Celebrating 50 years of Working Holidays
Working holidays are going from strength to strength and have been part of the National Trust for 50 years. The range of locations and experiences are forever evolving, allowing participants to help care for some of the finest coast, countryside, historic houses and gardens in Britain.
Why you’ll love working holidays • G ain new skills and enjoy unique experiences. • Work alongside, and learn from, the experts. • Make new friends and lifelong friendships. • Have the opportunity to work in some amazing places. • See life behind the scenes of the National Trust. • Have the satisfaction of helping a great cause.
Why we love working holidays • V ital work and conservation gets addressed helping to look after some of the UK’s most important places. • Participants make a contribution towards visitor enjoyment and bringing locations to life. • Participants bring with them a wealth of knowledge, new ideas, skills and experience that the National Trust and others benefit from.
Essential information for your working holiday Arrivals and departures Your working holiday commences at approximately 6pm on the first day, allowing you time during the day for travel, and will end at approximately 10am on the last day. Short breaks end at approximately 4pm. When booking your transport home, please allow time to travel from your accommodation to the station. Designated pick-up points will be given on your joining instructions and your holiday leader will contact you prior to your holiday to discuss your plans.
Meals All meals are included (except an evening meal on your day off ). Under the guidance of the leader, holiday participants will help prepare and serve meals. While not restaurant standard meals they are hearty, tasty and plentiful. If you are a vegetarian or follow a special diet it is vital that you let the Holidays Team know at the time of booking, or well in advance of your holiday, so that the holiday leader can be told of your requirements. The leader may contact you to discuss your requirements.
Free time Your holiday leader will have suggestions for group activities in the evenings and, if applicable, on the day off during your holiday (short breaks and some active holidays do not have a day off ). The activities may include visiting nearby towns or National Trust properties, or you might choose to go bowling, visit a pub or other attractions. You will need to bring enough money to cover the cost.
Working holiday groups and leaders On your working holiday you will be working alongside up to fifteen participants of all ages and your holiday leader who is a volunteer. Our 250 volunteer leaders are trained to help you have a
rewarding and enjoyable holiday and work with National Trust staff to ensure its smooth running. The leaders help with the day-to-day running of the work site and organise the domestic and social arrangements of the holiday. We could not deliver our programme without our skilled and enthusiastic team of leaders. If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer leader – or just finding out more – call 01225 792278 or visit our website www.nationaltrust.org.uk/workingholidays
Health and safety The National Trust is committed to ensuring that all the necessary precautions are in place to protect you from dangers or hazards whilst on a working holiday. National Trust staff will explain safety on site, including the safe use of tools, safe methods of carrying out the work involved and emergency procedures. You must follow any instructions given to ensure that you and others are safe on the work site. With the exception of steel toe capped boots, the National Trust will provide any other protective equipment including hard hats and goggles where necessary. We recommend that you have current anti-tetanus inoculation cover prior to attending the holiday.
Admission card to National Trust properties At the discretion of the National Trust, an admission card may be offered to participants who have completed a working holiday. This is a non-transferable card, valid for one year for participants of week-long holidays and six months for short break participants. The card start date is from the start of your working holiday and will allow the participant free admission to properties owned and managed by the National Trust and the National Trust for Scotland.
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How to choose a holiday You can use the symbols here to identify which activities the holidays include; some may include two or more. We also have symbols to help you identify short breaks, family and youth holidays and hand picked accommodation. Which month would you prefer to go? January – page 6 February – page 6 March – page 8 April – page 9 May – page 11 June – page 13 July – page 15 August – page 19 September – page 21 October – page 26 November – page 29
How to book Interested? Then give us a call on 0344 800 3099 or book via our website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/workingholidays
Holiday type Family Perfect for families with children aged between 6-17 years, this is a great way to make new friends and to spend some quality time with your family. There are plenty of fun activities for adults and kids such as learning survival skills, bushcraft, canoeing and mountain biking.
Hand picked We have hand picked accommodation in a limited number of locations where participants share twin or triple rooms, rather than dormitories, which sometimes have en suite facilities. In this accommodation, the relaxation areas and domestic tasks are still shared by the group.
Short break Designed for those who don’t have a whole week to get away, short breaks are only two to four nights long. They offer the opportunity to get involved with the valuable work of the National Trust in a short space of time.
Youth discovery Designed specifically for those aged 16-18 to give the opportunity to carry out conservation work and enjoy social activities with other teenagers. You can also work towards your Duke of Edinburgh award.
Helping hands A holiday specially designed for people with learning disabilities to come along on a working holiday with their carer or family member.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award For those keen to achieve their Gold DofE Award, our holidays are a great way to achieve the Residential section of your Award. The leader is your DofE Assessor and will provide you with your Assessor’s report at the end of your Residential, as long as you have stayed a minimum of five days, four nights and have participated fully – even in the washing up. If you want to complete the Residential section of your Gold DofE Award but are older than the age to qualify for a youth discovery holiday, don’t worry, you can complete your Residential on any of our working holidays which are a minimum of four nights and five days duration.
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Working Holidays
Activity type Active These unique holidays combine essential conservation work with exhilarating active pursuits including surfing, sailing, wild swimming, coasteering, walking and cycling.
Archaeology
Dig up a little piece of the past by getting involved in an existing archaeological project. This is a perfect holiday for those who are interested in archaeology and want to get to grips with how an archaeological site looks and functions.
Coast and countryside Help preserve some of Britain’s most beautiful landscapes with a variety of activities. You could be clearing invasive plants, cleaning beaches or maintaining ponds, no matter what you know you’ll be making a difference.
Gardening Help create a masterpiece in one of our stunning gardens whilst soaking in the scents of fragrant flowers with the shade of leafy canopies overhead. You may be deadheading roses, trimming box hedges or planting new eye-catching beds of tulips or lavender.
Historic houses Walk behind the rope and through the doors marked private in one of our impressive properties. You may learn to handle historic collections, archive material or put the house to bed at the end of the season. Typically indoors, these holidays do not rely on the Great British weather.
Rural skills A chance to learn traditional skills from an expert whilst carrying out vital conservation work. You could be learning the ancient art of hedge-laying, coppicing woodland, developing green woodwork skills or making cider.
Construction For those who like to see the fruits of their hard work this is a very rewarding hands on holiday. Make a real difference by helping with vital rebuilding and repair works including walls, footpaths and storm drains.
Event
A unique chance to help out behind the scenes at one of our popular events. You could be helping with the smooth-running of a fête, literature festival, Christmas fair, family fun day or even dressing up in costume to bring our special places to life. These are holidays with a difference and, as well as setting up, running and clearing away the event you’ll also get the chance to experience it for yourself.
Farming Get hands on experience on a working farm, from getting involved in stock management to a host of practical tasks such as gate hanging and fencing. See how quality food production and conservation are working hand in hand.
See page 32 for details of your accommodation
Special interest A working holiday with a twist. These unique holidays combine essential conservation work with activities such as camp crafts, bushcraft or spoon carving.
Survey There are a huge number of animal and plant species to map and record by carrying out biological surveys. This is one of the less physically challenging holidays that allow you to enjoy the local wildlife, including bats and butterflies.
Fancy going on an overseas working holiday? Working in partnership with the International National Trusts Organisation, you can gain new cultural experiences from working holidays by taking part in one overseas. For full details of these holidays, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/workingholidays.
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January
February
Let’s get practical
Woodland skills and bushcraft
Cliveden Estate, Buckinghamshire
Kedleston Hall, Derbyshire
Perfect if you fancy letting off some steam and stepping into the ‘green gym’. Help the ranger team clear invasive species from within the ancient woodland, restoring our woodland diversity by cutting laurel and rhododendron that shades out beneficial flora and fauna. Good fun, plenty of tea and a guided walk to round off the weekend.
Come and help to restore the historic and beautiful woodland habitats at Kedleston Hall by getting stuck into our woodland management program with the ranger team. You will be tree felling and scrub clearing using traditional tools and techniques; buildings fires, learning bush craft skills and rounding your holiday off with some campfire cooking.
Ref
Date
Price
Ref
Date
17BSP101
20th-22nd
£85
17ETZ104
4th-11th
Nts Accommodation 2 Chilterns Bunkhouse
Nts Accommodation 7 Home Farm Bunkhouse
Price £155
Help the hills
Spread your love this Valentines week
Ashridge Estate, Hertfordshire
Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire
Blow away the Christmas cobwebs and come and help us maintain and restore one of the largest area of chalk grassland in The Chilterns. Chalk grassland is one of the rarest habitats in the country and can support 30 species of plants per 1m2. There are many rare flowers and butterflies which rely on the work you will be doing. You will be removing cut vegetation and slashing and burning scrub regrowth.
Come and join us on this working holiday as we increase our heather coverage on the heathlands. We shall be carrying out tasks on the heathland to manage this important wildlife habitat. The first half of the week will be preparing the seed beds so we can spread the heather seed that we will collect later in the week.
