Autumn Volunteer Week (13-17 October)
Autumn Volunteer Week (13-17 October)
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🍂 Autumn Volunteer Week at Rushmere
13th – 17th October
As the season turns, we host a short autumn volunteering week focused on caring for the land as it prepares for winter.
The Autumn Volunteer Week is a chance to spend time outdoors, learn traditional land-care skills, and contribute directly to the long-term health of the farm — while enjoying good company, simple practices, and warm, hearty food at the end of the day.
This week is rooted in stewardship rather than productivity. Work is purposeful but unhurried, with space for rest, learning and shared time.
What the week involves
Across the week we’ll be working gently on the land, with activities likely to include:
- Hedge laying
- Coppicing and woodland management
- Hedgerow care and maintenance
- Habitat creation and preparation for winter
- Winter bird identification and wildlife awareness
The work is suitable for people with no prior experience — guidance and tools are provided, and tasks are adapted to weather and energy levels.
Alongside the practical work, the week includes:
- Morning mindful movement and/or yoga
- Time outdoors in woodland and fields
- Warm, hearty dinners shared together in the evenings
- Space for conversation, quiet and reflection
A typical day (indicative)
Exact timings may vary depending on weather and daylight.
- Morning: gentle movement / yoga (optional)
- Mid-morning to early afternoon: land work (with breaks)
- Lunch: bring your own picnic
- Afternoon: continued practical work, learning or habitat tasks
- Evening: shared supper and relaxed time together
You’re welcome to attend for the full week or join for part of it, subject to availability.
Food & accommodation
- Lunch: Please bring your own picnic each day
- Dinner: Warm, hearty evening meals are provided
- Breakfast: Simple breakfast items provided
Camping and accommodation options may be available at reduced rates for volunteers — please get in touch to discuss what’s possible.
Who this week is for
This week suits people who:
- enjoy working outdoors at a steady pace
- are interested in traditional land-care and ecology
- value learning by doing
- are happy with simple arrangements and shared spaces
No specialist skills are required — curiosity and care are enough.
Stewardship & pricing
The Autumn Volunteer Week exists because of stewardship.
- Included for Engaged and Lead Stewards
- Reduced-rate access for Local Stewards
- A limited number of non-steward places are available at a higher rate
Some specialist activities may carry a small additional cost.
If you’re not currently a steward but are considering becoming one, this week is a good way to experience what stewardship at Rushmere looks like in practice.
👉 Find out more about Stewardship at Rushmere
Joining the Autumn Volunteer Week
Places are limited to keep the week calm, safe and meaningful.
If you have questions about suitability, access, or joining for part of the week, feel free to get in touch.
A note on the season
Autumn is a rich time on the farm — quieter, more focused, and attentive to what the land needs next. This week is about helping the farm transition into winter while giving people space to do the same.
How to book
Most people join by booking a Volunteer Week Ticket, which includes full participation in the week and camping on site. If you’re unable to attend the full week, day tickets and evening-only tickets are also available. Please choose the ticket type that best fits how you’d like to take part.
Ticket options explained
🌾 Volunteer Week Ticket – £60
The best way to experience Rushmere Farm.
Includes:
- Participation across the week (flexible attendance)
- On-site camping for the duration
- Access to core workshops and shared suppers
- Morning yoga / meditation sessions
- Time working alongside others caring for the farm
(Accommodation upgrades such as yurts, shepherd’s hut or cottages may be available at reduced rates — please contact us.)
🌱 Volunteer Day Ticket – £10
For those who can only join for a day.
Includes:
- Daytime volunteering activities
- Access to one supper or workshop on that day
⛺ Volunteer Camping – £5
Camping on site for volunteers who are not booking a Volunteer Week Ticket.
(Camping is already included in the Volunteer Week Ticket — no need to book this separately.)
🍽 Evening Tickets (non-volunteering)
Evening-only tickets are available for members of the wider community who would like to join us for food, music or workshops without daytime volunteering.
Available options:
- TBC
Each evening ticket includes food and the hosted activity for that night.
Refund Policy
We have a 30-day return policy, which means you have 30 days after receiving your item to request a return.
To be eligible for a return, your item must be in the same condition that you received it, unworn or unused, with tags, and in its original packaging. You’ll also need the receipt or proof of purchase.
To start a return, you can contact us at george@rushmerefarm.com. Please note that returns will need to be sent to the following address: [INSERT RETURN ADDRESS]
If your return is accepted, we’ll send you a return shipping label, as well as instructions on how and where to send your package. Items sent back to us without first requesting a return will not be accepted.
You can always contact us for any return question at george@rushmerefarm.com.
Damages and issues
Please inspect your order upon reception and contact us immediately if the item is defective, damaged or if you receive the wrong item, so that we can evaluate the issue and make it right.
Exceptions / non-returnable items
Certain types of items cannot be returned, like perishable goods (such as food, flowers, or plants), custom products (such as special orders or personalized items), and personal care goods (such as beauty products). We also do not accept returns for hazardous materials, flammable liquids, or gases. Please get in touch if you have questions or concerns about your specific item.
Unfortunately, we cannot accept returns on sale items or gift cards.
Exchanges
The fastest way to ensure you get what you want is to return the item you have, and once the return is accepted, make a separate purchase for the new item.
European Union 14 day cooling off period
Notwithstanding the above, if the merchandise is being shipped into the European Union, you have the right to cancel or return your order within 14 days, for any reason and without a justification. As above, your item must be in the same condition that you received it, unworn or unused, with tags, and in its original packaging. You’ll also need the receipt or proof of purchase.
Refunds
We will notify you once we’ve received and inspected your return, and let you know if the refund was approved or not. If approved, you’ll be automatically refunded on your original payment method within 10 business days. Please remember it can take some time for your bank or credit card company to process and post the refund too.
If more than 15 business days have passed since we’ve approved your return, please contact us at george@rushmerefarm.com.