The Pocket Guide to WWOOF by jandi hallin

The Pocket to

Guide

WWOOF

Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms

Everything you need to know to start your WWOOF adventure

CONTENTS INTRODUCTION 1. What is WWOOF? 2. What is this book about? Who is it for?

CHAPTER 1: Explanations 1. A History of WWOOF 2. WWOOF now 3. Who WWOOFs? 4. Who hosts? 5. Types of farm 6. Why organic? – What is organic agriculture? – Management – Standards – The movement & how WWOOF fits in

CHAPTER 2: Joining up 1. Membership 2. WWOOF administration CHAPTER 3: The host list 1. Explaining the host list 2. Host descriptions 3. Hosts: Writing your host description 4. WWOOFers: Making contact with potential hosts

5. WWOOFers: Writing your personal profile

CHAPTER 4: Arranging the stay 1. The Importance of communication 2. WWOOFers: Choosing hosts: – Types of establishment – Types of location – Types of host – Food and accommodation 3. Hosts: Choosing WWOOFers

CHAPTER 5: Hosts: Organising WWOOFers 1. Routine 2. Rules 3. Working hours 4. Free time 5. WWOOFer capabilities 6. Keeping work varied 7. Rainy-day activities

CHAPTER 6: Considerate hosting and WWOOFing 1. Shared space 2. Food 3. Resources & equipment 4. Communication & the cultural exchange

5. Being helpful 6. First-time hosting

CHAPTER 7: Overcoming barriers 1. Bad report 2. Complaints 3. Accidents 4. Insurance 5. Capabilities 6. Language

CHAPTER 8: WWOOFers' travel CHAPTER 9: Supporting WWOOF GLOSSARY OF TERMS A WWOOF WORLD

â&#x20AC;&#x153;WWOOF is a worldwide movement linking volunteers with organic farmers and growers to promote cultural and educational experiences based on trust and non-monetary exchange, thereby helping to build a sustainable global community.â&#x20AC;?

INTRODUCTION 1. WHAT IS WWOOF? Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms, or WWOOF for short, is a rapidly expanding network that connects organic farm hosts with willing travellers who want to live and work on a farm for a period of time, in exchange for food, accomodation and hospitality.

Worldwide Opportunities On Organic Farms, or WWOOF for short, is a rapidly expanding network that connects organic farm hosts with willing travellers who want to live and work on a farm for a period of time, in exchange for food, accommodation and hospitality.

WWOOFers usually live with their hosts and get involved with the day to day activities on the farm. In most countries the exchange is based on 4 – 6 hours of help for a full day’s food and accommodation. If you have a farm, smallholding, garden, allotment, vineyard or woodland and follow organic or sustainable principles, you might consider becoming a host and opening your home and life to WWOOFers. Due to the organic evolution of WWOOF over the past 40 years, there is not just one overarching organisation, but many autonomous or semi-autonomous organisations run nationally that function in symbiosis with each other. The Federation of WWOOF Organisations (FoWO) was founded in 2012 as a way for WOOF countries to come together to

cooperate and to share responsibilities. The official website of the Federation is www.wwoof.net and is a starting point for all WWOOFing and hosting adventures, directing you to the appropriate national or independent website you need. All national WWOOF organisations work under the same proviso and aim to promote the same values, but as an ever-developing movement, WWOOF has grown to encompass and envelop many other ideas and aspirations. Fundamentally however, WWOOF is: → A practical exchange of skills and knowledge, offering a better understanding and education of growing, farming and living organically. → A human and cultural exchange; giving people (both WWOOFers and hosts) the opportunity to experience new cultures and diverse people. → A chance for organic farmers to become part of a network and a wider platform for support and communication. → A wonderful way of exploring the globe in a constructive, affordable and unique way. Since its inception in the early 1970s, WWOOF organizations have sprung up on an international scale. What started off as a small

2. WHAT IS THIS BOOK ABOUT? WHO IS IT FOR?

group of enthusiasts in the United Kingdom has now become a worldwide movement and network involving thousands of members across the world. Over the years the meaning of the WWOOF acronym has been debated and revised. These changes reflect the fundamental fact that WWOOF is an inherently multi-faceted movement with many autonomously run organizations within it.

This guide explains the fundamentals and practicalities involved in WWOOFing and hosting around the world. It does not contain any lists or details of host members for any country, nor does it include recommendations for individual farms. It has been designed with the aim of giving you a broad idea of what to expect when you start or continue your WWOOFing and hosting adventures and help you make more informed choices.

It can, and indeed is, interpreted in varying ways across the globe, as each country has taken the basic premise and made it distinctively their own. From country to country, region to region, and farm to farm, everyone has a different take on life, what they do, and how they fit into the network. WWOOF from its very roots has not just embraced this individuality, but has actively encouraged it. This pocket guide is a celebration of these differences and a userâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s guide for navigating through the world of WWOOF.

wwoof.net

wwoof.net is the official website which has the most up-to-date news, information and links to all national organisations. For information on WWOOFing or hosting in countries which currently do not have their own national organisation the new official website, owned and run by the FoWO is: www.wwoofindependents.org

Whether it is sitting on your coffee table at home, or tucked into the side of your backpack; whether you have hosted or WWOOFed once, a hundred times, or not at all, this pocket guide will help keep you more informed of the many potential opportunities WWOOF can offer. This book hopes to reinforce the wider view of how the many organisations across the globe function, cooperate and interact with each other. We aim for the preservation of and respect for both the differences and similarities that are inherent within, and help bind this network of people together.

EXPLANATIONS

CHAPTER

ONE

1. A HISTORY OF WWOOF WWOOF started life in the early 1970s in the United Kingdom when Sue Coppard came up with an affordable way for herself and a few others to get out of the city of London and into the fresh country air for a weekend. It was an idea that involved getting plenty of exercise working on an organic farm in exchange for wholesome food and accommodation, with no money ever changing hands. Having made a deal on these terms with the farm manager at nearby Emerson College in Sussex, the first working weekends took place and proved to be such a success for everyone involved that they soon became regularly arranged trips. News gradually spread of these ‘working weekends’ and before too long many other organic farms and people had come forward interested in being part of the idea. Momentum gathered – a network had been created and WWOOF was born: "Working Weekends On Organic Farms" The basic premise of exchange was to remain at the very core of the WWOOFing idea. But soon enough, the ever increasing

understanding of organic principles and their benefits came to the fore as a dominant concern, and support for the organic movement became a primary aim. WWOOFing could not only give people a chance to spend time and work together in beautiful locations, but also offered them a chance to sample real organic living, growing and farming and to learn and discover the benefits of more sustainable living. In the UK WWOOF developed fast and the organisation was set up to deal with the growing network on a larger scale, acting as a more formal intermediary between WWOOFer and host to help with the smooth facilitation of these exchanges. Furthermore, with a mounting network of people and places, both in and outside of the UK, there was a growing demand that WWOOF should not be limited to weekends only. The acronym was thus revised, becoming: "Willing Workers On Organic Farms" The idea of WWOOF steadily grew on an international scale, with autonomously run WWOOF organisations springing up around the world. In recognition of this global scale and in addition to the possible confusion created by the word â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;workerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, the acronym was revised again to the now readily accepted: "World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms"

2. WWOOF NOW The most recent developments within WOOF have been in response to the growing need for more communication, coordination and cooperation between WWOOF countries. Most recently this has resulted in the creation of a more formalised structure: "The Federation Of WWOOF Organisations" For more than forty years WWOOF spread from country to country in a very organic way, with each new group being independently owned and operated, yet being part of a larger network. There was no formal organisation to represent the interests of WWOOF worldwide – or to answer the myriad of requests sent to “head office” from journalists, potential coordinators, volunteer groups or other organisations. Instead several portal websites were created signposting people to relevant sites for information. Whilst this system served many adequately for a long time – it has not always been effective and has certainly caused confusion for many. As the Internet has expanded and global trading intensified the pressure to resolve these issues has mounted. In September 2011 at an international conference for WWOOF groups in Korea a resolution was passed to create a Federation – an organisation that could unite, promote, protect and support the WWOOF

movement around the world. It would be a way for WWOOF groups to come together and cooperate, to share common responsibilities including the management of one combined portal website as well as managing a single (unified) Independents' list. The Federationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s establishment involved more than 18 months of discussion and negotiation between parties within the WWOOF movement from across the world â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and was finally incorporated in March 2013 (www. wwoof.net). As well as the various practical functions performed by the FoWO, such as addressing trademarking issues, helping to legalize and protect the WWOOF movement, some of the main objects of this umbrella organisation are to support and promote the various existing national organisations by providing these with a previously non-existent coordinating network. Member countries are now regularly communicating with each other and sharing ideas, knowledge and information for the development of this steadily growing movement. Current active sites fully supported by FoWO are www.wwoof.net and www.wwoofindependents.org The FoWO represents an exciting new phase in the development of WWOOF, allowing for a more collaborative spirit to blossom between WWOOF countries and representatives, enabling them to come together and share ideas and common responsibilities. The member organisations work together in the spirit of an international federation with

