What is WWOOF?

WWOOF, a world wide network - it started in the UK in 1971, and has since become an international movement that is helping people share more sustainable ways of living.

WWOOF is an exchange - in return for volunteer help WWOOF hosts offer food, accommodation and opportunities to learn about organic lifestyles.

WWOOF organisations link individuals wanting to volunteer on organic farms or smallholdings with people who are looking for volunteer help.

How does it work?

WWOOF organisations publish a list of organic farms, smallholdings and gardeners that welcome volunteer help at certain times. The diversity of hosts available offers a large variety of tasks and experiences.

Volunteer helpers ("WWOOFers") choose the hosts that most interest them and make direct contact to arrange a stay. Volunteers usually live as part of the family.

Who is WWOOF for?

Read the simple desriptions of a WWOOF host or WWOOFer (right).

Do you fit this description?

If so, you are the sort of person that WWOOF was created for.

If not, you might want to try one of the organisations listed in the box 'Other non-organic organisations'.

WWOOF around the world

While there are many WWOOF organisations around the world, there is not one WWOOF membership that covers all countries.

Some countries have their own national WWOOF organisation:
Each national WWOOF organisation is run separately. To be a host or to go WWOOFing in any of these, click on the name of the country in the list (on the left of this page).

Other countries do not have a national WWOOF organisation:
Any hosts in these countries can be listed by WWOOF Independents. Volunteer members currently have access to a list covering 53 countries.

◊ grow organically, are in conversion, or use ecologically sound methods on their land.

◊ provide hands-on experience of organic growing and other learning opportunities where possible.

◊ provide clean dry accommodation and adequate food for their volunteers.

◊ need a genuine interest in learning about organic growing, country living or ecologically sound lifestyles.

◊ help their hosts with daily tasks for an agreed number of hours.

If you have any other sites to add to this list please let us know.
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