NOTE - We are only taking bookings for April - Sept 2026.
We are a family of 4, living and working on a smallholding in West Wales. The farm has been our home for 19 years, our youngest family member is 16.
The smallholding is owned by a charity, with the aim of educating people about low impact living, Permaculture, biodiversity and environmental conservation. It is 24 acres in total, including 6 acres of wildflower meadow, permanent pasture, allotments, woods and gardens, all farmed by hand using traditional tools such as the scythe.
We live in a self-built wooden caravan. We are off grid - electricity comes from solar panels and a self-built Hugh Piggott 3f wind turbine, water comes from a spring on the land.
We aim at self-reliance. We grow a lot of the vegetables we eat, a good proportion of the fruit, all of the meat and a proportion of the dairy products. We have a small flock of Shetland sheep for wool and meat, a micro herd of Shetland Cattle for milk and meat and about a dozen Warre beehives for honey. The majority of the produce from our livestock is for our own use.
Tipos de ajuda e oportunidades de aprendizado
Ajuda em projetos ambientais
Jardinagem
Construção/faça você mesmo
Cuidar de animais
Ajuda em fazenda
Manutenção geral
Interesses
Sustentabilidade
Trabalho beneficente
Fazenda
Música
Faça você mesmo
Animais
Ciclismo
Naturaleza
Objetivos de sustentabilidade da ONU que este anfitrião quer atingir
Oportunidades de intercâmbio cultural e aprendizado
We like to share skills and hope that as well as helping us with the work that needs doing, volunteers are able to take away new skills and experiences from the time they spend with us. Both Phil and I benefited immensely from the skills we learnt whilst volunteering before settling at the farm.
Skills we can share include - scything, gardening, permaculture, some aspects of Biodynamic gardening, hand haymaking, animal care, low impact living, off grid electricity production, knitting, using natural dyes, various methods of food preservation.
Registered charity
This host is a registered charity in the UK and is looking for help with their charity project. Guidance on charity worker sponsorship by a UK registered charity, can be found here.
Ajuda
In general, all tasks are carried out using hand tools. Tasks on the farm are seasonal. In winter it is more likely to be activities such as hedge laying, clearing, pruning, mulching and fencing. There are tasks in the vegetable garden and edible perennial plantings all year, but it is especially busy in the spring / early summer. From June until late August / September we make hay by hand.
I have a daily routine of animal tasks and there is always the chance of an unexpected event such as a bee swarm to join in with!
We ask volunteers to help the equivalent of 4 days out of every 7 days that you are staying. We'll make mutually agreeable arrangements with you by email / call before you come. To get the most out of your stay with us we recommend staying 3-4 weeks. This gives you time to settle into the rhythms of farm life and gain a better understanding of how we work. Applications for longer stays are welcome.
Come prepared to work outdoors in all weathers! Sometimes you will be working with us or other volunteers, sometimes you will be working alone. There’s always company at shared meals. There may be additional volunteering and social opportunities available during your stay, eg on our monthly volunteer workdays that are open to the local community or during events we run.
We provide meals on the days that you are volunteering. We ask people to self-cater on non-volunteering days. We provide basic provisions for self catered meals eg rice, pulses. There are two local shops to get any additions you might want. There is a fully equipped kitchen in the barn that you will have access to. This is a beautiful corner of Wales and there is plenty to explore during your free time. We can lend maps and provide information on local sites of interest.
Phil and I tend to work all days equally, making no exceptions for weekends. Especially during the hay making season work can go on until late into the evening, but we will always try to ensure that there is adequate time to rest, explore the area etc.
We are open to other volunteering arrangements, especially overwinter if people are looking for somewhere to stay for a bit longer. Get in touch if you would like to do something different to the above.
Idiomas
Inglês: Fluente
Welsh: Intermediário
Acomodação
Single people or couples usually stay in one of our small touring caravan. Please note we do not have accommodation (other then camping) for larger groups / families. We have space for live in vehicles if that is how you are travelling, though be aware that our lane is narrow with low overhanging trees.
All WWOOFers have access to the Red Barn, which has a fully equipped kitchen and a Rayburn for heating. It also has compost toilets and a solar shower.