Ref
Date
17BSP102
27th-29th
Nts Accommodation 2 Chilterns Bunkhouse
Price £85
Ref
Date
17ETP105
11th-17th
Nts Accommodation 6 Clumber Park Bunkhouse
Price £145
Hedge-laying South Lakes, Cumbria
January/February Hedge-laying Calke Abbey, Derbyshire
Spend a week having a go at the traditional art of hedge-laying working alongside the Ticknall Tramway cycling and walking route around the estate. If you are already experienced, come and help us get a section completed, if this is a new skill you would like to learn, full training will be given. We will rest the arm muscles for one day to plant young hardwood trees and other shrub species in a clear-felled compartment of woodland.
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Ref
Date
17ETZ103
28th-4th
Nts Accommodation 6 Home Farm Bunkhouse
Price
Hedge-laying is a task undertaken approximately every 10 years. A well laid hedge not only looks good but helps to encourage new growth and provides an important habitat for a wealth of small birds, mammals and insects. We’ll use a combination of traditional hand tools, teamwork and enjoyable problem solving to complete the task and end up with a lovely hedge and a great sense of satisfaction – especially when you see the huge difference from the beginning of the week. No previous experience necessary, just a good level of fitness and a willingness to learn new skills. Ref
Date
Nts Accommodation
17JTZ106 11th-18th 7 High Wray Bunkhouse -Acland
Price £155
£145
Working Holidays
Ashridge wild week
Work in the woods
Ashridge Estate, Hertfordshire
South Lakes, Cumbria
Come and help us undertake key management of the Ashridge Estate. You will work in both the woodland and on the nationally important chalk grassland to gain an insight into the work of a National Trust ranger. Scrub clearance and the removal and burning of cut grass will be included in your weeks task, and your work will help the rare butterflies and flowers of the Ashridge Estate thrive. Ref
Date
17BYP107
11th-18th
Nts Accommodation 7 Chilterns Bunkhouse
Price
The South Lakes have the largest area of woodlands in the Lake District, ranging from ancient oak woodland to plantations which supply our saw mill. Come and learn how they are managed by helping with a variety of tasks, which could involve anything from coppicing and fence removal to clearing woodland archaeological sites and controlling invasive species. You’ll spend the week reinvigorating these important habitats, learning about their past and ensuring their future.
£155
Ref
Restoring the Surrey Heathlands
Hindhead Commons, Surrey
If you like variety, then come and enjoy working with us on the restoration of the Surrey Heathlands. You’ll get to see and work on the management of important heathland sites such as the Devil’s Punch Bowl and Hindhead. You’ll also pick up some new skills by working with craftsmen involved in traditional woodland crafts such as charcoal burning and coppicing. Ref
Date
17BTW114
11th-18th
Nts Accommodation 7 Hunter Bunkhouse
Price £155
A real island adventure Brownsea Island, Dorset
Brownsea is a 560 acre island situated in Poole Harbour, home of scouting, red squirrels and part of the whole harbour Site of Special Scientific Interest, it has many special owners and uses. Tasks will range from invasive species clearance, general maintenance, conservation work and helping get our Outdoor Centre ready for the season. You will get stuck in to help present the island the best we possibly can whilst taking in the sights, sounds and unique atmosphere. Additionally, a half day of activities including either archery or low ropes as well as a guided walk and talk about the history of the island. Ref
Date
17ATP108
12th-17th
Nts Accommodation 5 South Shore Lodge
Price £165
Scrub clearing challenge Leith Hill, Surrey
Date
Nts Accommodation
17JTP110 18th-25th 7 High Wray Bunkhouse - Acland
Price £155
A real island adventure Brownsea Island, Dorset
Brownsea is a 560 acre island situated in Poole Harbour, home of scouting, red squirrels and part of the whole harbour Site of Special Scientific Interest, it has many special owners and uses. Tasks will range from invasive species clearance, general maintenance, conservation work and helping get our Outdoor Centre ready for the season. You will get stuck in to help present the island the best we possibly can whilst taking in the sights, sounds and unique atmosphere. Additionally, a half day of activities including either archery or low ropes as well as a guided walk and talk about the history of the island. Ref
Date
17ATP111
19th-24th
Nts Accommodation 5 South Shore Lodge
Price £165
Outdoor play area creation Arlington Court, Devon
This is a working holiday with a difference. Spend a week with the rangers building a new outdoor play area within the woods on the Arlington Estate. Using a combination of estate raw materials, traditional techniques and a young at heart vision. You will be needed to help design and install a challenging assault course/play area for our younger visitors to come and have fun within the beautiful surroundings of the Arlington Estate. Ref
Date
17ATQ112
19th-26th
Nts Accommodation 7 Exmoor Bunkhouse
Price £155
Join the ranger team on the glorious Surrey Hills to get hands on with practical conservation work. You will be involved with scrub clearing and tree felling-are you up to the challenge? It may be February but there will be a bonfire and the marshmallows are on us! There will also be an opportunity to explore the highest point in the south-east and to try orienteering. Ref
Date
17BYN109
12th-18th
Nts Accommodation 6 Henman Bunkhouse
Price £145
See page 4 for help on how to choose your working holiday
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Winkworth Estate management
February/March
Winkworth Arboretum, Surrey
Mountains and trees Snowdonia and Llyn, Gwynedd
Grab a spade and spend three days planting native trees in one of Wales’ most iconic valleys, whilst staying at Dyffryn Mymbyr Farmhouse – a beautiful holiday cottage with stunning views of Snowdon and the surrounding mountains. Due to the rough and steep terrain you must be physically fit for this holiday. Ref
Date
17KHP113
27th-3rd
Nts Accommodation 4 Dyffryn Mymbyr Farmhouse
Price £155
March
We are once again running a working holiday concentrating on the continued restoration of the huge garden at Millbeck Towers holiday cottage in the Lake District. Continuing to work to the ten year plan we hope to restore the garden’s to their former glory for all to enjoy. Date 4th-11th
Nts Accommodation
Price
7 Millbeck Towers
£175
Seasons greetings Arlington Court, Devon
Spring is a very busy time for the gardeners at Arlington, the property is getting ready for welcoming visitors and there are lots of maintenance tasks required to to prepare the estate. Gardening tasks range from brash clearance and path repairs to border work and edging. A busy rewarding week in garden set within a beautiful estate. Ref
Date
17ATW116
5th-10th
Nts Accommodation 5 Exmoor Bunkhouse
Price £135
Lundy Island Sidelands Regeneration Lundy Island, North Devon
Over the past decade a Rhododendron Eradication Programme has been carried out on the East Coast to allow the island’s endemic plant, the Lundy Cabbage, to reclaim its native habitat. Participants need to have a good level of fitness and head for heights due to some work being on high slopes. They will assist the ranger with activities such as seedling pulling, seedling searches and may also experience dry-stone walling, gully clearing, tree planting and maintenance.
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Ref
Date
17ATW244
10th-17th
Date
17BTW117
11th-18th
Nts Accommodation 7 Hunter Bunkhouse
Price £155
Llanwrda, Carmarthenshire
Millbeck Towers, Cumbria
17JHW115
Ref
Dolaucothi spring into action
Restoring the garden at Millbeck Towers
Ref
Help the Winkworth gardeners carry out estate management work to maintain and develop the National Trust’s only Arboretum. With a large variety of seasonal gardening and countryside management tasks for you to take part in, there’s something for everyone. You could be bulb planting, pruning shrubs, coppicing, fencing, repairing paths, hedge-laying and carrying out essential care of trees to improve our already impressive collection. There will be an opportunity for guided walks and a chance to work on our wider estate at Oakhurst Cottage in Hambledon village.
Nts Accommodation 7 The Barn
Price £155
Come and join the wardens and staff at Dolaucothi Gold Mines to help us get ready for our open season, there will be a variety of work from tidying the grounds in the secluded woodland caravan park, tasks may include clearing weeds from the gravel pitches, cutting back the overhanging vegetation, painting railing and repairing steps. Out on the wider estate we may be tending to the footpath network, improving signage, creating deadwood habitat piles in the ancient oak woodland, clearing vegetation and invasive species control or simply helping to set out the tables at the gold mines. The work will require a reasonable level of fitness as some ground conditions may be challenging. Ref
Date
17KTP118
11th-18th
Nts Accommodation 7 Inner Courtyard Flat
Price £155
Woodland work in the Peak District Peak District, Derbyshire
Come and help manage and enhance woodlands with conservation tasks in the Snake and Derwent Valleys. Tasks may include tree planting, thinning and other maintenance in new woodland areas. The terrain is steep and rough but is worth the effort for the stunning views. Ref
Date
17ESP119
17th-19th
Nts Accommodation 2 Dalehead Bunkhouse
Price £85
Tree planting in Upper Wharfedale Upper Wharfedale, North Yorkshire
Help to bring nature back to the fells high above Wharfedale. You’ll be planting trees in a remote location, which will require some uphill walking and working on steep and uneven ground. It’ll be worth it though as you’ll be surrounded by magnificent views over hay meadows, woodland and wide expanses of moorland. Ref
Date
17GSP120
17th-19th
Nts Accommodation 2 Town Head Barn
Price £85
Working Holidays
Wasdale footpaths
Hedge-laying in Upper Wharfedale
Wasdale, Cumbria
Upper Wharfedale, North Yorkshire
Come and help the ranger team create a new footpath in the beautiful valley of Wasdale. Surrounded by the finest mountains in England including Scafell Pike, you will be constructing drains, boardwalks and reveting a new route (a form of retaining wall) to the head of the valley to be enjoyed by all our visitors in the future. Ref
Date
17JTQ121
18th-25th
Nts Accommodation
Price
Ever fancied having a go at hedge-laying? We’ve got loads of hedges that need your valuable assistance, we’ll show you all the techniques in the beautiful setting of Upper Wharfedale. Don’t worry if you’ve never done it before as all tools and training are provided, including experienced rangers who will explain all.
