An on-the-land working holiday

Most Arran people have enough earthy experience on their hands with their own gardens and greenhouses, but if you should be reading this in a city and could fancy a break on a farm at virtually no cost, have a look at Wwoof. Nothing to do with dogs – it’s a practical charity that enables people to work on organic farms, gardens and smallholdings, all offering food and accommodation in exchange for practical help on their land. They won’t expect you to know a lot about farming when you arrive, but you’ll learn a lot, and Wwoofers constitute a kind of nation-wide club, tending to keep in contact. It’s a brilliant holiday if you’re a bit broke and don’t mind getting your hands dirty.

The only cost is a one-off payment of £20, or $30 for a couple, to join WWOOF UK, who then send you a list of all the available hosts. It’s then up to you to contact one that you fancy to arrange your stay. You need to discuss what kinds of activities you will be asked to take part in, what accommodation is on offer and also the length of your stay.

Wwoofers generally work about 25-30 hours a week. They are volunteers and so are more free to come and go than an employee. For more details about how it all works, simply Google WWOOF, and all will be revealed. You have to be over 18 to participate on your own, but younger people are welcome if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.