"Many hosts join WWOOF for the opportunity of opening up their home to the world or simply for the usefulness of having someone to help.

democratic principles Since its inception WWOOF has been adapted to fit changing times, cultural needs, ideas and priorities; demonstrating that the concept itself has always been organically growing. However, the basic premises behind it have remained strong throughout, just one of these is its inherently inclusive nature. With some exceptions, membership fees are generally kept low, there are few restrictions on who can participate and the majority of organisations are not-for-profit, though again there are some exceptions. This far-reaching and comprehensive character of WWOOF has captured the imaginations of many who believe it can really help benefit and

boost the organic consciousness on a much broader and global scale. Bringing an ever increasing number of people into direct contact with organic agriculture and the lives that are intertwined with it.

3. WHO WWOOFS? Fundamentally, it can be anybody who has the slightest interest in experiencing, or gaining a further understanding of the organic movement, its supporters and their lifestyles. Whether you have had none, a handful or a lifetimeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worth of practical experience in the organic field, what really matters is the willingness to help, learn and share with your host.

Whether they have a smallholding, back garden, large ranch, a small semiurban plot, or a remote commune deep in the forest; whether production is a hobby, for self-sufficiency or for commercial purposes, the one thing that really matters is that hosts are also willing to share their lives and knowledge with willing WWOOFers."

WWOOFing is an excellent way to gain practical knowledge of organic techniques for farming and growing, as well as being an ideal way to travel and experience new cultures and customs, allowing a direct and intimate contact with people, their traditions and land. It is important to remember though that WWOOFing is not necessarily just a practical exchange, but also a cultural and human exchange. Just like hosts, WWOOFers must be open to this idea of sharing, to be willing to give and receive, to teach and learn. One of the many attractions of WWOOF is that it is a fairly cheap way to see the world, the only real expense after the membership fee, is travel costs to and between host farms. However, WWOOFing should not be seen solely as an economical way to move around, there are many other worthy organisations to aid this style of cheap travel. Genuine interest in any aspect of organic farming will enhance your experiences as you engage with the real people of the organic movement. WWOOFing with others

WWOOFing can be done alone, as a couple, as a family or small group, and some organisations offer single, couple or group

membership. Most organisations, due to legal reasons, require a minimum age of 18 to join, though this is not to say toddlers, children or teenagers cannot go WWOOFing with their parents or guardians, if this has been agreed by the organisation and prospective hosts. Many hosts are happy to cater for a family of WWOOFers, others simply cannot. If you want to bring a dog or other pet, you would have to ask the host for permission. Potential WWOOFers of all ages and abilities should not be put off by the practical and manual work involved. There are plenty of hosts who will be able to offer you the kind of work that suits or interests you. WWOOFing can be enjoyed at any age and at any skill level, as long as you are physically comfortable with the tasks. If you are not sure, contact the hosts that you are are interested in visiting.

4. WHO HOSTS? Hosts are an eclectic mix of people from different backgrounds, ideologies and cultures â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and as such tend to have a varied and personal idea of what WWOOF is, and what it means to them. Among hosts there is a widespread respect for organic and sustainable growing, rearing and living. Some hosts have formal certification of this and others do not â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it is typically at the discretion of the national organisations when deciding whether a host is allowed to join the organisation without such official recognition.

It is important for aspiring hosts to be able to demonstrate a comprehension of these nationally and internationally recognised standards and to be able to express their own personal organic values and expectations. In many WWOOF organisations, the suitability of hosts is assessed before the registration process is complete. Hosts must have understood and respected the ideas and ethos behind both the WWOOF exchange and the basic principles of organic growing and farming that relates to their farm. The level of need for practical help from WWOOFers may vary greatly, seasonally and from farm to farm. However what is always expected of hosts is an equal and unvarying interest in sharing knowledge. Whether they are seasoned travellers themselves or not, most appreciate this aspect of WWOOF that

with hundreds of WWOOFing visitors behind them, others have just joined up, about to host for the first-time. The farming or growing side of things might or might not be the hostsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; focal point in life, for example the establishment might primarily be dedicated to a different concern, such as a social retreat, or a meditation centre. The hosts might be artists or artisans, running workshops, courses, or a business such as a restaurant or Bed and Breakfast, or they might simply work elsewhere for part of their time. At the other end of the scale the host might be entirely dedicated to, and reliant on their organic agricultural production as a means of earning a living. Harvesting potatoes in Estonia.

embraces the cultural exchange of receiving and hosting people from all over the world. Hosts can be families or couples, individuals or whole communities, with levels of experience ranging considerably between them. This experience can be in terms of how familiar they are with organic growing and farming, as well as the amount of time they have been involved with WWOOF. For example, one host might have spent a lifetime working organically in one area while a neighbouring host might have just moved in, new to both the lifestyle and type of work. Some hosts may have been, or still are, active WOOFers and are therefore familiar with how it works. Some have been hosting for years,

Some host farms produce on a commercial scale and basis, others for purely personal consumption.The possibilities and combinations of lifestyle are countless!

5. TYPES OF FARM There is a wonderfully assorted blend of people, places and opportunities to be found throughout the WWOOF host lists of the world. First and foremost is the variation one can find on a human level, as noted above, with hosts ranging in age, experience, aims, type of household and lifestyle; however there is also considerable variation found in the type, size and scale of farms and establishments that are lived in and maintained. Smallholdings for example are numerous and are often home and

family-centred with small to medium sized vegetable gardens or plots of land on the edges of towns or villages, who may self-produce part of their food, yet maintain other jobs that may or may not relate to their organic farmlife. Some might regularly produce enough to sell in local markets, or have a seasonal crop or particular product that provides a commercial surplus. The nature of small-holdings means that help needed by WWOOFers varies seasonally, and obviously this can differ from host to host depending on their type and scale of farm, and production, as well as their own level of involvement. Some farms produce most or all of their food by farming, foraging, growing and even hunting. This may be through choice or necessity. Remember you can find WWOOF farms in both the richest and poorest corners of the planet. Many farms have neither running water, nor electricity, with hosts interested in working towards more sustainable low-impact existences and finding alternative sources of power. Other farms are on a larger scale and provide an income through a particular service or surplus product. Some may run vegetable box schemes or sell at markets. Others may focus on one particular crop such as vines for wine production, olive trees for oil or livestock, such as pigs for butchery. These larger farms may have paid employees as well as taking on WWOOFers and in lots

of cases take on several WWOOFers at one time. WWOOFing jobs on these types of farm will vary seasonally; normally the need for help peaks during the harvest seasons.

6. WHY ORGANIC? What is organic agriculture?

Organic agriculture is a production system that sustains the health of soils, ecosystems and people. It relies on ecological processes, biodiversity and cycles adapted to local

conditions, rather than the use of inputs with adverse effects. Organic agriculture combines tradition, innovation and science to benefit the shared environment and promote fair relationships and a good quality of life for all involved. Human beings have farmed animals and crops for thousands of years, but it is only relatively recently, in the last century or so, that agriculture as a mass industry has been characterized in its notable move away from organic methods. For example: → The replacement of human labour by synthetic fertilizers, chemical pesticides and fungicides. → Intensive breeding and genetically modified organisms. → Mechanization and the heavy dependence on non-renewable fuels. Technological and scientific advances made it possible for farmers to produce higher yields overall for a much lower input of energy. Large agricultural industries formed in the industrialized west and dominated the world’s agricultural output, feeding a rapidly expanding population – but at what cost? The recent history of agriculture has been irrevocably tangled up with political, social and environmental issues such as: → Sustainability → Non-renewable fossil fuels

→ Damaged ecosystems → Water pollution → Over dependence on monocultures → Diminished soil quality.

