Woodland and nature projects on the Wild Atlantic Way, Crolly, Donegal, Ireland

Infos

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  Description

  For 2027, we’d like to make some of our Workaway projects a little more nature-focused. We have around two acres of naturally regenerated native woodland behind the house, with mature oak, birch, rowan, holly, bluebells, wet woodland areas and plenty of wildlife. In 2026, the woodland was surveyed through the Hare’s Corner initiative and we now have a Plan for Nature to help us look after it without over-managing it. The main idea is to keep the woodland wild and natural while protecting the next generation of young trees and creating a good balance between dense wildlife habitat and open paths and glades.
  
  Some of the projects we hope Workawayers can help us with include protecting naturally growing oak, rowan, holly and other young trees from deer; helping create a couple of small deer-protected areas; carefully moving a few young oak saplings to suitable protected spots; maintaining our woodland paths and bluebell glades without over-clearing them; checking for invasive plants; and creating or maintaining small log piles and other wildlife refuges.
  
  There will also be opportunities to help us monitor what lives here. We plan to use trail cameras around woodland paths, stone walls, wet areas and other wildlife routes, so checking cameras, moving them between monitoring points and seeing what turns up should be part of the fun. We would also like to gradually record some of the old stone walls, tracks, boulders and remains connected with the old building and the history of the land.
  
  This won’t be heavy forestry work or an attempt to make the woodland neat and tidy — quite the opposite. Fallen timber, moss, fungi, wet hollows, brambles and leaf litter all have their place here. The help will be fairly gentle and practical, and will change according to the season, weather and what nature is doing at the time.
  
  Of course, there will still be our usual garden, greenhouse, chicken and creative/recycling projects too, so nobody will spend their entire stay wandering around the woods counting oak trees — unless they particularly want to!
  
  Please note
  
  Our home is best suited to people who are happy living and working independently. If you're looking for a busy communal Workaway with lots of volunteers, this probably isn't the right fit. We're a peaceful rural retreat—ideal if you're looking for space to think, create, recharge and enjoy nature.
  
  If you have your own transport, you'll have easy access to some of Donegal's most spectacular beaches, mountains, traditional music and cultural attractions. Without a car, you'll be relying on local buses and your own two feet, although there's a bus to Crolly and Carrickfinn Airport is nearby for arrivals.
  
  If you enjoy creativity, nature, wildlife, good conversation and the satisfaction of making something beautiful—whether that's preserving our woodland, a garden bed, a sign, a piece of furniture or a new skill—we'd love to hear from you.

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  Types d'aide et opportunités d'apprendre

  Projets artistiques

  Jardinage d'entretien

  Projets DIY créatifs

  Petits travaux d'entretien
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  Centres d’intérêt

  

  Art et design

  

  Politique/justice sociale

  

  Dev. durable

  

  Livres

  

  Bricolage / artisanat

  

  Soin des plantes

  

  Musique

  

  Jardinage

  

  Cuisine et alimentation

  

  Écriture

  

  Animaux

  

  Menuiserie

  

  Dessin et peinture

  

  Activités en plein air

  

  Cyclisme

  

  Fitness

  

  Sports nautiques

  

  Randonnée
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  Echange culturel et opportunités d'apprendre

  How will travellers benefit from a cultural exchange and what could they learn?
  
  Donegal is one of Ireland's best-kept secrets. Tucked away in the far northwest, it's where the Wild Atlantic Way is at its most dramatic—rugged cliffs, endless beaches, rolling hills and breathtaking scenery in every direction.
  
  We're lucky to live in the heart of the Gaeltacht, where Irish (Gaeilge) is still spoken every day. You'll have the opportunity to hear the language, learn a few words and experience a unique part of Irish culture that many visitors never see.
  
  We believe the best cultural exchanges happen naturally. We're always happy to share what we know about gardening, caring for hens, sustainable living, upcycling, genealogy, local history and life in rural Donegal. If you're interested, I'm always delighted to introduce visitors to the fascinating world of family history research.
  
  In return, we'd love you to share your own interests and skills. Whether it's sewing, art, photography, crafts, DIY, cooking, music, languages or something completely unexpected, every Workawayer brings something unique. We love learning from our guests just as much as they learn from us.
  
  Our hope is that you'll leave with more than just photographs—you'll head home with new skills, new friendships, and a genuine taste of life in one of Ireland's most beautiful and unspoilt corners.

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  Aide

  Our projects change with the seasons, so no two visits are quite the same.
  
  🌿 March to September
  
  If you enjoy being outdoors, you'll love these months. Typical projects include:
  
  Landscaping and caring for our large wildlife-friendly garden
  Creating and maintaining woodland paths and natural spaces
  Small DIY projects—rustic, practical and hands-on
  Painting, upcycling and giving old items a new lease of life
  Recycling, repurposing and reusing—if you can turn "junk" into treasure, you'll fit right in!
  Designing and creating unique signs, garden art and nature-inspired features
  
  ❄️ October
  
  As the garden settles for the season, we move indoors and focus on creativity and learning together. I'd especially love to welcome people who enjoy sharing skills such as:
  
  Basic sewing and using a sewing machine
  Decoupage and furniture upcycling
  Sign writing and decorative painting
  Simple sketching or illustration for signs and projects
  Crafts such as crochet, knitting, quilting or similar creative hobbies
  Photography, photo editing or other creative skills you'd enjoy passing on
  
  This isn't about formal teaching—it's about sharing knowledge, learning from each other and enjoying the creative process together.
  
  Whatever the season, we're looking for people who enjoy working with nature rather than against it, who can think outside the box, and who take satisfaction in leaving a place just a little more beautiful than they found it.
  
  If you have a creative skill that's not on the list, tell us about it! We'd love every Workawayer to bring something unique.

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  Langues parlées

  Anglais: Courant

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  Hébergement

  Your home during your stay will be a cosy, self-contained cabin tucked away in the garden and surrounded by nature.
  
  You'll have:
  
  A private eco cabin with everything you need for a comfortable stay
  A separate shower and compost toilet
  Good quality Wi-Fi, ideal if you're working remotely or simply like to stay connected
  Food provided to suit your dietary preferences
  Peace, birdsong, starry skies and plenty of fresh Donegal air
  
  It's the perfect place to relax after a day outdoors, get creative with a project, read a book, or simply enjoy the tranquillity of rural life on the Wild Atlantic Way.

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  Autres infos...

  A car is highly recommended, as public transport is fairly limited in this part of West Donegal. If you have your own wheels, you'll be able to explore some of Ireland's most spectacular beaches, mountains, coastal drives, traditional music sessions and hidden gems along the Wild Atlantic Way.
  
  That said, we're not completely off the beaten track! There are two pubs just a five-minute walk away (always handy after a productive day 🍻), a local shop around 20 minutes on foot, regular buses from the village, and Carrickfinn Airport is only a short drive away, making arrivals surprisingly easy for such a rural location.
  
  So while you'll enjoy all the peace and tranquillity of country life, you're never too far from a good pint, a friendly chat or your next adventure.

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  Informations complémentaires

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    Accès Internet

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    Accès Internet limité

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    Nous avons des animaux

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    Nous sommes fumeurs

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    Familles bienvenues

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  Possibilité d’accueillir les digital nomads

  Dedicated WiFi for the cabin.

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  Espace pour garer des vans

  Plenty of parking for campervans.

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  Combien de volontaires pouvez-vous accueillir ?

  Un

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  Mes animaux

  

  Shandy (5 ans)

  Twin - but nothing alike in looks or temperament to Dubh.

  

  Dubh (5 ans)

  Dubh is a ball mad mutt!

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