. If you don't have a car, it's fine because there are bicycles you can use, and sometimes a car. I also enjoyed driving into Strausberg to do personal shopping and just to walk around - about 40 minutes drive from the farm (or there are local trains). German supermarkets are so much more vegan-friendly than at home in the UK!

As a vegan, I loved the food, and sometimes cooked. I chose to have most meals at Elisabeth's, about 20 minutes drive away, where I got to cuddle more dogs, plus cats and ponies, so I was very happy. There are also comical geese and large rabbits to say hello to, and it is another peaceful place to be.

Elisabeth's compassion for and determination to help the animals is inspirational. She works very hard for them, so it was nice knowing I could take some pressure off her by helping wherever I could. She has a great sense of humour and always had a smile or a laugh to share with me.

I enjoyed my time here so much that I am planning to return soon. Thank-you to everyone at Hermersdorf and Hazenholz - humans and animals alike!

We spent two weeks in August volunteering at this animal sanctuary. Elizabeth picked us up from the nearby train station and made sure we had everything we needed for our stay. We had our own room/living room at the farm with access to wifi & a kitchen. We had a great time taking care of the 14 pigs, many sheep, and two beautiful dogs. We felt… read more very supported and welcomed during our stay. Elizabeth provided us with bicycles so that we were able to swim at the nearby lake and explore the surrounding areas. The sanctuary is in a beautiful countryside with many friendly people. This Workaway would be great for someone interested in learning more about animal rights activism and animal care. We hope to come back and volunteer here again in the future!