Barbara

Travel information

I am currently

Description

Hello. I am a teacher and ornithologist working for the Forestry Commission, England. I spend my days in beautiful Whinlatter Forest, the only Mountain Forest in England. Some days I work as a Ranger teaching children about the forest, trees, people and wildlife. On other days I am information officer with the Lake District Osprey Project, watching wild birds nesting and fishing on Bassenthwaite Lake. I train and manage the Project's many Volunteers - a grand group! I have 2 grown up sons one learning to pilot small planes in Australia the other teaching English in China. I host many nationalities through Airbnb which I really enjoy, and in past
years have hosted 6 Workawayers - amazing people!
I try to travel with just a backpack and prefer village and country destinations for walking and visiting historic sites. I like reading and writing in the evening.
As a traveller I am easy going, interested in being in a new place with new people. I have travelled in Europe and in Australia and lived for 8 years in Central Africa.
There is not much I can't live without but I do like boiling water on my teabag!
Generally there is so much to do and so little time to do it. I love (nearly) every minute!

Interests

Languages

Languages spoken
English: Fluent

More details about my language interests
I would like to be able to speak some Mandarin to travel with.

Find a language buddy

Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn

Some knowledge of:  

Gardening

DIY and building projects

General Maintenance

Life at a Farmstay

Eco Projects

Helping around the house

Animal Care

Charity Work

Art Projects

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Able to teach about:  

Creating/ Cooking family meals

Hospitality/Tourism

Languages

Teaching

More details about your skills

Primary and Environmental Teacher.
Basic Skills English Language teacher
Volunteer Manager
Retail EPOS
Home owner - so general House and land maintenance.
Enjoy dinghy sailing, walking and birdwatching.

Age

68

What else ...

I am travelling to China in Jan/Feb 2024. I am interested in volunteering in the country or a small holding - maybe with some teaching gardening or conservation aspect. However, being thankfully fit and able, I am willing to do most tasks inside and out, from English teaching to house chores and building work to animal husbandry. One of the joys of Volunteering is to try something new.
I am dual nationality British/Australian, and though I have lived most of my life in England I have worked as a teacher in Australia and Africa.

Some more information

• 

  Smoker

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  Driver's licence

• 

  Allergies
  no

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  Special dietary requirements
  I prefer to keep off gluten but only if practical.