We have an off-grid electricity system in our house (solar and wind). Electricity can be limited during the winter. Mobile phones etc can be charged using a usb charger. We have a phone line and can provide wifi access, though it's rather slow. This is rural West Wales after all! The caravans and most of the shared DPF spaces do not have electricity. We provide rechargeable lamps and spaces where devices can be charged.
We have a spring for water. Water awareness is necessary year round, but especially during extended dry periods (though the spring has never run dry yet!). We have a washing machine but electricity production and water levels can limit the amount it can be used.
Generally, shared meals are eaten with us in our house or in the Roundhouse. We aim to eat mostly organic, locally produced, seasonal food. For us, our home grown produce is an integral part of our sustainable living practice and that includes produce from our animals (for example, using animal fats for cooking means we buy in very little oil). Whilst we can cater vegetarian (or vegan), we really appreciate it when volunteers are willing to embrace more or all of our food offering. We eat less meat in the summer, therefore we are happy to cater vegetarian / vegan March - Oct if required. Please let us know if you have any special dietary requirements eg vegan, gluten free before you arrive.
Algo mais...
We are situated on the edge of a beautiful valley that was once the heart of the Welsh Woolen industry. The National Woollen Museum is located in the nearby village of Drefach Felindre.
There is a good network of footpaths in the local area to explore and we are about 15 miles away from the stunning Cardigan Bay coast.
There is a bus link roughly every hour from Drefach Felindre (1.5 miles from the farm) to Cardigan or Carmarthen.
Mais alguns detalhes
Acesso à internet
Acesso à internet limitado
Temos mascotes
Somos fumantes
Pode hospedar famílias
Espaço para estacionar campervans
Note our track is narrow with over hanging trees so access for very wide or high vehicles is limited. Long wheelbase transit or equivalent size can access the site.
Deixado pelo Workawayer (Tamblyn) para o anfitrião
I spent three wonderful weeks at this place and enjoyed it massively!! The breadth of Phil and Michelle’s knowledge is amazing, and they were always open to explaining how things work or why they’re done. The work itself was varied and I enjoyed the different rhythms of each day, sometimes it would be weeding and planting out fruit and vegetables,… read more other times it would be scything, fence laying, or potting flowers and seeds. It was a great mix of things and I really learned so much by doing and seeing things unfold in front of me. My caravan was cosy and warm, and the red barn is a great place to cook and hang out with other volunteers :) I spent a lot of my free time reading in the sun, which was so lovely - I was lucky to come when the sun was shining! The food prepared by Phil and Michelle on volunteering days was delicious, and it was really nice sharing anecdotes and discussing ideas around shared meals. I’m very grateful to have been a part of the farm for a few weeks, and have come away with so much. All the best for the future and I’d love to come back some day!! Xx
Só é possível entrar em contato com Workawayers com assinaturas ativas.
(Excelente
)
16 set. 2024
Deixado pelo Workawayer (Jennifer) para o anfitrião
I spent a truly wonderful 3 weeks at Michelle and Phil's smallholding. They are a very lovely family, open and willing to share everything from scything and permaculture knowledge to scone recipes. Michelle even was so kind to adapt her scone recipe to vegan each time we ate together so that I could eat it. Even though in "hungry season", meaning… read more there was no much veg to be harvested yet, we ate incredibly well every single day. I really enjoyed to have my own little caravan which was dry and, thanks to many blankets and a hot water bottle, warm and cozy at night. However, most of the day we spent in the spacious, well-equipped volunteer areas (barn kitchen and a self-built roundhouse with chimney and armchairs), reading from the large "library", talking to the neighbour family that often come around to say hi, or simply among the three volunteers, chatting, baking bread, etc. The farm is a bit isolated and mobile connection is bad, so if you have to work remotely be aware that you might need to take a walk to the wool museum (45min by foot) where there is wifi. And, lastly, workwise: it was demanding physically especially the first few days and because of the wet (bring a lot of rainproof clothes), but everything we did was outside, amongst plants and animals, and quite meditative so the hours flew by. I learned incredibly much as it was my first workaway, including how to properly use a scythe, how to build veg-beds (lots of weeding :D), how to make hay, etc. Michelle and Phil love to be asked and share their knowledge about all aspects of farming, as well as other things. They value volunteer-wellbeing really highly, it was always ok to take a cup of tea to warm up between tasks, etc. All in all, it is a place to meet incredible human beings, build connections, learn, grow, and connect with nature, and I would 100% recommend. Thankyou for letting me stay, I hope to meet again in the future! Jenny
Só é possível entrar em contato com Workawayers com assinaturas ativas.
