Badges (3)
Profile information
Travel information
I am currently
At home
Description
Hello! I’m having a gap year/career break/sabbatical from September 2025 until September 2026. For me it is an opportunity to travel as well as doing something useful and reassessing what I might do for the next 10 years of my working life.
I am 57, usually live in Abergavenny in South Wales, UK, and work in the Countryside section of my local council, mostly with volunteers who maintain paths and lead guided walks. I’m married to Alan (who is not having a gap year) and have two sons who have now (mostly) left home.
I am interested in conservation, climate and community, as well as living sustainably. I am generally vegetarian. Over the years I have planted trees, laid hedges, grown vegetables and made a few baskets. I cycle and enjoy walking , camping and other outdoor activities. My profile picture was taken on the top of the Sugarloaf, one of our local hills, with the Skirrid in the background.
I learnt French and German at school but now speak more Welsh. I always like to learn more about the languages and culture of wherever I go and am fascinated by the things we have in common as well as the differences.
I’m happy to have a go at most things and have experience in areas such as gardening, household tasks and conservation in the UK. I’d love to see more of the nature and wildlife in places I visit and ideally contribute to ensuring it carries on. If I can share my existing skills or gain some new ones, that would be great.
After NZ I return to the UK and hope to explore Scandinavia and other parts of Europe more.
Interests
Vegetarian or vegan
Sustainability
Politics / Social justice
Charity work
Writing
DIY & crafts
Languages
Gardening
Books
Outdoor activities
Nature
Mountain
Hiking
Dancing
Cycling
Camping
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Welsh: Intermediate
German: Beginner
French: BeginnerMore details about my language interests
Happy to speak English or Welsh and have a go at orhers
Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn
Some knowledge of:
Eco Projects
Gardening
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Helping around the house
General Maintenance
Babysitting and creative play
More details about your skills
Practical countryside management and conservation in the UK, including tree planting and habitat management.
Gardening
Household tasks
Vegetarian cooking and Bread making
Walking, cycling, camping
Interest in rural crafts such as basketmaking, hedgelaying, scything
Speak Welsh
Age
58
What else ...
I’m a big fan of word games and puzzles, and very happy to play any board game.
I have done Scottish Country Dancing and play tennis badly. I like reading and films and if possible ones that have a connection to where I am - detective stories set in places I’m travelling to are always interesting!
Some more information
Smoker
Driver's licence
Allergies
Special dietary requirements
Ideally vegetarian
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