7 Wasdale Annexe
£155
Ref
Date
17GTZ126
25th-1st
Nts Accommodation 7 Town Head Barn
Price £155
Cutting and clearing for wildlife Ludshott and Selborne, Hampshire
Help out with a range of conservation tasks, including removing invasive trees from the heathland, to benefit native wildlife on Ludshott Common, to opening glades in the ancient woodland of Selborne providing feeding places for butterflies. You could also be working to widen rides and restore grassland habitats, or improve access into these tracts of wild countryside, so there is plenty of variety and new skills to learn. Ref
Date
17BTP123
18th-25th
Nts Accommodation 7 Hunter Bunkhouse
Price £155
Paths and ponds Colby Woodland Garden, Pembrokeshire
Help us to bring our new wildlife ponds up to scratch by planting pond-plants, adding thickets of willow and dogwood, and re-surfacing the access paths. You’ll work alongside our gardeners and volunteers to give our wetland wildlife habitat a real boost. We’ll also be planting a living bird-hide screen to help visitors to get closer to the bird-life and renewing our artificial otter-holt. There will be a wide range of other estate and garden tasks thrown in to keep things varied and interesting. Ref
Date
17KTP124
18th-25th
Nts Accommodation
Price
7 Little Craig-y-Borion Farm £155
March/April Clearing Tennyson’s View Come and join us at Black Down so you too can say, as the poet Tennyson did, “you came and looked and loved the view, long known and loved by me, green Sussex fading into blue, with one grey glimpse of sea”. You’ll be clearing birch and pine scrub to bring life to the heaths and tackling rhododendron to restore our woods. You’ll also be carrying out construction and maintenance tasks across the estate to help look after and care for this wonderful corner of the South Downs National Park. Date
17BTP125
25th-1st
Nts Accommodation 7 Hunter Bunkhouse
Footpaths and woodlands Ysbyty and Meirionnydd, Conwy
Join us for a couple of days working at the National Trust’s first ever property at Dinas Oleu, Barmouth, improving footpaths and access and maintaining the other coastal properties in Meirionnydd. Then spend the rest of the week carrying out a variety of woodland tasks to improve habitats for wildlife on the Ysbyty Estate. Ref
Date
17KTP127
1st-8th
Nts Accommodation 7 Hendre Isaf
Price £155
Hedge-banks and trees Southwood Farm, Pembrokeshire
Help rebuild missing sections of traditional, stone faced, hedge-bank and weather permitting, lend a hand planting trees within the woodland areas at Southwood Farm, the National Trust’s home farm North Pembrokeshire. Spend one day exploring the Pembrokeshire coastal path on a guided walk then, depending on sea conditions, spend a day kayaking or surfing with local outdoor activity provider, Preseli Venture, and our coastal activities ranger. Instructors and equipment will be supplied. You’ll need to be physically fit for the 8-10 mile guided walk and tasks may require heavy lifting and working on rough terrain. Ref
Date
17KTP128
1st-8th
Nts Accommodation
Price
7 Ysgubor Fawr
£195
Tracks and trail running
Black Down, Surrey
Ref
April
Price £155
Croyde, Woolacombe and Mortehoe, Devon
If you love exploring the great outdoors and you love running or have always wanted to run then this trail running holiday is for you. On one of the days you will help the rangers repair some of the coast path and on the other two days you will be led by a qualified trail running coach who will also advise on nutrition; training plans and strength and conditioning needed for trail runners. Distances covered will be dependent of experience and fitness of the group and can be split if experience and fitness varies. Ref
Date
17ASN129
2nd-6th
Nts Accommodation 4 Exmoor Bunkhouse
Price £225
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April cont’d
Easter eco adventure Stackpole Estate, Pembrokeshire
Woodland creation
Braithwaite Hall, North Yorkshire
Come along and help restore and maintain woodland in beautiful Coverdale. We will be planting a range of native deciduous trees as part of our ongoing work to conserve Braithwaite Wood. We may also be maintaining existing areas of replanted woodland to ensure the survival of young trees. Ref
Date
17GSP130
7th-9th
Nts Accommodation 2 Town Head Barn
Price
11th-18th
Nts Accommodation 7 Inner Courtyard Flat
Price £155
Nts Accommodation 3 Stackpole- Kestrel
Date
Good eggs wanted
17JTV135
19th-26th
Chartwell, Kent
Weekend ranger
Ref
Date
17BTU132
12th-19th
Nts Accommodation 7 Octavia Hill Bunkhouse
Price £155
Surveying on West Exmoor West Exmoor, Devon
Come to stunning Exmoor for three days vegetation surveying on very steep bracken slopes to survey conditions for the hugely important High Brown Fritillary butterfly. This will be interspersed with two full days of strenuous but beautiful walking which will incorporate some simple surveying and identification. The walking will be hard but the wildlife and views are amazing. Please bring binoculars and cameras. There is no day off on this working holiday. Ref
Date
17ATM133
17th-23rd
Price £125
Join in working on a Wasdale Head fell farm during lambing season, the most exciting time of year. This is a basic, general introduction to life on a fell farm where you’re sure to gain plenty of new skills. Your work will cover most aspects of a working farm; you could be doing anything from working with the sheep and lambs, to carrying out traditional Lakeland tasks such as dry stone walling. Where possible, there will be opportunities to learn about and help out with lambing the Herdwick ewes. Ref
We are looking for energetic participants to help us with our popular Easter events. The holiday will be split over three of our properties, Chartwell, Emmetts Garden and Quebec House assisting over the Easter weekend with our Easter egg trails preparation along with other tasks. Participants should be ready to work with people of all ages and have plenty of fun.
10
18th - 21st
Wasdale, Cumbria
Come along and join in the fun of a busy Easter weekend helping to deliver Easter trails, egg hunts and Easter crafts, you will be helping to set up and prepare the trails and activities. You’ll then help our visitors make the most of their day from car parking to cutting out crafts, it will be a fun packed week of happy faces and chocolate bunnies. Date
Date
17KFP134
Fell farm working holiday
Llanwrda, Carmarthenshire
17KTU131
Ref
£85
Easter fun
Ref
Come and bring the whole family to the beautiful Stackpole estate, where you will take part in conservation tasks on the beaches, woodlands and lakeside. Tasks will include scrub clearance, beach cleaning and maybe even a campfire in the woods. You will also get the chance to go mountain biking around the Stackpole grounds.... What better way to spend the Easter holidays?
Nts Accommodation 6 Exmoor Bunkhouse
Nts Accommodation
Price
7 Wasdale Annexe
£155
Malham Tarn, North Yorkshire
Spend a weekend helping rangers around the Malham Tarn area of the Yorkshire Dales. There is plenty to do with a range of tasks to get stuck into. You could be painting iron boundary fences, removing willow scrub, getting muddy clearing ponds or planting trees. Whatever the weather you’ll have fun and make new friends. There is lots to do and it is a great chance to maybe see parts of this area you may not have visited before. Ref
Date
17GSP136
21st-23rd
Nts Accommodation 2 Town Head Barn
Price £85
Beachcombers’ delight Roseland, Cornwall
Price
Spend the week touring the beautiful Roseland peninsula removing seaborne debris from the beaches, coves and river banks. Best suited to those with a moderate level of fitness to reach some of the coves on foot, and to carry bags of rubbish to collection points. You will stay at Lamledra House, an Edwardian cliff-top house, near Gorran Haven.
£155
Ref
Date
17AHP137
22nd-29th
Nts Accommodation
Price
7 Lamledra House
£190
Working Holidays
Base camp bash
Footpath maintenance
Colby Woodland Garden, Pembrokeshire
Golden Cap, Dorset
You’ll be staying in the newly restored farmhouse at Little Craig-y- Borion Farm. The old farm-house might be finished, but we still need to save the out-buildings, improve the orchard, and create a farmhouse kitchen garden, so future working holidays can enjoy fresh, home-grown food. There will also be a wide range of other estate and garden tasks thrown in to keep things varied and interesting. Price
The Jurassic Coast is constantly eroding and after winter storms we need your help to rebuild the paths and steps down to the beaches along this magnificent coastline. This popular holiday has been running for many years, offering the chance to help us keep the coast accessible whilst enjoying the beauty of secluded bays, beaches and coastal views. If the winter has been kind to the coast then the work will move inland to some of our spectacular Iron Age Hillfort sites.