(Excelente
)
16 out. 2023
Deixado pelo Workawayer (Tom & Sarah) para o anfitrião
We had an incredible three weeks with Phill and Michelle, and their family is truly friendly. We were able to discover how a permaculture farm operates and spend time in an amazing environment surrounded by wonderful animals (sheep, cows, ducks). Thanks to them for their hospitality and for all the skills they taught us, especially using a scythe… read more !
The food is incredibly delicious, and we had some great meals with really nice conversations. And the surrounding region is incredible, and the landscapes are breathtaking.
we really hope to came back one day !
Só é possível entrar em contato com Workawayers com assinaturas ativas.
Essas classificações são opcionais e foram dadas junto com os comentários dos membros.A classificação média deixada por cada opção é exibida.
Precisão do perfil:
(5.0)
Intercâmbio cultural:
(5.0)
Comunicação:
(5.0)
20 mai. 2025
Deixado pelo Workawayer (Tamblyn) para o anfitrião
I spent three wonderful weeks at this place and enjoyed it massively!! The breadth of Phil and Michelle’s knowledge is amazing, and they were always open to explaining how things work or why they’re done. The work itself was varied and I enjoyed the different rhythms of each day, sometimes it would be weeding and planting out fruit and vegetables,… read more other times it would be scything, fence laying, or potting flowers and seeds. It was a great mix of things and I really learned so much by doing and seeing things unfold in front of me. My caravan was cosy and warm, and the red barn is a great place to cook and hang out with other volunteers :) I spent a lot of my free time reading in the sun, which was so lovely - I was lucky to come when the sun was shining! The food prepared by Phil and Michelle on volunteering days was delicious, and it was really nice sharing anecdotes and discussing ideas around shared meals. I’m very grateful to have been a part of the farm for a few weeks, and have come away with so much. All the best for the future and I’d love to come back some day!! Xx
Só é possível entrar em contato com Workawayers com assinaturas ativas.
(Excelente)
16 set. 2024
Deixado pelo Workawayer (Jennifer) para o anfitrião
I spent a truly wonderful 3 weeks at Michelle and Phil's smallholding. They are a very lovely family, open and willing to share everything from scything and permaculture knowledge to scone recipes. Michelle even was so kind to adapt her scone recipe to vegan each time we ate together so that I could eat it. Even though in "hungry season", meaning… read more there was no much veg to be harvested yet, we ate incredibly well every single day. I really enjoyed to have my own little caravan which was dry and, thanks to many blankets and a hot water bottle, warm and cozy at night. However, most of the day we spent in the spacious, well-equipped volunteer areas (barn kitchen and a self-built roundhouse with chimney and armchairs), reading from the large "library", talking to the neighbour family that often come around to say hi, or simply among the three volunteers, chatting, baking bread, etc. The farm is a bit isolated and mobile connection is bad, so if you have to work remotely be aware that you might need to take a walk to the wool museum (45min by foot) where there is wifi. And, lastly, workwise: it was demanding physically especially the first few days and because of the wet (bring a lot of rainproof clothes), but everything we did was outside, amongst plants and animals, and quite meditative so the hours flew by. I learned incredibly much as it was my first workaway, including how to properly use a scythe, how to build veg-beds (lots of weeding :D), how to make hay, etc. Michelle and Phil love to be asked and share their knowledge about all aspects of farming, as well as other things. They value volunteer-wellbeing really highly, it was always ok to take a cup of tea to warm up between tasks, etc. All in all, it is a place to meet incredible human beings, build connections, learn, grow, and connect with nature, and I would 100% recommend. Thankyou for letting me stay, I hope to meet again in the future! Jenny
Só é possível entrar em contato com Workawayers com assinaturas ativas.