→ Inter-cropping- makes intelligent use of a piece of land by planting two or more noncompeting crops in a given area.

Beginning in the early part of the twentieth century, the Organic Movement was a reaction to this type of farm, partially or completely dependent on synthetic and chemical compounds. It was a reaction against the dependence on fossil fuels and the preference for monocultures, as well as decreasing biodiversity and increased air, soil and water pollution. The Organic Movement was in part about sustainability and looking to the future. In direct contrast to the short-sightedness of ‘conventional’ farming, organic agriculture incorporates a system of principles that takes into account the medium and long-term effects of agricultural processes including the relative sustainability of soils and ecosystems.

→ Cover crops – are planted to maximise soil fertility, quality and sustainability.

Management

→ Choosing more resistant native cultivars – native species are typically more resilient and hardy.

Organic farmers aim to establish and maintain soil fertility and structure with as little disturbance as possible to the balance of organisms, and importantly without the reliance on chemical fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides or genetically modified organisms. Such organic soil building practices include: → Crop rotations – rotating crops in a given area can replenish nitrogen and mitigate the build up of pests and diseases in the soil, increasing its quality.

→ Nitrogen-fixing crops- simply give back to the soil the nitrogen it needs. → Organic fertilizers (e.g. compost, green manure and animal manure). → No-dig methods – aim to preserve the natural micro-and macro-biotic organisms that create the delicate balance and structure within the soil. Other important principles in organic farming which aim to increase biodiversity and alleviate the problems of potential pests and diseases include:

→ Companion planting – some crops, if planted in close proximity can mutually assist each other in nutrient uptake, pest control or pollination. → Encouraging natural predators – for example building even a small pond will encourage frogs and bats who feed on pests such as slugs and snails. → Maintaining wildlife habitats – for example

providing useful spaces like hedgerows and fencelines for sheltering animals. Standards

The standards for organic production and certification are regulated on a national and international basis though all follow the same general principles promoting: → Soil health, fertility and sustainability. → The production of nutritious foods – crops absorb the minerals from the earth, so healthy soils help to ensure wholesome plants. → Minimal dependence on non-renewable energy sources – by making use of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power. → Low levels of environmental pollution. → The enhancement of wildlife habitats – hedgerows and fence-lines around fields, river banks and wooded areas are places where animals, insects and fungi can thrive. → Excellent standards of animal welfare – rearing animals in a responsible way, providing plenty of space, nutritious food and a decent life. If you are a host looking to join your national WWOOF organisation, it is generally not necessary to have an official organic

certification. However, you might have to be in the process of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;turningâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; organic (this can take several years for contaminated soils) or be able to state exactly what type of organic principles you employ. The movement and how WWOOF fits in Organic farming is the main component of the movement's larger trend towards lower impact and more sustainable lifestyles. It is an ever expanding network of people with a growing consciousness that has spread globally. Many WWOOFers and WWOOF hosts are interested in organic principles but have little

experience of them in practice and are just embarking on their organic journey. Others have a tradition of farming organically and perhaps already have low-impact systems in place. The harnessing of alternative and reusable power sources, green building techniques and materials, and the utilization of systems to actively break down or filter waste, are just a few examples of low-impact living as well as the focus on recycling, reusing and renewing materials whenever possible. The harnessing of research, technological innovation and the sharing of ideas is of great importance within the movement. People are thinking differently and trying to implement the wheel of change in current industrial practice. WWOOF is one way of connecting and interconnecting these like-minded people.

CHAPTER

JOINING UP 1. MEMBERSHIP If you want to WWOOF or become a host in a particular country, it is necessary to join up to the appropriate WWOOF organisation. This is most easily navigated from the official FoWO website: www.wwoof.net. You will be directed to either a national, autonomously run organisation or to the Independents website, for those countries without their own. As it currently stands there is no over-arching or worldwide membership for joining multiple WWOOF organisations at one time. Membership typically lasts a year for both hosts and WWOOFers and in most cases the basic steps for joining up are the same: → Completing a membership form → Submitting a membership fee → Agreeing to the terms and conditions. WWOOFer

For WWOOFers, in return for joining up, you are given proof of membership, usually

TWO

in the form of a user email and password to access the memberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s part of the website and the all-important host list. Sometimes you are also given a membership card or identification number. Some national organisations require their WWOOFers to complete a profile page which will be made public to their hosts to aid in the process of hosts and WWOOFers finding a suitable match. Host

In some countries hosts might also be contacted or even visited by someone from that particular WWOOF organisation during the membership process to assess suitability. In return, the host is allocated space on the host list, where a description of host and establishment are submitted and displayed to prospective WWOOFers. For some organisations this will be a guided form for you to fill out and in others, you might be given free reign to write as much or little as you like. This is just a basic outline for joining up and it can vary from country to country. For instance, some do not charge a membership fee, some offer discounts for couples, whilst others include added benefits, such as insurance. It is worth reading through the details and terms of joining up thoroughly beforehand.

2. WWOOF ADMINISTRATION WWOOF administration is no less varied. The team behind each organisation helping to run things smoothly might consist of one person or ten, they might work part-time, maybe from home, be WWOOFers or hosts themselves, or work in an office with contracted hours. Sometimes, these administrators are paid a salary, but many work on a voluntary basis, often working in their free time. Some have excellent computer programs at their disposal to make the registration process automatic and instantaneous; others deal with each request by hand and rely on the postal service. In some countries, the membership process can be done completely online, with the reliance on email for communication and payment through online secure systems such as Pay Pal. In this way, the host list can be accessed in an online format, keeping printing costs to a minimum. These diverging facets within WWOOF administration can affect the time taken for memberships to be registered so it really is worth bearing them in mind before you plan your trip.

CHAPTER

THE

HOST LIST

THREE

1. EXPLAINING THE HOST LIST One of the primary functions of WWOOF is to act as an intermediary between potential WWOOFer and prospective host. The host list of a country is this very access point: a regularly updated list containing the descriptions of every host in the country along with the means of contacting them. For WWOOFers, becoming a member of a particular organisation, therefore, enables you to join and directly access this network of hosts across that country. It can be an excellent means of meeting other hosts, particularly in the same area, to share knowledge, produce and ideas with. Often divided geographically, the host list is a fascinating picture of the agricultural and organic opportunities of a country.

2. HOST DESCRIPTIONS Descriptions are mostly written by the hosts themselves, and as such, vary greatly in length, content and personality. Generally there is: → A description of the establishment → Where it is located → Who lives there

→ The type of help that is needed, and how this differs seasonally. There also tends to be information about: → WWOOFer accommodation → Eating/dietary arrangements → Routines → Facilities offered → Other points of interest → Website links.

3. HOSTS: WRITING YOUR HOST DESCRIPTION Different WWOOF countries organise their hosts and host lists in different ways. It is important to fully understand what is expected of “It is important to strike a balance between functionality and being human, and portraying the character of your farm you to make the most of whichever format you are given. In lots of cases you will be given a form and asked to answer a list of specific questions that are informative to prospective WWOOFers, such as, which months of the year WWOOFers are accepted, whether your farm is predominantly meat-eating or otherwise, whether you prefer to be contacted by email, phone or by post etc. Picking fresh kohlrabi in Scotland

the character of your farm and location whenever you can. Forms such as these give hosts a structure to follow and allow the host list to be similarly formatted, helping WWOOFers pick out the necessary information that they are looking for in every given description. However in some cases this can induce a lack of creativity, and can often mean a more limited space for personal descriptions, so make use of any space wisely. If you are given free reign to write as much or as little as you please then think carefully about which details you might want to include and which can be omitted, it is tempting to talk about your farm and family in depth but try and be concise and give the most important and descriptive points only. It is of course impossible to be able to write an exhaustive list of all the possible jobs you might need help with throughout the year, so include the main ones and try to be more specific when arranging any stays with the WWOOFers themselves when they contact you. It is important to strike a balance between functionality and being human, and portraying After work. SvalemĂĽla, Blekinge, Sweden.