£155
Ref
Date
17ATQ141
6th-13th
Ref
Date
17KTP138
22nd-29th
Nts Accommodation 7 Little Craig-y-Borion Farm
May
Nts Accommodation 7 Golden Cap Bunkhouse
Price £155
Carmarthenshire tour Llanwrda, Carmarthenshire
Heroes of the coast path Croyde, Woolacombe and Mortehoe, Devon
Come and work alongside the rangers, on the most breathtaking 13 mile stretch of coast from Ilfracombe to Croyde Bay. Carrying your tools, you will work your way along the South West Coast Path with pick and shovel, making improvements as you go. Be prepared for hard graft levelling paths, replacing steps, cutting back vegetation and mending walls – your reward is spectacular views. Ref
Date
17ATP139
1st-7th
Nts Accommodation 6 Exmoor Bunkhouse
Price £145
Come and help the ranger team in Carmarthenshire to look after and maintain the Carmarthenshire property portfolio, from coastal paths to gold mines to historic houses and parks. The week will be full of activity, we may be clearing vegetation, painting, repairing steps, rhododendron cutting or clearing the outside cellars around Newton House, one thing is for sure there will be a variety of tasks to suit all levels. There will be some travel involved to the coastal properties of up to an hour; a reasonable level of fitness will be required. Ref
Date
17KTP142
6th-13th
Nts Accommodation 7 Inner Courtyard Flat
Price £155
Drystone walling in a lakeland setting
Canopy camp and conservation
South Lakes, Cumbria
Great Langdale and Grasmere, Cumbria
Come and get involved in some conservation work and experience a night sleeping in a hammock under the stars on this short break. Learn techniques for pitching a hammock and tarp efficiently and some useful knots, experience campfire cooking and learn some simple bush craft skills. Choose your trees and set up for a cosy and comfortable night close to nature. Full training and equipment will be provided. No previous experience is necessary, just a good level of fitness and a willingness to learn new skills.
An integral part of the Lake District’s beautiful landscape, drystone walls act as a stock proof barrier for farmers’ livestock and an invaluable habitat for wildlife. Learn how these fascinating constructions are made with instruction from experienced rangers ensuring your wall will be there for you to revisit for many years. Although drystone walling can be strenuous and patience is required as the stones are not numbered, absolute beginners are very welcome along. By the end of the week you’ll never look at a pile of stones in the same way again!
Ref
Price
Ref
£185
17JTZ143 6th-13th 7 High Wray Bunkhouse - Acland
Date
Nts Accommodation
17JSP140 3rd 7th 4 High Wray Bunkhouse -Longland
See page 32 for details of your accommodation
Date
Nts Accommodation
Price £155
11
May cont’d
Caring for historic interiors and collections in Beatrix Potter country
West Lakes landscape preservation
South Lakes, Cumbria
Duddon and Eskdale, Cumbria
Assist the rangers with a variety of landscape and ecologically enhancing works. You could be carrying out a variety of tasks including: dry stone walling, fencing, footpath restoration or scrub removal. We will take you on a guided walk to illustrate how your work will directly help and maintain our upland heritage, landscape and ecology for the future. Project selection may vary depending on local priorities at the time or the weather. A reasonable level of fitness, a willingness to learn and a good sense of humour is all that is required, we will supply the rest. Ref
Date
17GTP144
10th-17th
Nts Accommodation 7 Wasdale Annexe
Price 155
Bedding plant exchange at Hughenden Manor’s historic parterre Hughenden Manor, Buckinghamshire
Mary-Ann Disraeli, wife of Benjamin Disraeli the Victorian Prime Minster, created a 16th century Italianate influenced parterre at Hughenden Manor. This included a terrace, formal hedging and many flower beds. We change the bedding plants every six months and this working holiday will focus on preparations for coming Summer/Autumn floral displays. Ref
Date
17BTW145
13th-19th
Nts Accommodation 6 Chilterns Bunkhouse
Learn about the care of historic collections in the National Trust and help with some of the regular conservation techniques we use to protect and conserve our objects. Training on object handling and basic conservation principles is included and you’ll join our team of conservation staff as they look after our Hill Top, Beatrix Potter Gallery and Wray Castle properties. This holiday would suit anyone with an interest in caring for historic objects or looking for a career in the heritage sector. Ref
Date
Nts Accommodation
17JTX146 14th-20th 6 High Wray Bunkhouse - Acland
Price £150
Dales ranger
Yorkshire Dales, North Yorkshire
This holiday is specifically aimed at physically able people with learning disabilities working alongside a same sex carer/family member who comes with them. Join us in the glorious Yorkshire Dales to help keep the area beautiful and accessible. We will carry out a mix of conservation activities. The work will require physical ability to move around the site and may be physically demanding. We adapt tasks to suit ability, with everyone working at their own pace. If you are considering this holiday please call Roisin on 01729 830416 for a chat before booking. The cost of this holiday includes the participant and their carer/family member.
Price
Ref
Date
£145
17GSP147
15th-18th
Nts Accommodation
Price
3 Town Head Barn
£150
Planting on a grand scale Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire
Waddesdon Manor has one of the finest bedding displays in the country and it is at this time of year that we swap the old with the new, transforming our Parterre and other bedding displays in just a few days. This is definitely planting on a grand scale and is guaranteed to give you great satisfaction. There is plenty of opportunity to enjoy Waddesdon’s history with a garden and manor tour and a well deserved high tea.
12
Ref
Date
17BTW148
20th-27th
Nts Accommodation 7 Chilterns Bunkhouse
Price £155
Working Holidays
Rediscovering the 18th century industrial landscape
June
Colby Woodland Garden, Pembrokeshire
Help us reclaim more of our history, by clearing trees and scrub from old mine tracks to re-open access to the long lost 18th century mine-shafts of Colby. Also help us to create new public access to the 200 year old dam and water management system hidden away in the estate woodland. There will be a wide range of other estate and garden tasks available to keep things varied and interesting. Ref
Date
17KTO149
20th-27th
Nts Accommodation 7 Little Craig y Borion
Price £155
Walling, wildlife and coasteering Croyde, Woolacombe and Mortehoe, Devon
The North Devon Coast boasts dry stone walls and stone faced hedge-banks that are over 200 years old and in need of restoration. Learn the art of stone faced hedge-banking and provide vital habitats for many wildflowers, as well as home for voles, reptiles, insects and birds. On your day off, try your hand at coasteering: don your wetsuit and traverse the rocky cliffs as you make your way along the coast at Baggy Point, in partnership with H2Outdoor. Ref
Date
17ATP150
21st-26th
Nts Accommodation 5 Exmoor Bunkhouse
Price £195
May/June Stackpole woodland experience Stackpole Estate, Pembrokeshire
A working holiday with a difference, ideal for the whole family’. Based at the wonderful Stackpole Estate, Pembrokeshire, you’ll be helping with conversation tasks in our beautiful woodlands and learning bush craft skills over a open fire. On the last day we will complete a beach clean to our stunning local beach. Ref
Date
17KFP151
30th-2nd
Nts Accommodation 3 Stackpole- Kestrel
Price £125
See page 4 for help on how to choose your working holiday
High fells path repairs lakeland setting South Lakes, Cumbria
A fantastic opportunity to learn about the work the Fix the Fells partnership does to look after our upland paths. Working alongside the National Trust’s own teams you’ll tackle the strenuous but extremely rewarding task of path building and repair, learning the sort of skills only a select few people know. You’ll also spend a day with the Fix the Fells lengthsmen, discovering the essential part this dedicated group of volunteers plays in the project. Please come prepared to walk in the fells for up to an hour at the start and end of each day and also for some decidedly unpredictable weather. Ref
Date
Nts Accommodation
17JTZ152 3rd-10th 7 High Wray Bunkhouse - Acland
Price £155
The Devils in the detail Newtimber Hill, West Sussex
The rangers at Devil’s Dyke, need your help to look after the archaeology and wildlife of this stunning chalk downland area, in Britain’s newest National Park. Help us to erect essential stock fencing, maintain walking paths and perhaps enjoy a raging fire as we burn scrub cleared from sensitive areas of grassland. We will take you on a guided walk to explain how your work will directly contribute towards conservation in this area. Ref
Date
17BTP153
10th-17th
Nts Accommodation 7 Slindon Bunkhouse
Price £155
Walls and woodland paths Colby Woodland Garden, Pembrokeshire
You’ll be staying in the newly restored farmhouse at Little Craig-y- Borion Farm. The old farm-house might be finished, but we still need to save the out-buildings, maintain and improve the orchard, and farmhouse kitchen garden, so that future working holidays can enjoy fresh, home-grown food. There will also be a wide range of other estate and garden tasks thrown in, to keep things varied and interesting. Ref
Date
17KTP154
10th-17th
Nts Accommodation 7 Little Craig-y-Borion Farm.