(Excelente)
16 out. 2023
Deixado pelo Workawayer (Tom & Sarah) para o anfitrião
We had an incredible three weeks with Phill and Michelle, and their family is truly friendly. We were able to discover how a permaculture farm operates and spend time in an amazing environment surrounded by wonderful animals (sheep, cows, ducks). Thanks to them for their hospitality and for all the skills they taught us, especially using a scythe… read more !
The food is incredibly delicious, and we had some great meals with really nice conversations. And the surrounding region is incredible, and the landscapes are breathtaking.
we really hope to came back one day !
Só é possível entrar em contato com Workawayers com assinaturas ativas.
(Excelente)
7 jul. 2022
Feito pelo anfitrião para o Workawayer (Orla & Rowan)
Orla and Rowen volunteered with us this Spring. We really enjoyed having them to stay on the farm. They were enthusiastic, hard working and keen to learn the skills we have to share. Once shown a task they worked quickly and effectively. Orla and Rowen were easy to have around, worked well with us or independently and fitted into our household… read more comfortably. We enjoyed swapping tales of adventures with them over meals, and I look forward to hearing about what they have been doing since they left us, if they pass our way again. Thanks for the Sauerkraut you made - it was delicious!
(Excelente)
5 jun. 2022
Deixado pelo Workawayer (Orla & Rowan) para o anfitrião
We both had an amazing time at Phil and Michelle's, good work lots of learning opportunities and some really powerful conversations all situated in one of the most stunning agricultural areas we've had the pleasure of being in. There isnt a bad word i could say about the place and im sure well be back again soon. We were welcomed into their… read more magnificent example of off grid living. We enjoyed the ease and relaxed pace of the work, getting lots done while enjoying meaningful communication and connection with the land. And we were so lucky to enjoy such nutritious and delicious meals with the family as well as our own accommodation space. All while meeting lots of people through the community at permaculture trust. The local area is seeped with woodland valleys and is also amazing for exploring too. These people are some very special souls with much wisdom to offer. If you get a chance to visit, this space will touch you in a transformational way.
Só é possível entrar em contato com Workawayers com assinaturas ativas.
(Excelente)
22 set. 2021
Deixado pelo Workawayer (Molly & Caio) para o anfitrião
We volunteered here back in June for two weeks and it was a great experience. Michelle, Phil, Fergus and Eva were all very welcoming. Michelle and Phil are very experienced, knowledgeable and passionate about what they do and spent time sharing this with us. We really enjoyed working in the vegetable garden, the hay meadow and helping to look… read more after the animals. It was an inspiring two weeks and we hope to visit again.
Só é possível entrar em contato com Workawayers com assinaturas ativas.
(Excelente)
22 ago. 2021
Feito pelo anfitrião para o Workawayer (Jake)
We enjoyed having Jake stay with us. He has good practical skills, is keen to learn and carried out the projects given to him with diligence. He soon found his own niche on our farm, was able to spot jobs that needed doing and carry them out independently, find opportunities to learn skills that are of interest to him and got on well with other… read more volunteers and visitors. We wish you luck with your future travels and look forward to seeing you back here again in the future!
(Excelente)
11 ago. 2021
Deixado pelo Workawayer (Lucie) para o anfitrião
We had a delightful 1 month stay with Phil, Michelle, Fergus, Eva and Matt! We got to see birthing lambs on our arrival and got to learn so much about off grid life on the farm. From milking the cow, spending time with Boris the calf, learning how to make cheese, an amazing scything lesson with Phil, we helped with cobbing and building a beautiful… read more roundhouse with a beautiful group of people, we had a fun drumming lesson and sign writing workshop, we learnt how to install fencing for the animals, planting and preparing garden beds. So many interesting conversations about permaculture...electricity from solar and wind, water storage and usage, natural building, home education, knitting and using wools and natural dyes for making clothing. All set in a beautiful part of Wales, where we were able to explore parts of the coast on our days off. Newcastle Emlyn is a lovely nearby town to explore.