In those countries with well established WWOOF organisations the host lists are often vast, so WWOOFers will be looking for those hosts with descriptions that really stand out. What are your own interests? Why is your farm special and different? Give the WWOOFer an idea of the surroundings and landscape â&#x20AC;&#x201C; what might they be able to do on their days off, how can they relax? Certain information can really help WWOOFers. Including what type of jobs are likely to be asked of them, and being as seasonally specific as possible, can be useful. Identifying the focal point/s of your farm can be a good way of letting a prospective WWOOFer know what kind of educational value a stay with you might entail. Mentioning how many WWOOFers you can host at one time can also be a useful gauge for those WWOOFers looking for a certain type of experience. Explaining how and if the WWOOFers will be involved in any other aspects of your farm can be very important as some WWOOFers may choose your farm because of these very aspects, such as learning to cook traditional foods, working at a market, with school groups or in a specific field of interest.

What type of crops do you grow, which animals do you keep? Make it clear in your description what the food and accommodation situations are. Will they be sleeping by themselves in a caravan far from the house? Could they bring their own tent in summer? Will they be cooking for themselves or always eating with you? All of these factors can help a WWOOFer decide if they are suited to and suitable for your farm. Fundamentally these snapshot descriptions form the base from which a WWOOFer decides who to contact. They are the first glimpses of a host and as such are an important way for hosts to communicate their lifestyle, farm, ideas and plans.

4. WWOOFERS: MAKING CONTACT WITH POTENTIAL HOSTS It is always the WWOOFer who makes contact with the host, not the other way round. The host list provides the WWOOFer with the means of

contacting hosts. Once in communication, it is up to the WWOOFer and host to decide between themselves if the match is good and to discuss the plans and arrangements for the WWOOFer's stay. WWOOFers, before contacting any host it is worthwhile thinking about what kind of experience you are looking for and to read h ost descriptions thoroughly and in full. When contacting the hosts of your choice it is always worth following up on the details that interest you and asking questions to get a more informed idea of what kind of tasks you will be asked to help with at that time of year. It is also a good idea to talk about yourself a little and give reasons for choosing to write to this particular host. What is it about their description that attracted you? What do you hope to learn? Remember to include some kind of reference or proof of membership when making contact with any host.

5. WWOOFERS: WRITING YOUR PERSONAL PROFILE In some national organisations, WWOOFers are required to create their own personal profile page at the time of registration. This information is then automatically sent to any host that the WWOOFer has chosen to contact. This page can be a useful platform for WWOOFers to talk about their own interests, hopes and skills; and for the hosts to gain a better idea of who the

WWOOFer is. Make sure you include any relevant experience, interests, goals, hobbies and make your profile stand out. This is an opportunity for you to allow your personality to shine! Remember that the host you are writing to might be choosing between several WWOOFers at one time, this is especially relevant during popular seasons and at farms offering popular learning experiences.

ARRANGING THE STAY

CHAPTER

FOUR Remember that most stays are arranged directly between WWOOFer and host.

is generally speaking always worthwhile dedicating some extra time to further interaction, before an agreement is made. Asking each other questions will often help gauge whether a particular exchange will be mutually beneficial.

1. THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNICATION Remember that most stays are arranged directly between WWOOfer and host. No matter what form of communication exists between a WWOOFer and prospective host, it

Some hosts have websites or blogs, especially if they also offer other facilities such as rooms to let, holiday apartments, workshops or classes etc. This can be helpful for WWOOFers to learn more about the host and their establishment. Once host and WWOOFer are in communication it is up to both parties to decide between themselves on the plans for the WWOOFer's stay. Therefore the more communication that is had before the proposed trip, the more likely it is that a clear and happy match can be made.

WWOOFers: it is important if possible to give plenty of notice before you plan a visit. Taking into account the agricultural year, your help might be needed at certain times of the year more than others and responses might be slower at such times also. Periods of harvest are often the busiest so get in touch well beforehand if you wish to WWOOF at these times. Some organisations now provide regularly updated lists of hosts needing help imminently for one reason or another. These emergency lists can be of great help to those WWOOFers also needing hosts at short notice. It is also worth noting what form of communication is used or preferred by the host. Do they provide an email address, or simply a telephone number or postal address? If you choose to telephone a host, be aware they might not be able to give you an immediate response â&#x20AC;&#x201C; perhaps needing time to think whether there is sufficient or suitable work, or discuss it with other members of the farm/ family. Similarly, if sending a request in the post, take into account it may take some time to receive a reply.

On other host lists, contact details are not directly supplied to the WWOOFer. Instead he or she is directed to a contact page where they can write and submit their message to a host on a ready formatted application form. In this way, contact is by one means only and the host immediately knows the WWOOFer is a registered member of the organisation.

Where it is possible we encourage WWOOFers to write individually to each host. Group emailing lots of hosts at once does not give a good impression and can create confusion. However in lots of cases it can be necessary to contact a few hosts at a time, keeping track of who you have already contacted and making sure everyone is informed of your plans.

As previously mentioned, for some countries WWOOFers are required to create their own profile page which is automatically sent to any host they choose to contact. For others, it is important that any initial contact message incorporates similar information, such as interests, experience, and reasons why they have chosen this host.

If you do not receive a reply after a long wait it can be worth getting in touch again and, if necessary, by a different means. It would of course be ideal to receive a reply either way from the host, but sometimes this is not possible. If you do not have any luck having correspondence with a host, try not to get frustrated or down-hearted; there will generally be a good reason behind it â&#x20AC;&#x201C; though we would encourage hosts to make an effort to reply to all WWOOF requests. Hosts, when a WWOOFer makes contact with you it is worth taking the time to get to know the person a little before you accept them. If the WWOOFer has not written enough, perhaps ask some questions and get a feel for their personality before agreeing. When an agreement has been made, logistics can be discussed and agreed upon, such as the length of stay, directions to the farm and organizing possible pick-up points. Naturally it is important for both WWOOFer and host to be sure of all these details.

2. WWOOFERS: CHOOSING HOSTS Type of establishment

As you will see from a first glimpse of any host list, the range of organic establishments is vast and varied. When deciding which hosts you might like to contact, it is worth taking into account how and to what effect the establishment acts as a point of focus for the host and how this affects what you and other WWOOFers will be doing there and with whom. If for any reason the situation changes for either party and they no longer plan to honour that agreement, this must be communicated as soon as possible so that alternative plans can be made. WWOOFers: it is also a good idea to remind hosts of your arrival, particularly if your stay was arranged months in advance. We would encourage a flexible and realistic approach in these agreements, whilst retaining a polite and considerate manner towards each other, promoting mutual respect.

Does the host have another job, or is the farm their primary source of income? Perhaps the farm is specialised in the commercial production of particular products, such as wine, honey, cheese, bread, or maybe their speciality lies in rearing animals, or particular types of crops grown. What is the scale of production? Is it for home or commercial use? Is the farm also the location for another enterprise â&#x20AC;&#x201C; such as a restaurant or Bed and Breakfast? Will WWOOFers be involved in this element of the work? Is it a place where practical courses and workshops are run? Do these relate to organic farming or something different, such as tourism, art or meditation? Does this mean there will be an influx of visitors â&#x20AC;&#x201C; are these individuals or whole school groups? Do WWOOFers

Take these factors into account when choosing which hosts you would like to contact. Do they live in the type of place you want to visit, experience and explore?

transportation to reach the host? Can you rely on public means to get you there – will you be able to walk, or will you have to arrange a lift with the host? What time of the day is it most convenient to arrive? What type of land do they have – Is it rugged, shrubby and hilly, thickly wooded or near the coast? Is it mountainous? Or set in the valleys or broad plains? This naturally will be an important factor in the type of crops, animals and farm a host will have, and thus, the kind of work that will be done by WWOOFers. Type of host

help with this element of the establishment? As a WWOOFer, you may care about all or none of the above, but it is worth taking them into consideration when reading the descriptions on the host list, as they may or may not dictate what type of work you will be doing in what type of working environment. Type of location

Where does the host live? As above, it is equally worth thinking about the physical location of a prospective host. Open up an atlas or map and take a look. How isolated might the host be? Are the nearest neighbours five metres or five kilometres away? What are the means of

It is almost certain that the descriptions on the host list will give some kind of information about who the hosts are. But as a WWOOFer, it is important to ask yourself what kind of human situations you are interested in experiencing, and who you would like to meet and help. Many hosts are families. Some with children still living at home, whether young and still at school, or grown up and helping with the family land or business. Some have several generations all living together under one roof; others may have just started their families. Some hosts are individuals or couples and can vary considerably in age. Others are entire communities of people, possibly living in a shared house, or number of houses within a space of land. Often hosts will mention how long they have

WWOOFers, ask yourself what type of organic lifestyle you are interested in experiencing.