Price £155
13
June cont’d
Keep walking Cliveden Estate, Buckinghamshire
Grafting on the Greensand Ridge West Kent Countryside, Kent
Come and explore this special part of Kent situated on some of the highest points of the Greensand Ridge. With sweeping views across the Weald and beyond, its easy to see why this area is so loved by everyone who visits here. As part of your working holiday you will assist our friendly Rangers at properties including Toys Hill to undertake woodland tasks, footpath maintenance and habitat management. Ref
Date
17BTP155
11th-17th
Nts Accommodation 6 Octavia Hill Bunkhouse
Price £145
Camping and wild weeding Snowdonia, Gwynedd
Sleep under the stars in your own tent and help the rangers restore the native habitats and archaeological features in the valley which are under threat from invasive species. The tasks and locations will be varied to keep things interesting but one thing’s for sure, the views will always be spectacular. On the day off, you may entertain yourself or join a guided walk with one of our rangers. Some of the work-sites are remote and on rough, steep terrain so you must be physically fit for this holiday. Before booking, please contact Simon Rogers: 01248 605739 / simon.rogers@nationaltrust. org.uk for more information about this holiday and the accommodation arrangements. Ref
Date
17KTP156
11th-17th
Nts Accommodation 6 Craflwyn Campsite
Price £145
Dinefwr Food Festival Llanwrda, Carmarthenshire
Come along and join the team at Dinefwr Park for a week of foodie fun, 2017 will be our 2nd annual food festival at this historic parkland. The week will be a busy one, from setting up on the Friday ready to welcome our visitors and stall holders to helping guide visitors, steward demonstrations, car parking, meet and greet and raffle sales during the two day event, there will be plenty to keep you occupied. The last two days will be clearing up and a little gardening around the mansion to get it spick and span again.
14
Ref
Date
17KTU160
15th-22nd
Nts Accommodation 7 Inner Courtyard Flat
Price £155
The woodland paths at Cliveden need frequent care and this is your chance to help out. With careful restoration and management of the paths, your work will ensure the beautiful views and walks are kept open for all to enjoy. There will also be a guided walk on Sunday afternoon, when one of our rangers will give you an insight into the management of the estate. Ref
Date
17BSP157
16th-18th
Nts Accommodation 2 Chilterns Bunkhouse
Price £85
Woodland camping Wasdale, Cumbria
Come and join the West Lakes foresters for a week of charcoal making, rhododendron clearance and basic bushcraft. You will set up camp for two nights using tarps in one of our fantastic woodlands in Wasdale, home to England’s deepest lake and highest mountain. Whilst there, we will be managing the wood by harvesting rhododendron and turning it into charcoal as well as learning skills like fire starting, stool making and wood whittling. The rest of the week you will be working in the woods and staying at our nearby bunkhouse. Ref
Date
17JTZ158
17th-24th
Nts Accommodation
Price
7 Wasdale Annexe
£155
Helping the High Brown Fritillary West Exmoor, Devon
Join us and leading butterfly experts to manage and enhance this very important habitat, through vegetation control, to benefit the High Brown and other fritillaries. You will also spend some of the time surveying the sites and there will be a guided walk on one of the days. The sites are steep and the work is demanding but there should be lots of butterflies so don’t forget your binoculars! Ref
Date
17ATP159
18th-23rd
Nts Accommodation 5 Exmoor Bunkhouse
Price £155
Back to the Stratford Canal – where it all began Dudmaston, Shropshire
To celebrate 50 years of working holidays, National Trust and the Canals and Rivers Trust have teamed up to offer a working holiday helping with towpath refurbishment along a stretch of the North Stratford Canal. This short break will take place along the same canal where the first working holiday took place back in 1967. Back then, the accommodation was little more than a shelter in a field, however we felt this might be a step too far so you will stay in Big Mose Bunkhouse just outside Bridgnorth. Ref
Date
17ESQ280
22nd-25th
Nts Accommodation 3 Big Mose Bunkhouse
Price £95
Working Holidays
June/July
Thistle digging Hughenden Manor, Buckinghamshire
Botanical survey Ludshott and Selborne, Hampshire
A survey of Ludshott and Selborne was first recorded in the thirteenth century and we need your help to carry on this tradition. You will be monitoring and recording and changes to the flora and fauna on these diverse sites in habitats ranging from chalk and acid grasslands to meadows and heaths. The botanical surveys will be the main focus of the week with some veteran tree recording. A range of botanical experience would be welcome, but all the information you need to carry out the surveys will be given so, if you’re a beginner, this is a great chance to pick up new skills. Ref
Date
17BTM161
24th-1st
Nts Accommodation 7 Hunter Bunkhouse
Price £155
Chestnut rock and roll Arlington Court, Devon
Using our own chestnut from the estate, you will be building split chestnut fencing within our parklands to protect the historic landscape. On two separate days and in partnership with Exmoor Adventures, you will have the amazing opportunity to explore the rugged coastline and rough terrain of North Devon. Mountain bikes and climbing equipment are provided. Ref
Date
17ATC162
25th-2nd
Nts Accommodation 7 Exmoor Bunkhouse
Price £240
Wildlife surveying at Clumber Park Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire
Join the rangers at Clumber Park and carry out a range of wildlife surveying and monitoring techniques to help us find out about the plants and animals that make the park their home. You will have the opportunity to get involved surveying plants, small mammals, birds, reptiles, butterflies, moths and dragonflies. No previous experience is required although an interest in British wildlife will make this holiday particularly enjoyable. You will also have time to explore the park in your own time during the holiday. Ref
Date
17ETM163
26th-1st
Nts Accommodation 5 Clumber Park Bunkhouse
Spend an enjoyable sunny weekend with the ranger and his dog at Hughenden. Come along and help to clear up the parkland in this beautiful estate by digging up thistles. Ref
Date
17BSP165
30th-2nd
Nts Accommodation 2 Chilterns Bunkhouse
Price £85
July Habitat management and conservation Brecon Beacons, Powys
Work from the majestic heights of the Brecon Beacons to the glorious parkland of Abergavenny and the timeless woodlands. Get stuck in with a range of conservation tasks including scrub clearance, upland erosion control, footpath maintenance, painting and removal of invasive species. Some work sites are on steep hills with a 15-50 minute walk to get to them, but don’t worry, it will be worth it for the view. No experience is needed but a sense of fun is essential! Ref
Date
17KTP166
1st-8th
Nts Accommodation 7 Dan y Gyrn Bunkhouse
Price £155
High fells path repairs South Lakes, Cumbria
A fantastic opportunity to learn about the work the Fix the Fells partnership does to look after our upland paths. Working alongside the National Trust’s own teams you’ll tackle the strenuous but extremely rewarding task of path building and repair, learning the sort of skills only a select few people know. You’ll also spend a day with the Fix the Fells lengthsmen, discovering the essential part this dedicated group of volunteers plays in the project. Please come prepared to walk in the fells for up to an hour at the start and end of each day and also for some decidedly unpredictable weather. Ref
Date
Nts Accommodation
17JTQ167 1st-8th 7 High Wray Bunkhouse - Acland Bunkhouse
Price £155
Price £135
Charcoal weekend Allen Banks & Staward Gorge, Northumberland
Come and join the rangers for a weekend of charcoal making, rhododendron clearance and basic bushcraft in the beautiful wooded gorge of Allen Banks. Whilst staying in the wonderful surroundings of Ridley Hall explore the woodlands of Allen Banks and learn about what it takes to look after this special place. Ref
Date
17GSP164
30th-2nd
Nts Accommodation 2 Ridley Hall
Price £130
15
Wonders of a walled kitchen garden
July cont’d
Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire
Meadow, heathland and wildlife surveying Black Down, Surrey
Come and take part in a biological survey across the range of beautiful properties that make up the Black Down Estate in Surrey and West Sussex. You will spend most of the holiday learning plant identification skills and surveying the local meadows and heaths. Training will be provided by the rangers making this holiday ideal for those of any level of ability, we will teach you all you need to know. Your survey results make a real difference, they help us monitor changes and influence how we manage these wonderful habitats in the long term. Ref
Date
17BTM168
1st-8th
Nts Accommodation 7 Hunter Bunkhouse
Price £155
Ullswater Central and East Lakes, Cumbria
Join the National Trust ranger team in and around Ullswater to help conserve this beautiful area for the enjoyment of our many visitors. Gain an insight into our valuable conservation work by carrying out a variety of tasks, such as public access work, Himalayan Balsam pulling, scrub management and boundary maintenance. Ref
Date
Nts Accommodation
17JTP169 1st-8th 7 High Wray Bunkhouse - Longland
Price £155
Calke Abbey, Derbyshire
This holiday starts with our annual orchid count in Ticknall Lime yards, around 5000 common spotted and fragrant orchids grow by the ponds so a great place to spend the day. The rest of the week will be a variety of jobs including helping to construct our summer ‘play offer’ for visiting families and perhaps some maintenance of the paths network on the estate. Date
17ETQ170
1st-8th
Nts Accommodation 6 Home Farm Bunkhouse
Ref
Date
17ETW171
2nd-7th
Nts Accommodation 5 Clumber Park Bunkhouse
Price £155
Exmoor coast path, bushcraft and coasteering Holnicote Estate, Somerset
A fantastic short-break experience exploring the stunning and diverse landscape of Exmoor National Park and the Holnicote Estate. The first day is spent working alongside the ranger team carrying out conservation work on Holnicote’s 250km network of paths & bridleways. This is followed by two days of non-stop coastal activities-walking the first section of the South West Coast Path from the official start in Minehead to picturesque Porlock Weir for ice-creams & crab-fishing, bushcraft in the beautiful Heddon Valley and finishing with the high adrenaline activity of coasteering on the spectacular North Devon coast. Ref
Date
17ASP172
3rd-7th
Nts Accommodation 4 Exmoor Bunkhouse
Price £165
Tree box-ercise Ashridge Estate, Hertfordshire
More visitor = more wear and tear
Ref
Clumber Park’s four acre walled kitchen garden boasts the longest glasshouse and double herbaceous borders in the care of the National Trust, as well as national collections of apples, rhubarb and “outlawed” vegetables. You will work alongside the garden team at one of its busiest times, helping with harvesting, weeding, deadheading and lawn edging.
