🍂 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.

👉 Find out more about stewardship