Do you want to try and fit in with a community and learn about the organisation and cooperation between people, or work with someone who has lived and worked the land for 50 years? Do you want to experience family life in another culture, meet children, teenagers or young adults, perhaps of similar age to you? Or work with other WWOOFers?

WWOOFing is a human and cultural exchange whereby you enter into people’s lives, with the joys, warmth, individuality and complications that exist everywhere.

been living, have owned, or shared a certain establishment. For some it may be a completely new project in life, they might need help with fundamental elements of organisation and building. Furthermore, they might just be l earning the ropes of organic growing and rural living themselves. On the other end of the scale, other hosts may have lived at their establishment for years and have a wellingrained routine and lifestyle. WWOOFers ask yourself what type of organic lifestyle you are interested in experiencing. Do you want to try and fit in with a community and learn about the organisation and cooperation between people, or work with someone who has lived and worked the land for 50 years? Do you want to experience family life in another culture, meet children, teenagers or young adults, perhaps of similar age to you? Or work with other WWOOFers? WWOOFing is a human and cultural exchange whereby you enter into people's lives, withe the joys, warmth, individuality and complications that exist everywhere. Food and accommodation

When reading the host list, it might also be worth thinking about the conditions and facilities offered to the WWOOFer. Do they suit you? Where will you be sleeping? What kind of accommodation do you have and where is it situated? For instance, you might be given a bedroom within the hostsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

separately. Will your role also be to help prepare meals? Will you eat with the hosts themselves or cook for yourself with your own kitchen and equipment? As a WWOOFer, what kind of situation would you prefer to experience? If it is not made clear in the host’s description, it might be useful to ask – though normally the arrangements will become clear within the initial correspondence. It is rarely necessary to send pages of questions to the host before you arrive!

3. HOSTS: CHOOSING WWOOFERS

main house, sharing other facilities such as bathrooms and really living as part of the family. Or perhaps there is another form of accommodation specifically set-up for WWOOFers such as a shared caravan, renovated bus, tent or tepee, shepherd hut or tree-house. These are just some of the possibilities you might encounter, some of which are only used seasonally, whilst others are equipped for year-round usage, complete with heating and cooking facilities. Some hosts will state in their descriptions whether they have certain types of facilities or not. For

example, many hosts have built compost toilets, or have outdoor solar powered showers. Perhaps they have chosen not to be connected to mains electricity, gas or water – relying on alternative means of energy and water sources. In some cases it will be necessary for WWOOFers to bring sleeping bags – so it is worth double checking this before you leave. Some hosts offer whole houses to groups of WWOOFers at a time, where they cook, eat and sleep together. Other hosts may have only room for one or two WWOOFers at a time, either staying in the main house itself, or living

As already discussed, when a WWOOFer contacts you about a potential stay, continued and further communication can be essential to ensure that both parties are fully aware of and happy about the possible arrangements. Perhaps you will have the benefit of being able to view a WWOOFer’s profile page, an online system that some WWOOF organisations have now adopted. Within this system, just as you have a description of yourselves on the host list, WWOOFers too have an opportunity to write something about themselves, perhaps about their interests, background, skills and aspirations. For most organisations however, profile pages such as these do not exist and

it is up to you as the host to ask any questions of a WWOOFer that you feel are necessary. It can be reassuring to know a little bit more about somebody who will be coming into your home and life. Some hosts find themselves inundated with WWOOFer requests, particularly at those times of year that bring good weather and coincide with spring and summer holidays. In these cases the host has the luxury and often difficulty of picking and choosing WWOOFers they like the sound of best; or those who seem more suitable for their farm lifestyle or

requirements. For those hosts who cannot afford to be so choosy, it is still advisable to encourage further communication with any prospective WWOOFer. We would encourage you to reply to all requests if possible. Remember you must never feel forced into accepting a WWOOFer, you can always say no. It is not necessary to be a continual host for 365 days of the year! Breaks between WWOOFers can be invaluable. As most hosts know, it is not necessarily important to choose the most experienced or

skilled WWOOFer â&#x20AC;&#x201C; WWOOFing is also about a human and cultural exchange. Those WWOOFers who have the willingness and enthusiasm to learn and to help in whatever way possible can provide dynamism and energy, which is just as valuable as having somebody as practically capable as you.

ORGANISING WWOOFERS 1. ROUTINE Is there a general routine that WWOOFers should follow and adopt? Let them know when they arrive so that they can be more comfortable knowing something more of what to expect. For example, do you all get up at the same time and have breakfast together before starting the jobs that are to be done? Do you have to go out to work in the morning and set them their jobs the night before? Do you have an arrangement where the mornings are free

All these variations in lifestyle and personality are part of what make each WWOOFing host unique. You run your establishment just the way you want to, making sure the WWOOFer understands and is comfortable with his or her place within it.

CHAPTER

FIVE

and work starts from after lunch? How does the season affect the daily routine? Perhaps a siesta is usual in the hot summer period, but during winter you wake up earlier and finish work earlier â&#x20AC;&#x201C; making use of the daylight hours. As a host it is therefore always best to lay your cards on the table to the WWOOFer before they arrive. Generally between 4-6 hours of help a day, 5 days a week is deemed a fair exchange.

All of these variations in lifestyle and personality are part of what make each WWOOFing host unique. You run your establishment just the way you want to, making sure the WWOOFer understands and is comfortable with his or her place in it.

2. RULES Remember that your habits and rules are particular to you and may not be obvious to a

WWOOFer. Some hosts find it hard to strike a balance between strict organisation and a more carefree approach. Discipline is often an important feature in the functioning of a working farm, though providing a list of rules as soon as a WWOOFer arrives can be a little overwhelming. Those habits which are vital must be made clear, for example certain gates that must be kept closed. Hopefully, WWOOFers will arrive with a little common sense of their own, but gently reminding them can occasionally be necessary. WWOOFers need to know just enough about your customs to be able to respect them and fit in with your lifestyle.

3. WORKING HOURS

It is therefore always a good idea to spend at least some time working with your WWOOFers getting them used to the life and routines on your farm.

Some WWOOF organisations stipulate the number of hours a WWOOFer must work in a day and week, others give general guidelines and some leave it entirely up to the hosts themselves. The topic of working hours is always hotly debated between WWOOF organizers, hosts and WWOOFers; it can create confusion and can sometimes be abused. As a host it is therefore always best to lay your cards on the table to the WWOOFer before they arrive. Generally between 4-6 hours of help a day, 5 days a week is deemed a faie exchange. For many hosts farm-work is a lifestyle. They do not necessarily work 5 hours a day,

but perhaps all day and most of the week. For some WWOOFers this will be an exciting experience, they might want to join you all day and feel the satisfaction of working the hours you do, but this should not be obligatory and an arrangement between you and the WWOOFer should be made so that both parties are clear and happy. If for example you know that it is going to be a particularly busy time of the year with work such as hay-baling or harvesting crops, it is worth letting the WWOOFer know before they arrive that some days might be longer than others, or longer than expected. Some WWOOFers will keep a record of the number of hours they have worked and others will be happy to work and help as much as they can. You must always remember that the WWOOFing experience is not only an exchange of labour for bed and board.

4. FREE TIME It is important to make it clear to the WWOOFer when their free time is, even if this changes on a daily basis. It can also be helpful to let them know a range of activities you or the surrounding landscape can offer them for leisure time. Are there walking routes around? A river they can get to? Books they can read?