Everyone was so welcoming and inspiring to spend time with, so many interesting projects and examples of living a simple and sustainable life from building wood fired hot tubs to composting loos, a bucket shower, sharing wonderful meals and conversations. We had an incredible experience - Thank you so much!
Só é possível entrar em contato com Workawayers com assinaturas ativas.
(Excelente)
20 mai. 2021
Feito pelo anfitrião para o Workawayer (Lucie)
We enjoyed having Lucie and Amy (and Teo!) to stay with us. They were interested in life on the farm, willing to join in with whatever was happening and have their own interesting stories to share over a meal. Teo is a very loveable character! Maybe another time we will learn to count further then three in Czech, and perhaps even learn how to… read more pronounce "watercress"?
(Excelente)
2 jul. 2021
Feito pelo anfitrião para o Workawayer (Amelia)
We really enjoyed having Amelia staying with us. She was interested in all that we are doing and it was great hearing about her experiences too. She was easy to have around, worked well with us and on her own, and fitted into our household comfortably. I admire her confidence to try out all the experiences that came her way, be they new or… read more familiar.
(Excelente)
21 jun. 2021
Deixado pelo Workawayer (Amelia) para o anfitrião
I had a really lovely time staying at the Trust. This was my first Workaway experience so I was a little nervous but felt instantly welcomed by Michelle, Philip and the family. I think it was a great choice to get an interesting experience of life on a smallholding including off grid and self sufficient lifestyle. It was also a privilege to stay &… read more explore some of the beauty of West Wales.
Overall positive experience which has made me wish I had more time to travel and do workaways! Thanks :)
Só é possível entrar em contato com Workawayers com assinaturas ativas.
(Excelente)
22 set. 2019
Deixado pelo Workawayer (Silke & Damien) para o anfitrião
Damien and I had a great time working at the permaculture trust with Philip, Michelle and Matt. The kids were great fun and we felt very welcomed and at home. Damien especially enjoyed the races :)
It was fun to learn more about scything and haymaking without machines. Very adorable work and life style overall. We appreciate this expierience very… read more much and it gave us a lot of inspiration for our own lives. Also the building, garden and food processing. Thanks again (the picallili mmm... lecker/delicious)!
Só é possível entrar em contato com Workawayers com assinaturas ativas.
Living and working on Michelle and Philip’s Farm was an instructive experience into truly self sustaining living. I discovered both the love and peace of simple living, the return to a pre-industry life, where nearly everything that is produced for consumption is sowed, grown, harvested, raised and milked right there, on that day. I practiced… read more scything, thanks to Philip‘s tutorials and encouragement, and eventually got some milk from a goat,, thanks to Michelle’s patience with my finding the right grip and motion. The family of four is wonderfully congenial, embracing, and love sharing their expertise and know-how. Most of all, I learned the joy that is to be had by surrounding oneself in nature, peace, and constructive work. Thank you so much for this invaluable experience!
We enjoyed our time with Elena, her patience and gentle good humor were valuable at a very busy time of year for us. It was fun exchanging stories over meals and hearing of her life experiences.
(Excelente)
2 jun. 2019
Deixado pelo Workawayer (Meddie) para o anfitrião
It was a pleasure to stay with Michelle and Phil. There was so much to learn on their farm and they would always take the time to explain things and to answer questions.
Phil has a large permaculture garden and was able to share a lot of knowledge and experiences as we worked on it. He could also tell us a lot about bees.
One of the highlights… read more was definitely learning to use a scythe! They have a huge amount of knowledge and taught us a great deal.
They are a wonderful family and enjoy a rich lifestyle. Most of their food is produced themselves and all of it was delicious! I would definitely say it was one of my top workaways. Thanks you for having us!
Só é possível entrar em contato com Workawayers com assinaturas ativas.
(Excelente)
28 mai. 2019
Feito pelo anfitrião para o Workawayer (Meddie)
We all really enjoyed having Meddie and Nomi to stay with us. Open and friendly, they worked well at any task set them, bringing their own ideas and initiative too. They fitted easily into our family life. Thanks for your help :)
(Excelente)
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