Price £145
On this holiday you will be working with one of the Ashridge Foresters in the Grade II listed historic parkland. As part of the park restoration you will use basic carpentry skills to install hardwood tree protection boxes. We’ll be using timber from the estate milled in our own sawmill. These boxes will protect the next generation of locally grown oak trees that will in time become stunning parkland trees. Ref
Date
17BSQ173
7th-9th
Nts Accommodation 2 Chilterns Bunkhouse
Price £85
Golden Cap conservation Golden Cap, Dorset
Come and help our rangers control invasive species on very important grassland meadows on the Golden Cap Estate. Help to improve the nature conservation on the estate by removing plants and trees such as ragwort, Himalayan Balsam and birch, and you’ll continue building on the good work done by previous working holidays. We’ll make time on Sunday afternoon for a walk along the Jurassic Coast to enjoy the spectacular scenery or even have a swim in the sea.
16
Ref
Date
17ATP174
7th-9th
Nts Accommodation 2 Golden Cap Bunkhouse
Price £85
Working Holidays
Youth Discovery Wasdale
Trails and tribulations
Wasdale, Cumbria
Stackpole Estate, Pembrokeshire
Come and join the Wasdale rangers for some path work in both the valley and on the fells. Spend one of your days with us kayaking on Wastwater, below the beautiful screes, and gill scrambling in one of our many gills. Perfect vacation for your Duke of Edinburgh residential.
We need your help to improve our cycling network throughout the estate woodlands – so join the ranger team for the week to improve and create trails through the stunning Castle Dock and Cheriton Bottom woods. Bring your bike to test our work as we go, or borrow one of our fleet instead. On your day off you will head out to explore other local mountain bike trails, or just relax on one of our stunning beaches.
Ref
Date
17JYQ175
8th-15th
Nts Accommodation
Price
7 Wasdale Annexe
£155
Wet, wild and walling Croyde, Woolacombe and Mortehoe, Devon
The North Devon Coast boasts dry stone walls and stone faced hedge-banks that are over 200 years old and in need of restoration. Learn the art of stone-faced hedgebanking and provide a vital habitat for many wildflowers, as well as a home for voles, reptiles, insects and birds. Slotted into the week are three separate sessions experiencing the water around the North Devon Coast. The three activities will be: a two hour session of wild swimming, a two hour session of sea kayaking and a two hour session of coasteering. Participants will need to be competent swimmers. Ref
Date
17ATP176
8th-15th
Nts Accommodation 7 Exmoor Bunkhouse
Price £255
Grafting on the Greensand Ridge West Kent Countryside, Kent
Come and explore this special part of Kent situated on some of the highest points of the Greensand Ridge. With sweeping views across the Weald and beyond, its easy to see why this area is so loved by everyone who visits here. As part of your working holiday you will assist our friendly rangers at properties including Toys Hill to undertake woodland tasks, footpath maintenance and habitat management. Ref
Date
17BTP178
9th-15th
Nts Accommodation 6 Octavia Hill Bunkhouse
Ref
Date
17KTQ180
15th-22nd
Nts Accommodation 7 Stackpole- Kestrel
Price £195
Northumberland Coast
Northumberland Coast, Northumberland
Get stuck into a variety of conservation tasks at one of several properties along the Northumberland Coast. We need you to help us with tasks such as clearing vegetation including grass scrub and path restoration, as well as work on dunes and other coastal habitats. Ref
Date
17GTP181
15th-22nd
Nts Accommodation 7 Cragside Bunkhouse
Price £155
Bushcraft camping Arlington Court, Devon
This is a working holiday with a difference. You will work with National Trust rangers on various conservation projects for 3 days and indulge yourself in two days and a night of bush craft. You will face the challenge of building a brushwood shelter to sleep in and enjoy camp crafts and cooking on an open fire. The wild camping will be run in partnership with outdoor survival specialists Wild Path Outdoors where you will experience camp crafts including fire making, spoon making, string making and tracking. Ref
Date
17ATN182
15th-21st
Nts Accommodation 6 Exmoor Bunkhouse
Price £205
Price £145
Golden Cap conservation Golden Cap, Dorset
Come and help our rangers control invasive species on very important grassland meadows on the Golden Cap Estate. Help to improve the nature conservation on the estate by removing plants and trees such as ragwort, Himalayan Balsam and birch, and you’ll continue building on the good work done by previous working holidays. We’ll make time on Sunday afternoon for a walk along the Jurassic Coast to enjoy the spectacular scenery or even have a swim in the sea. Ref
Date
17ASP179
14th-16th
Nts Accommodation 2 Golden Cap Bunkhouse
See page 32 for details of your accommodation
Price £85
17
July cont’d
Alien invaders Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire
Surveying ‘The Rise of Northwood’ Slindon Estate, West Sussex
Spend a week immersing yourself in the wildlife of the Slindon Estate, and be involved in the largest woodland regeneration project ever undertaken by the National Trust- coined ‘The Rise of Northwood’. You will survey plants, butterflies and birds so that we can chart the progress of this long term dream of a project. Ref
Date
17BTM183
15th-22nd
Nts Accommodation 7 Slindon Bunkhouse
Price £155
High fells path repairs South Lakes, Cumbria
A fantastic opportunity to learn about the work the Fix the Fells partnership does to look after our upland paths. Working alongside the National Trust’s own teams you’ll tackle the strenuous but extremely rewarding task of path building and repair, learning the sort of skills only a select few people know. You’ll also spend a day with the Fix the Fells lengths men, discovering the essential part this dedicated group of volunteers plays in the project. Please come prepared to walk in the fells for up to an hour at the start and end of each day and also for some decidedly unpredictable weather. Ref
Date
Nts Accommodation
17JTQ184 15th-22nd 7 High Wray Bunkhouse - Longland
Price £155
Upland path restoration Come and build a footpath whilst enjoying stunning views. You will be learning the ancient technique of stone pitching footpaths and landscaping through eroded scars. You could also learn how to build a stone drain, a stone revetment wall or spend a day or two working at Abergwesyn, covering and landscaping a peat bog area. If that’s not enough, then you can enjoy the views by walking in the Brecon Beacons, clearing out water breaks as you go. The walk can take up to one hour uphill to reach the work site. Date
17KTQ185
15th-22nd
Nts Accommodation 7 Dan y Gyrn Bunkhouse
Ref
Date
17ETP187
17th-21st
Nts Accommodation 4 Clumber Park Bunkhouse
Price £115
Harting bio survey Harting Down, West Sussex
Carry out plant surveys on this chalk downland nature reserve in the South Downs National Park. Help assess the grassland’s species diversity plus its response to scrub clearance and grazing. This bio survey will add to our database of plant species on Harting. We welcome both experienced botanists and those wishing to learn. Ref
Date
17BTM188
22nd-29th
Nts Accommodation 7 Slindon Bunkhouse
Price £155
Woodland management around Kinder Scout and Edale Peak District, Derbyshire
We have recently embarked on an extensive programme of woodland planting. Come and help look after the trees in both new and established woods, tasks will include scrub and bracken control and general woodland management. Ref
Date
17ETP189
22nd-29th
Nts Accommodation 7 Dalehead Bunkhouse
Price £155
Lakes, woods and mountains
Brecon Beacons, Powys
Ref
Help protect the wetlands and parkland by controlling several species of invasive plants across Clumber, including Balsam, ragwort and docks. You’ll get the chance to spot a great range of wildlife at Clumber, as well as exploring the park with a guided tour of the 1,548 hectare estate by bike (cycle hire included).
Snowdonia and Llyn, Gwynedd
Price
Join us for an exciting week of various tasks and locations as you help to restore the native habitats of the stunning Nant Gwynant valley. You will have the chance to go canoeing (instruction and equipment included) on Llyn Dinas and then using your newly acquired skills help us to clear the lake-shore of litter and debris. On the day off, you may entertain yourself or join a guided walk with one of our rangers. Some of the work-sites are remote and on rough, steep terrain so you must be physically fit for this holiday.
£155
Ref
Date
17KTP190
23rd-29th
Nts Accommodation
Price
6 Bwlch Mwlchan
£145
Steps and stones Colby Woodland Garden, Pembrokeshire
Help our garden team to replace worn out garden steps and help us rescue the old out-buildings of Little Craig-y-Borion with traditional stone and lime mortar construction techniques. There will also be a wide range of other estate and garden tasks available to keep things varied and interesting.