5. WWOOFER CAPABILITIES As it is impossible to write an exhaustive list of all possible jobs for WWOOFers in your description on the host list, it is important to discuss your current plans and stages of work with WWOOFers when they arrive, whilst tactfully assessing their capabilities. Are they a lone WWOOFer, or will they be working with others? Have they had much experience of the type of work that you are asking of them? Will you be able to leave them to certain jobs by themselves, or will they need help at every stage? All of these factors and questions can dictate the type of tasks which are most suitable to tackle and how much independence they will have doing them. It is therefore always a good idea to spend at least some time working with your WWOOFers getting them used to the life and routines on your farm, as well as gauging their levels of enthusiasm and competence. Bicycles they can borrow? A town they can visit? Any communal or social activities they can join in with? Try and set the scene. Free time can be both seasonally variable and job specific. Factors such as daylight hours, extreme temperatures and tasks with deadlines can affect the working routine. For example if you have already booked a date for when you will take your harvested olives to the press, it is important for you as a host to work every dry

day picking. Explaining this to WWOOFers beforehand can save a lot of confusion, misunderstanding and possible bad feeling. Most WWOOFers will be happy to help alongside you and adapt to your schedule, if they have been previously consulted. Many hosts often show gratitude to those WWOOFers who have really gone out of their way to help or work long hours alongside them, perhaps by cooking them an extra special meal or taking them on a trip to a nearby place of interest.

Perhaps you could ask if there is anything in particular they are keen to learn about or experience whilst they were there, it might even be possible to steer the work around this. Keep talking to your WWOOFers â&#x20AC;&#x201C; are they happy with the jobs you have asked them to do? Remember to give praise! Try and set them tasks that they are excited about, or capable of achieving. It is important to feel the satisfaction of accomplishng a task.

If a WWOOFer needs help, help them, or set them working on a more achievable task. It is also useful to explain why you are asking them to do something so that they can understand the importance of their work, even for the seemingly menial or boring jobs. Some WWOOFers are very comfortable and experienced in organic and agricultural settings; others have never seen a wheelbarrow before in their lives. It is your role as host to support your WWOOFers, from teaching them the necessary skills to achieve a task, to encouraging them to stop or slow down if they are overworking themselves.

6. KEEPING WORK VARIED It can be very difficult to set new and varied jobs for WWOOFers every day of their stay.

Most WWOOFers will be aware that repetition is necessary for many tasks and that some require time and determination. Varying tasks even slightly however can certainly lead to sustained enthusiasm, and energy levels. For example, if the morning routine is the same every day, mucking out the stables, splitting logs or weeding the vegetable patch, then perhaps it is a good idea to keep the afternoon activities varied. Most WWOOFers are keen to learn and try their hand at new tasks using different skills.

7. RAINY-DAY ACTIVITIES There are always times when it does not stop raining. When the elements stop you from doing the jobs you had planned to do with your WWOOFers, it can be of great advantage to have already prepared a rainyday list of tasks. What can the WWOOFers do in the greenhouse, poly-tunnel or barn? Are there any tasks you need help with inside the house such as preserving or conserving crops, help with bread making or wine production? Can they help repair broken tools? Or simply help you around the house? Sometimes it might be as frustrating for you as for the WWOOFer, so try and make the most of it. Be creative and positive.

CONSIDERATE HOSTING AND WWOOFING 1. SHARED SPACE WWOOFers

Every WWOOFing experience is different and every host has a different way of organising their WWOOFers. It is a good idea to gauge the situation when it comes to shared spaces. Are there certain areas that your hosts prefer to keep to themselves, for example in the evenings? Do WWOOFers have a social space to themselves or do they share all the public rooms/spaces with the hosts? Respect common places and the idea that your hosts and other family members might like Be sensitive to the hostsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; organisation. It is always better to ask what you are allowed to eat and cook, rather than helping yourself. Ask how you might be able to help them most

privacy at certain times and in certain areas of the house; just as you might need your own space and privacy. Similarly, try and keep track of where you leave your personal belongings in these common spaces. Hosts

It is always worth thinking about how you want to share your space with WWOOFers before they arrive and to be able to communicate this effectively so that everyone is happy and clear with the situation. Consider the human and cultural exchange element of WWOOF, it isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t necessarily going to be beneficial to keep yourselves completely separate from your WWOOFers, but find the balance between retaining your personal space and opening up your shared spaces in an intelligent and welcoming way.

2. FOOD WWOOFers

Many hosts will appreciate help with the preparing and clearing up of the meals, though some may well prefer to plan and

CHAPTER

SIX

organise all the meals themselves particularly when cooking for a big family or groups of WWOOFers at a time. Be ready to adapt to cultural culinary differences, from types of food, quantities and meal times.

goes without saying. Similarly, if offered, try to use the washing machine efficiently; for example using it at lower temperatures, at cheaper electricity times, and sharing loads. Asking is always better than assuming.

Be sensitive to the hosts' organisation. It is always better to ask what you are allowed to eat and cook, rather than helping yourself. Ask how you might be able to help them most effectively.

It is important to be aware that even if hosts have use of the Internet, this does not mean you will necessarily have unlimited access. If the host offers free use of their computer it is still better to be considerate about how much time you are spending on it. In matters such as these it is best to use your common sense!

Hosts

Making sure your WWOOFers are well fed seems obvious. But it is worth remembering that they might be using lots more energy than they are accustomed to. Be considerate in offering snacks and plenty of drinks. Mostly WWOOFers will be happy to fit into your eating regime, but this might take some time, needing additional energy when you perhaps do not. Be prepared that some WWOOFers simply have huge appetites. Make sure you know if there are any foods that they are allergic to.

3. RESOURCES & EQUIPMENT WWOOFers

Try and be savvy about how much fuel you are using, turning laptops and lights off behind you

Always try to remember to put tools and equipment

The cultural exchange between WWOOFer and host is not purely practical. The social and educational aspect of the exchange is very important. back where you found them, not leaving them lying wherever they were used. Hosts

Try and make it clear if WWOOFers need to bring anything in particular to your farm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; either in your

host description or when they contact you. Ideally WWOOFers will bring suitable footwear/boots and over-clothes, warm layers and gloves, but if you can lend any additional clothing or gear this will always be appreciated. Do you have spare tools for all your WWOOFers to use? Is there specific equipment they might need, such as ear protection when using noisy machinery? Or how about if the temperature suddenly drops can you offer them a spare blanket at night? If they have forgotten a sun hat, can you lend them one, or offer sun-cream? Many WWOOFers are travelling for long periods of time and by necessity pack as light as possible, anything and everything you can lend is an added bonus.

4. COMMUNICATION & THE CULTURAL EXCHANGE The cultural exchange between WWOOFer and host is not purely practical. The social and educational aspect of the exchange is very important. Hopefully a feeling of openness will be established early on so that both parties will feel able to discuss any of the above if they are feeling uncertain or unsure of how they are to act. Though it is worth remembering that a good dose of common sense will see you through most things! Hosts

If you can, try and show your WWOOFers around the area; meet up with friends and locals or show them places of interest nearby. There has been a

better to inform your prospective WWOOFers to come prepared, as trips to the markets will either be infrequent, or impossible. Offering help to any WWOOFers who seem to be struggling to organise the next WWOOF farm they are going to can be much appreciated. Of course this is not your responsibility to arrange, but you might know of some farms to recommend, or nice regions for them to aim for? Can you offer them use

mutual decision for them to come and stay, so make the most of it.

5. BEING HELPFUL WWOOFers

Being considerate and helpful are two traits worth bringing to any host farm you stay at and are always appreciated. If possible try and gauge from the beginning where your help is most needed, for instance if the host prefers to prepare all the meals, perhaps you could offer to clear up afterwards, or offer to gather any vegetables or herbs for them. Hosts

From time to time, WWOOFers will need to stock up on some personal items, so it can be useful to ask if they would like to accompany you when you go to the village, town or markets. Some hosts live very far away from such places and in these cases it is often

of your Internet or phone to help them search and communicate with potential new hosts?

The following few points may be of some use:

After a days work, a WWOOFer wants to feel valued. Receiving praise can really buoy someone up for giving you their all and get them ready and excited for the next days work. Of course, their labour is being exchanged for board and lodgings, but it never hurts to be thankful and positive.

WWOOFers who contact you before you accept them.

6. FIRST-TIME HOSTING Many hosts who decide to join up to WWOOF have heard about it from friends. They have heard tales and stories of wonderful and positive encounters. It can still be daunting however to accept a stranger into your home and lives for the first time. The first few experiences you can have with WWOOFers can really affect the way you think about the whole process and organisation.

→ Have plenty of communication with any

→ Let the WWOOFer know you are a new host. → Make sure everyone in your household is

happy about the decision. It can be uncomfortable having a stranger in the house.

→ Think about the tasks and activities

you might do beforehand.

