Volunteer Exchange Opportunities

Almost everything you see at Embercombe has involved the contribution of volunteers – people of all ages and backgrounds. Some come for a few months and others just a day.  Some have helped with the development of the garden, forest or site, others have assisted on courses, events or administration.

All contributions are essential for Embercombe to fulfil its mission. At the same time, these volunteering opportunities have provided people with the opportunity to learn skills, be part of a growing charity and social enterprise, gain experience, make a meaningful contribution, and grow personally.

At any time there are opportunities for 2 to 8 volunteers to stay at Embercombe, ranging from a minimum of one month to up to 3 months. Volunteers living at Embercombe are involved with the daily running of the place and different projects, as well as a diverse range of tasks and activities. The activities depend on the season, and on the courses or events that are running at the time. For example, you may be involved with the growing of food in the garden and fields, with managing our 20 acres of woodland, preparing for courses, cooking, or building projects. As you will be living together with a group of permanent residents and other volunteers, your contribution will also include regular chores such as cooking, cleaning, and keeping the place tidy. There is sometimes the opportunity for volunteers to create their own project in accordance with Embercombe’s needs.  Volunteers interested in spending a longer period of time at Embercombe may be interested in Embercombe’s Apprentice scheme (click here for more information).

The basic deal is that volunteers work 5 days a week in exchange for accommodation in cozy yurts, food from our gardens and food store and opportunities to learn and grow. The working hours are usually Monday- Friday, from 8.30am- 5.00pm, however, this can vary due to our busy timetable of programmes and events.  We are registered with the WWOOF UK and the Exeter Volunteer Centre, and all volunteers must be willing to be CRB checked. If you want to come and volunteer please read the Volunteer Handbook and fill out an application form (both available here).

For volunteering opportunities have a look at the list below:

1. Volunteering Opportunities
2. Day volunteers

Please read our volunteers' handbook before applying.  To download the volunteers' handbook and an application form, please see our documents and forms page

We offer these Volunteer Exchange Programmes:

3 month Essential Team

Your are invited to be part of our team for three months.  The structure of the three months is based on a rolling programme of one week in the garden, kitchen, site, housecare and animal care.  Ideally for 3 months, although shorter terms will be considered.  Please be sure to read the volunteer handbook (which can be found·here) before completing an application form and sending it to  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Land Based Learning

You are invited to be part of our exciting, land based schools programmes. Click here for more details.

Natural Build

An invitation to be part of the support team, setting up for the Schumacher Natural Building course and to take part in the building of the Linhay. Please click here for more details.

Skilled workers

Embercombe welcomes those with specific skills eg, plumbers, carpenters, electricians. Please contact  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more details.

To apply to be a volunteer, please read the volunteer handbook and complete an application form, both available·here.