18
Ref
Date
17KTQ186
15th-22nd
Nts Accommodation
Price
7 Little Craig-y-Borion Farm £155
Working Holidays
Footpath improvements and walking
Family rangers Allen Banks & Staward Gorge, Northumberland
Experience what it’s like to be a ranger whilst enjoying time as a family in the great outdoors on this family working holiday. Each day will be a mix of work and play in the beautiful wooded gorge of Allen Banks. Help the rangers make charcoal, clear rhododendron and learn about what it takes to look after this special place and its wildlife as well as other fun activities throughout your stay.
West Exmoor, Devon
Ref
Date
Price
Ref
Date
17GFP191
24th-27th
£140
17ATP195
29th-5th
Nts Accommodation 3 Ridley Hall
Join ranger Dan for some essential footpath repair work amongst some of Exmoor’s most scenic landscape. A good old fashioned working holiday with plenty of mattock and shovel work for the hardened participant. Not all hard graft though as Dan will keep you company on your day off to explore some of our path network. Bring your sense of humour. Nts Accommodation 7 Exmoor Bunkhouse
Price £155
Conservation and coastal sports
Lakes, woods and mountains
Stackpole Estate, Pembrokeshire
Join us for an exciting week of various tasks and locations as you help to restore the native habitats of the stunning Nant Gwynant valley. You will have the chance to go canoeing (instruction and equipment included) on Llyn Dinas and then using your newly acquired skills help us to clear the lake-shore of litter and debris. On the day off, you may entertain yourself or join a guided walk with one of our rangers. Some of the work-sites are remote and on rough, steep terrain so you must be physically fit for this holiday.
If you love being on the coast and want to help with conservation tasks on some of Stackpole estate beautiful beaches, then this is the holiday for you. You will be helping with scrub clearance, litter picking and path maintenance. We’ve also included the opportunity to kayak or coasteer on an award winning beach. Ref
Date
17KYP192
24th-29th
Nts Accommodation 5 Stackpole- Kestrel
Price £195
Exmoor bushcraft, wild camping and coasteering A non-stop, fun-packed, short break experience in Exmoor National Park. Work with the ranger team on a day’s conservation task then spend the rest of the holiday getting up close and personal with Exmoor’s stunning landscape. Learn new bushcraft skills, hike out on an overnight wild-camping expedition with your own equipment and supplies to a beautiful & remote location, then explore Exmoor’s rugged and spectacular North Devon coastline from a unique perspective with some of the best coasteering in the country. Date
17ASN193
25th-29th
Nts Accommodation 4 Exmoor Bunkhouse
Price £165
July/August
Come and spend a great week in Upper Wharfedale making new friends. You’ll help the rangers with footpath maintenance, cutting invasive vegetation or building fences and tree guards. As well as your day off, we’ll arrange other fun outdoor activities for you to enjoy. Date 29th-5th
30th-5th
Nts Accommodation
Price
6 Bwlch Mwlchan
£145
Stackpole, Pembrokeshire
On this holiday you’ll be helping out with conservation tasks on the beautiful Stackpole Estate and exploring your creative side by producing some fantastic photographs. Beginners and enthusiasts alike will benefit from some professional tuition to help capture the perfect picture of your surroundings. On your day off you can also have a go at coasteering, kayaking or canoeing so prepare to get wet! Ref
Date
17KYC280
31st-5th
Nts Accommodation 5 Stackpole – Kestrel
Price £365
August Hughenden Manor, Buckinghamshire
Upper Wharfedale, North Yorkshire
17ASN194
Date
17KTP196
Wildflower bank survey and management
Get outdoors and active in Upper Wharfedale
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Ref
Capture and conserve
Holnicote Estate, Somerset
Ref
Snowdonia and Llyn, Gwynedd
Nts Accommodation 7 Town Head Barn
Come along and help the rangers maintain the chalk wildflowers by cutting and raking off the slopes. Your holiday will start with a quick survey of the wildflowers, and finish by walking the butterfly route to see what is fluttering about. Ref
Date
17BSP197
4th-6th
Nts Accommodation 2 Chilterns Bunkhouse
Price £85
Price £170
See page 4 for help on how to choose your working holiday
19
August cont’d
Family fun in Upper Wharfedale Upper Wharfedale, North Yorkshire
Woodlands and walling Snowdonia d Llyn, Conwy
Help us to improve habitats for wildlife on the Ysbyty Estate, near Betws y Coed, by carrying out a variety of woodland tasks before heading off to Dolmelynllyn Hall near Dolgellau to learn the traditional skill of dry stone walling. Ref
Date
17KTZ198
5th-12th
Nts Accommodation 7 Hendre Isaf
Price £155
Get batty at Slindon Slindon Estate, West Sussex
Like bats, this holiday has a largely nocturnal schedule: the working day will start in late afternoon with classroom sessions on recording and monitoring and then you’ll work past midnight to get up close and personal with these winged wonders. The daytime can be spent recovering and exploring the beautiful local countryside. With the direction of local experts you’ll be surveying emerging bats from cottages and farm buildings and walking transect routes throughout the Slindon Estate. A good level of fitness is required and some bat detector experience is desirable but no prior knowledge is essential. Ref
Date
17BTM199
5th-12th
Nts Accommodation 7 Slindon Bunkhouse
Price £245
Fencing and foraging Kedleston Hall, Derbyshire
Come and broaden your fencing skills, even if you’re a complete beginner, the ranger team will show you how to protect its beautiful veteran parkland trees from grazing livestock. Constructing new rustic fencing, repairing/removing tree guards or stock netting the Site of Special Scientific Interest woodlands. Explore the parkland and learn what nature can provide, sampling some wild foods along the way. Finishing your holiday with some outdoor dining. Ref
Date
17ETZ200
5th-12th
Nts Accommodation 7 Home Farm Bunkhouse
Price
Come to Upper Wharfedale for a combination of fun work and fun activities. You’ll be helping the rangers in their day-to day work which may be footpath repairs, fencing, drystone walling or cutting down small trees. We’ll also organise lots of other activities too! Ref
Date
17GFZ202
11th-15th
Nts Accommodation
Price
4 Town Head Barn
£135
Wild coastal swimming Croyde, Woolacombe and Mortehoe, Devon
We are offering a unique opportunity to experience the North Devon coast and countryside whilst swimming. You will take part in four wild swims at different locations and, in between swims, you’ll help our rangers with various conservation tasks on the property such as tackling invasive species, dune management and beach cleaning. The sea swims will be fully supported by a safety team, and in partnership with H2Outdoor. This holiday is suitable for confident swimmers who must be able to swim for at least 400 metres, experience of open water swimming would be an advantage but not essential. Ref
Date
17ATN203
12th-19th
Nts Accommodation 7 Exmoor Bunkhouse
Price £295
Upland path restoration Brecon Beacons, Powys
Come and build a footpath whilst enjoying stunning views. You will be learning the ancient technique of stone pitching footpaths and landscaping through eroded scars. You could also learn how to build a stone drain, a stone revetment wall or spend a day or two working at Abergwesyn, covering and landscaping a peat bog area. If that’s not enough then you can enjoy the views by walking in the Brecon Beacons, clearing out water breaks as you go. The walk can take up to one hour uphill to reach the work site. Ref
Date
17KTQ204
12th-19th
Nts Accommodation 7 Dan y Gyrn Bunkhouse
Price £155
£155
Clearing Tennyson’s View Black Down, Surrey
Come and join us at Black Down so you to can say, as the poet Tennyson did, “you came and looked and loved the view, long known and loved by me, green Sussex fading into blue, with one grey glimpse of sea”. We will be clearing birch and pine scrub to bring life to the heaths. Tackling rhododendron to restore our woods and carrying our construction and maintenance tasks across the estate to help look after and care for this wonderful corner of the South Downs National Park.