OVERCOMING BARRIERS 1. BAD RAPPORT What happens when WWOOFer and host experience problems? Both parties should be aware and open to the possibility that the match might not work out right from the beginning â&#x20AC;&#x201C; this is, after all, part of the adventure of WWOOF. However, it can cause some distress and frustration, so it might be helpful to think through the following points.

CHAPTER

SEVEN

If tactful communication and discussion is an option, it can be beneficial for both parties to talk about respective problems out in the open. Many problems can arise through miscommunication prior to the WWOOFerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s arrival or misunderstandings during or about the stay. These issues are likely to be resolved more easily when they are discussed and made clear. Finding common ground and a better understanding of each other can be a good way to resolve the situation and continue the exchange. Of course, this may not be such a straightforward option. You may find yourself in a situation where you feel incapable of communicating your feelings to the other party. This can be unsettling, however you must try and decide what the best possible course of action might be for the situation.

Know your own limits, strength and

and justifying your reasons. You do not want negative assumptions to be made about your behaviour. In extreme cases, both WWOOFers and hosts can have their membership withdrawn. Make sure you have access to the contact details of the relevant organisation you are a member of so that you can get in touch if necessary, even if you just need some advice or support.

capabilities!

3. ACCIDENTS Of course accidents happen, but most can be avoided with a bit of common sense and some personal risk assessment. WWOOFers

Whether it is shrugging off any clash of personality or disagreements and continuing the exchange with your head held high, whether you feel the need to make arrangements for an earlier departure, or whether leaving must be immediate. Remember there has been no contract signed and serenity must be maintained throughout the decision making process.

2. COMPLAINTS

Arranging shorter stays can be a useful way to lower the chance of prolonged unease or having to make radical changes. Try and remain flexible about your plans, always keeping your options open.

The organisers are there to help you and to be as informed as possible. Therefore, if you are a WWOOFer who has left with or without explanation, or a host who has asked a WWOOFer to leave, you simply must tell the organisation, explaining the situation in full

Both host and WWOOFer have a right to be respected. If there is any interference with the personal dignity of either party, they are entitled to make a formal complaint to the respective WWOOF organisation. These complaints are taken seriously and always investigated accordingly.

Know you own limits, strength and capabilities. If you do not know how to use a certain tool safely, ask for instruction, and if you still feel unsafe, do not continue. It can be worth jotting down the emergency numbers of each country you are visiting and carry a small first aid kit in your backpack just in case. Hosts

Be wise about the kind of jobs and tools you give your WWOOFers to use. Regularly check the condition of your own equipment and discuss the various projects and jobs you would like doing. By gauging the comfort level and competence of the WWOOFer you can explain, teach or demonstrate in an appropriate manner, so that everyone can safely continue. This is particularly important when setting

projects for WWOOFers to do by themselves.

5. CAPABILITIES

Think about the safety of your WWOOFers and yourself, always have access to a first aid kit somewhere on the farm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; making sure everyone knows its location.

WWOOF is an opportunity for everyone. Having a disability of any kind does not necessarily inhibit you from enjoying the WWOOF experience, whether you are a WWOOFer or host.

4. INSURANCE It is up to all WWOOFers and hosts to organise and maintain their respective insurance policies regarding injury, be it personal, or to cover those who are working on your farm. Requirements can vary from country to country so it is worth finding out the best option for you. WWOOF may stipulate that you need certain insurance cover to join the organisation, but it is not their responsibility to ensure that you get it, it is yours. Few WWOOF organisations provide personal injury insurance for WWOOFers in their membership fee, but those that do also provide a set of terms and conditions which should be read thoroughly and understood. There will be stipulations for what the insurance will and will not cover, for example, accidents incurred through the use of certain tools. Do not assume your membership fee automatically includes insurance.

It is however, imperative to make it clear what requirements you might need in the initial communications. Some hosts will need to decide if their farm or the work they need help with will be suitable. Similarly, if it is appropriate and necessary, make it clear if you have any special needs, whether alimentary or otherwise. Any food or other allergies must be discussed and acknowledged prior to arrival.

6. LANGUAGE The idea of travelling to a country with a different language should be an exciting prospect, as is the thought of having a foreigner come to stay with you. Hosts will tend to write in their descriptions on the host list the languages that are understood and spoken on the farm. Try not to let the idea of a language barrier stand in your way. Communication and learning are not necessarily dependent on verbal interaction. Communication barriers between people diminish by the day when there is willingness on both sides. Before arriving in a country, it is worthwhile to get to know some of the basics

Do not forget that WWOOFing is an adventure and a cultural exchange. Do not forget that WWOOFing is an adventure and a cultural exchange. Beingimmersed immersedininaanew newlanguage Being language and country can and country can be eye-opening, be eye-opening, confidence confidence boosting and incredibly boosting and incredibly rewarding, sorewarding, be daring! so be daring!

of the language. Perhaps bring a phrasebook; greetings and polite manners are always a good place to start, but you will be surprised at how quickly words and phrases can be learnt, when living, breathing and working in a different country. Do not forget that WWOOFing is an adventure and a cultural exchange. Being immersed in a new language and country can be eye-opening, confidence boosting and incredibly rewarding, so be daring!

WWOOFERS' TRAVEL Low cost flying can be a tempting way to travel cheaply. There are however many other means of getting around within and between countries which are competitively priced, cleaner and much more interesting. Overall, trains tend to be one of the more expensive ways of travelling throughout richer countries if not booked well in advance. This of course differs from country to country and each will have their own varying tariffs and special deals. Booking overnight trains can be a useful way of saving on accommodation costs. Travelling by coach or bus can often be a cheaper alternative to rail, though in general, they tend to be more limited in their destinations, routes and timetables. It is still worth booking in advance if possible. Local buses tend to be fairly cheap and regular, and some offer extremely cheap deals at certain times of the day or if booked in advance.

CHAPTER

EIGHT One of the cheapest means of travel by road is by car-sharing. There are now many national and international ride share networks online, and whether you are looking for a lift from one place to another, or can offer a lift with your own car, these networks offer a really efficient and fun way of travelling in company and are a more reliable and safer bet than hitchhiking. If you want to be totally independent, you could cycle or even walk between destinations. Make use of some of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s well established and extensive networks of cycle and walking routes.

Look at a map, do your research and plan effectively!

CHAPTER

SUPPORTING

WWOOF

NINE Most WWOOF organisations survive on the membership fees they receive from WWOOFers and hosts who join or renew each year. These fees are inexpensive and we would ask for your consideration in not sharing host lists or the contact information of host farms with anyone who is not an official member.

WWOOF has become what it is today because so many lives have been touched by it. Spread the word and tell all your friends and family about the wonderful experiences you have had hosting and WWOOFing!

A proportion of membership fees go to the International Federation of WWOOF Organisations to help set up new national organisations and towards other important and worthwhile projects. If you are a WWOOFer returning to a host previously visited and your membership has already expired, consider renewing your membership in support of the organisation. There are many ways for both WWOOFer and host to get involved with WOOF. In your local area for example, arranging host-meets, gatherings and parties can be a lovely way of getting to know other hosts/WWOOFers in the area and strengthening the network. Or perhaps consider volunteering for your national organisation, regional co-ordinators are often invaluable to the central office, helping

out with localised issues. Helping out at fairs, festivals and conferences to spread the word of WWOOF is also another way of getting involved and feeling a part of the team spirit of WWOOF. WWOOF has become what it is today because so mnay lives have been touched by it. Spread the word and tell all your friends and family about the wonderful experiences you have had hosting and WWOOFing.

GLOSSARY OF TERMS Agroforestry: An approach to land management which combines forestry and agricultural principles to create more diverse, sustainable and productive land use. Animal Traction: The use of animals to assist farmers in carrying out tasks such as ploughing, harrowing, planting and harvesting. Annuals: Refers to a plant that survives for just one growing season. Most vegetables and grains are annuals, they flower, fruit, produce seed and die within one year. Biennials: Refers to a plant that takes two years to complete its life-cycle, normally a flowering plant will only flower in its second year. Biodiversity: The degree of variation within a given area, region, environment or ecosystem. Car-sharing/Carpooling/Ride-sharing: The sharing of car journeys in order to reduce fuel emissions, road congestion and travel costs. Cash Crop: Agricultural produce grown for sale and profit.

Cob-building: A natural building technique using a material made of clay, sand, straw, water and earth. Co-housing: A type of intentional community consisting of private rooms and shared facilities; often with communal ownership, decision making and activities. Cooperatives: An autonomous group of people who voluntarily cooperate for a shared benefit (social, economic, cultural) Compost: Organic matter that has decomposed and broken down into reusable material as a humus-rich fertilizer to be added to the soil. Compost toilet: A dry toilet (no water, no flush) that composts human excrement via aerobic processes, normally with the addition of sawdust or coconut fibres. Coppicing: A traditional technique of woodland management and harvest used on trees which will make new growth when cut back to stumps. For example alder, willow, lime, hazel, beech, hornbeam, ash, oak and sweet chestnut.

Cover crop: See â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Green Manureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Crop Rotation: An intelligent system of planting that alternates crop types planted in a given area. Amongst other things, this can reduce the build up of pests and diseases and allow for replenishment of depleted nitrogen levels in the soil. Cross Pollination: Occurs when pollen from one plant is delivered to a completely different plant. Cultivars: A plant, or group of plants with

Fertiliser: Any material, natural or synthetic, which is added to soil to increase nutrient levels.

Hydro-culture: The growing of plants in a soilless medium. Hydroponics: A method of growing plants using essential minerals and nutrients in water instead of soil

Forest Gardening: An intelligent system of planting which mimics a young natural woodland, using a system of layers from ground-cover plants right up to the highest canopy. Plants are deliberately chosen for their function and benefit.

Insecticide: A type of pesticide used to kill insects. Intensive Farming/Agriculture: A system of high yield production characterised by agricultural mechanization, monocultures and a heavy dependence on pesticides and fossil fuels.

Forestry: The applied art of creating, organising and managing forests. Fungi: A kingdom of eukaryiotic organisms that play a fundamental role in the decomposition of organic matter and nutrient exchange. Fungicide: Chemical compounds or biological organisms used to kill or inhibit fungi/fungi spores. Green Manure: Refers to cover crops grown for the specific purpose of adding nutrients and organic matter to the soil. Sweet clover, vetch and buckwheat are some examples of crops used for this purpose.

Hardiness: A rating system for plants and their tolerance to climatic conditions such as temperature, drought and flood. Harvest: The process of gathering crops Herbaceous Perennials: Refers to a plant that grows and flowers over the spring and summer, dies back every autumn and winter and returns in the spring from its root-stock.

‘Green’ Liquid fertilizer: Nutrient rich crops such as comfrey and nettles are used to create fertilisers which can be added to boost soil fertility.

Heirloom Plant/Seed/Variety: An old/ancient cultivar or species not typically used in modern large-scale farming.

Grafting: A technique in which tissues from one plant are joined to those of another so that the two join to form one plant. The plants are often selected for their desirable characteristics.

Herbicide: A type of pesticide used to kill unwanted plants, also known as weed killer.

GVCS Global Village Construction Set: A low-cost high performance platform allowing for the easy construction of the 50 different ‘Industrial Machines’ that it takes to build a small, comfortable and sustainable civilization.

Horticulture: The applied science and art of cultivating plants. Humus: The final product of decomposed organic matter. It can improve the structure of soil and help with moisture and nutrient retention.

Leaf mould: A form of nutrient-rich compost produced by the fungal breakdown of leaves. Living roof/Green roof: A roof of a building that has been partially or completely covered with vegetation. They can provide a habitat for wildlife, provide natural insulation and absorb rainwater. Micro hydro: A form of hydro-electric power producing electricity from the natural flow of water. Monoculture: The practice of continually growing a single plant species or crop over a large area. Manure: Nutrient-rich organic matter used as a fertilizer. There are three main types: animal dung, green manures and compost. Moon planting/Agricultural Astrology: A system of planting, cultivating and harvesting crops based on the phases of the moon. Mulch: A layer of material (organic, or inorganic) applied to the soil, particularly the area around a plant for moisture retention, weed suppression or root insulation.

production and to feed livestock. Polyculture: The use of multiple varieties of crops in the same space imitating the diversity found in nature - opposite to monocultures. Ploughing: A plough turns the upper layers of soil, this can be used in preparation for sowing seed, aerating the soil, or churning the remains of previous crops, green manure or weeds and allowing them to break down. Propagation: The process of creating new plants from other plants, using either seeds, spores, cuttings, bulbs or other parts. Open source Ecology: A network of farmers, supporters and engineers aiming towards the establishment of the GVCS Global Village Construction Set. [See GVCS] Open Pollination: Plants that have been pollinated by insects, animals, wind or other natural processes. Perennials: A plant that lives for more than two years, distinct from annuals and biennials. Including herbaceous and woody perennials and trees. Permaculture: An applied system for sustainable agriculture based on models from natural ecosystems. A holistic view with minimal waste, human labour and energy input, with maximum benefits. Pollarding: A system of pruning by removing the upper branches of trees to create a dense head of foliage and branches. Traditionally for wood

Pruning: The selective removal of parts of a plant such as the buds, stems, branches or roots. There are various reasons pruning is recommended: the health of the plant, removing diseased or dead parts, preparation for transplanting, increasing yields of flowers or fruit, harvesting methods and visual effect. Reed Bed System: Natural system of sewage treatment consisting of aquatic plants which allow bacteria, fungi and algae to digest the liquid sewage and clean the water. Rocket stove: An efficient cooking stove using a simple design for high-temperature combustion, resulting in the need for less fuel.

Root stock: A plant with a healthy and established root system onto which a cutting or bud from a different plant is grafted. Seed bank: A store of seeds in case other seed reserves are destroyed. These often include rare species, heirloom varieties and food crops. Self-Pollination: In which a self-fertile flowering plant can pollinate itself by the contact of its own reproductive parts (stamen and carpel) Silviculture: Concerned with the establishment, control, growth and quality of forests. Soil pH: The measure of how acid or alkali a soil is. Neutral is normally considered to be between 6.6 and 7.3 pH. Solar Cooker/Oven: A device which harnesses the energy of direct sunlight to heat or cook food. Smallholding: A small farm, usually supporting a single family. Straw-bale Construction: A natural building method using bales of straw as structural building or insulation blocks. Subsistence Agriculture: Self-sufficiency farming – a focus on growing and rearing enough to feed yourself and family. Vertical Gardening: An intelligent system of gardening designed to create ‘green areas’ where there is limited space for traditional gardens. This has been particularly useful and popular in dense urban areas. Wattle and Daub: A natural building technique and material, using a woven lattice of wooden strips (wattle) in combination with a sticky material (daub) usually

made of a combination of soil, clay, sand, dung and straw Weeding/Weed Control: The deliberate removal of unwanted plants in a given area using physical or chemical methods.

A WWOOF WORLD

United Kingdom 1971

Korea (South) 1998

Turkey2004

New Zealand 1973

Italy 1999

Mexico 2005

Australia 1981

Ghana 2000

China 2005

Canada 1985

USA 2001

Bulgaria 2006

Denmark 1986

Chile 2002

Costa Rica 2006

Germany 1987

Nepal 2003

Japan 1994

Czech Republic 2003

France 2007

Spain 2007

Austria 1996

Uganda 2003

India 2007

Switzerland 1998

Sweden 2004

Israel 2007

Taiwan 2007

Cameroon 2009

Estonia 2007

Argentina 2009

Sri Lanka 2010

Sierra Leone 2007

Portugal 2009

Guatemala 2010

Macedonia 2013

Brazil 2008

Poland 2009

Greece 2011

Belgium 2013

Romania 2008

Hungary 2009

Nigeria 2011

Thailand 2013

Ecuador 2008

Belize 2008

Philippines 2009

Serbia 2011

South Africa 2014

Kazakhstan 2009

Moldovia 2009

Kenya 2013

Lithuania 2009

Togo 2013

Ireland 2009

Bangladesh 2010

Norway 2013

THE POCKET GUIDE TO WWOOF Created by Victoria Harrison, Basil Black and Jandi Hallin Illustrations: Phelan Black Photo Credit: Frances Simmons (pgs 21(right), 32(right), 46(right) ) Anna Cairns-Pettigrew (pgs 22, 27) Victoria Harrison (pgs 5, 6, 9, 14, 15, 16(right), 17-20, 24, 29, 30, 31(bottom), 32(left), 35-38, 40-42, 44(right), 53, 55(right) A&T Kommunikation and Design, Gothenburg, Sweden & VG International, UK