20
Ref
Date
17BTP201
5th-12th
Nts Accommodation 7 Hunter Bunkhouse
Price £155
Working Holidays
August/September
High fells path repairs South Lakes, Cumbria
A fantastic opportunity to learn about the work the Fix the Fells partnership does to look after our upland paths. Working alongside the National Trust’s own teams you’ll tackle the strenuous but extremely rewarding task of path building and repair, learning the sort of skills only a select few people know. You’ll also spend a day with the Fix the Fells lengthsmen, discovering the essential part this dedicated group of volunteers plays in the project. Please come prepared to walk in the fells for up to an hour at the start and end of each day and also for some decidedly unpredictable weather. Ref
Date
Nts Accommodation
17JTQ205 12th-19th 7 High Wray Bunkhouse - Acland
Price £155
Come and explore this special part of Kent situated on some of the highest points of the Greensand Ridge. With sweeping views across the Weald and beyond, its easy to see why this area is so loved by everyone who visits here. As part of your working holiday you will assist our friendly Rangers at properties including Toys Hill to undertake woodland tasks, footpath maintenance and habitat management. Date 13th-19th
Nts Accommodation 6 Octavia Hill Bunkhouse
Price £145
Exmoor and North Devon grand tour West Exmoor, Devon
Accompanied by ranger Dan, you will spend five days doing five tasks on five separate properties, visiting Arlington, Hartland, Holnicote, West Exmoor and Woolacombe. The tasks will be varied and are in some spectacular locations from sandy beaches to rugged cliffs, from woodland to country estate. The work can be demanding but very rewarding. Ref
Date
17ATQ208
19th-26th
Nts Accommodation 7 Exmoor Bunkhouse
Price £155
A real camping island adventure Brownsea Island, Dorset
Brownsea is a 560 acre Island situated in Poole Harbour, home of scouting, red squirrels and part of the whole harbour Site of Special Scientific Interest, it has many special owners and uses. Tasks will range from invasive species clearance, general maintenance, conservation work and helping get our Outdoor Centre ready for the season. You will get stuck in to help present the Island the best we possibly can whilst taking in the sights, sounds and unique atmosphere. Additionally, a half day of activities including either archery or low ropes as well as a guided walk and talk about the history of the island. Ref
Date
17ATQ209
20th-25th
Nts Accommodation 5 Brownsea Island Campsite
Celebrate the coast by getting stuck into a range of tasks such as sand dune management, including tackling invasive species, coastal footpath maintenance and a beach clean on the impressive Woolacombe beach. On your day off try your hand at coasteering; traversing the rocky cliffs, jumping in and out of deep pools as you make your way along the North Devon Coast. In partnership with H2Outdoor. Ref
Date
17AYN210
26th-1st
Nts Accommodation 6 Exmoor Bunkhouse
Price £205
Winkworth Arboretum, Surrey
West Kent Countryside, Kent
17BTQ207
Croyde, Woolacombe and Mortehoe, Devon
Winkworth Estate management
Grafting on the Greensand Ridge
Ref
Beach conservation and fun
Help the Winkworth Gardeners carry out estate management work to maintain and develop the National Trust’s only Arboretum. With a large variety of seasonal gardening and countryside management tasks for you to take part in, there’s something for everyone. You could be bulb planting, pruning shrubs, coppicing, fencing, repairing paths, hedgelaying and carrying out essential care of trees to improve our already impressive collection. There will be an opportunity for guided walks and a chance to work on our wider estate at Oakhurst Cottage in Hambledon village. Ref
Date
17BTW211
26th-2nd
Nts Accommodation 7 Hunter Bunkhouse
Price £155
September Pitch and paddle Windermere, Cumbria
Work by the lakeside to restore and rebuild the stone pitched revetment that protects the shoreline of Lake Windermere from winter storms and wash. The work will use local stone and dry stone walling techniques. Locals say that the lake is at its warmest in September, there will be plenty of opportunities to see if this is true with opportunities for a lunchtime dip! A day will also be spent admiring your handywork as you sail or kayak past the work site. The water adventure is provided by a professional company with fully trained staff. All equipment and training will be provided and no previous experience is necessary. Ref
Date
Nts Accommodation
17JTZ212 2nd-9th 7 High Wray Bunkhouse - Acland
Price £195
Price £135
21
September cont’d
Footpath creation in Langdale Great Langdale and Grasmere, Cumbria
Preserve the mining machinery at Force Crag. Borrowdale, Cumbria
Force Crag Mine, a wild and remote location in the Lake District, has been owned by the National Trust since 1979. It continued as an operating mine until 1990, when it was abandoned. Conservation work is required to help preserve the contents of the processing mill and enable continued visitor access. The working holiday team will work with professional conservators to complete essential work to help to reduce the rate of deterioration and loss of historic mining machinery at Force Crag. The tasks will include cleaning and waxing a range of machinery and cataloguing the work done. Ref
Date
17JTC213
2nd-9th
Nts Accommodation 7 Isthmus Cottage
Price £195
Habitat management and conservation Brecon Beacons, Powys
Work from the majestic heights of the Brecon Beacons to the glorious parkland of Abergavenny and timeless woodlands. Get stuck in with a range of conservation tasks including scrub clearance, upland erosion control, footpath maintenance, painting and removal of invasive species. Some work sites are on steep hills with a 15-50 minute walk to get to them, but don’t worry, it will be worth it for the view. No experience is needed but a sense of fun is essential! Ref
Date
17KTN214
2nd-9th
Nts Accommodation 7 Dan y Gyrn Bunkhouse
Price £155
The Devils in the detail Newtimber Hill, West Sussex
The rangers at Devil’s Dyke, need your help to look after the archaeology and wildlife of this stunning chalk downland area, in Britain’s newest National Park. Help us to erect essential stock fencing, maintain walking paths and perhaps enjoy a raging fire as we burn scrub cleared from sensitive areas of grassland. We will take you on a guided walk to explain how your work will directly contribute towards its conservation.
22
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Date
17BTQ215
2nd-9th
Nts Accommodation 7 Slindon Bunkhouse
Price £155
Come and explore the Lake District, working in the area of Langdale and Grasmere you work with the ranger team and take part in work to improve an important off-road footpath. You’ll also have a day exploring Lake Windermere by kayak or canadian canoe – a peaceful way to view the fells from a different perspective. Full training and equipment will be provided. Ref
Date
Nts Accommodation
17JTQ216 2nd-9th 7 High Wray Bunkhouse - Longland
Price £195
Cutting and clearing for wildlife Ludshott and Selborne, Hampshire
Help out with a range of conservation tasks, including removing invasive trees from the heathland to benefit native wildlife on Ludshott Common, to opening glades in the Ancient Woodland of Selborne providing feeding places for butterflies. You could also be working to widen rides and restore grassland habitats, or improve access into these tracts of wild countryside, so there is plenty of variety and new skills to learn. Ref
Date
17BTA217
2nd-9th
Nts Accommodation 7
Hunter Bunkhouse
Price £155
Prickly woodland management West Exmoor, Devon
We have a prickly problem we need your help with. Parsonage Wood in the Heddon Valley has too much holly growing in it and we need to cut some down and burn it to help restore the diversity of the understory. An old fashioned slash and burn holiday for those of you who like traditional working holidays. Ref
Date
17ATN218
3rd-8th
Nts Accommodation 5 Exmoor Bunkhouse
Price £135
Green Wood weekend Allen Banks & Staward Gorge, Northumberland
Whilst staying in the wonderful surroundings of Ridley Hall explore the woodlands of Allen Banks and learn about traditional green woodwork skills. Enjoy an introduction to working with a pole lathe and shave horse along with other techniques, crafting your own rustic stool to take home. Ref
Date
17GSZ219
8th-10th
Nts Accommodation 2 Ridley Hall
Price £130
Working Holidays
Carmarthenshire tour Llanwrda, Carmarthenshire
Come and help the ranger team in Carmarthenshire to look after and maintain the Carmarthenshire property portfolio, from coastal paths to gold mines to historic houses and parks. The week will be full of activity, we may be clearing vegetation, painting, repairing steps, rhododendron cutting or clearing the outside cellars around Newton House, one thing is for sure there will be a variety of tasks to suit all levels. There will be some travel involved to the coastal properties of up to an hour; a reasonable level of fitness will be required. Ref
Date
17KTN220
9th-16th
Nts Accommodation 7 Inner Courtyard Flat
Price £155
Dry-stone walling in Upper Wharfedale Upper Wharfedale, North Yorkshire
Have you ever thought it would be great to try dry-stone walling? Now’s the time to give it a try. With help from experienced rangers, you might be building field boundaries or woodland retaining walls. We’ll give you all the training and support you need, plus a lovely location and plenty of insights into the hay meadows, woodlands and moorland that will be surrounding you. Ref
Date
17GTQ221
9th-16th
Nts Accommodation 7 Town Head Barn
Price £155
Croyde, Woolacombe and Mortehoe, Devon
Come and try your hand at cliff climbing on the soaring cliffs of Baggy Point, one of the best climbing spots in North Devon, high above the crashing waves. Two days will be spent learning to climb under the expert tuition from Paul of Bluedot Adventures. Work days will be spent restoring the old drystone walls on Baggy Point headland. A good head for heights and a sense of adventure essential for this amazing holiday. Date
17ATQ222
10th-17th
Nts Accommodation 7 Exmoor Bunkhouse
Price £260
Grafting on the Greensand Ridge West Kent Countryside, Kent
Come and explore this special part of Kent situated on some of the highest points of the Greensand Ridge. With sweeping views across the Weald and beyond, its easy to see why this area is so loved by everyone who visits here. As part of your working holiday you will assist our friendly rangers at properties including Toys Hill to undertake woodland tasks, footpath maintenance and habitat management. Ref
Date
17BTQ223
10th-16th
Nts Accommodation 6 Octavia Hill Bunkhouse
See page 32 for details of your accommodation
Duddon and Eskdale, Cumbria
Assist the rangers with a variety of landscape and ecologically enhancing works. You could be carrying out a variety of tasks including: dry stone walling, fencing, footpath restoration or scrub removal. We will take you on a guided walk to illustrate how your work will directly help and maintain our upland heritage, landscape and ecology for the future. Project selection may vary depending on local priorities at the time or the weather. A reasonable level of fitness, a willingness to learn and a good sense of humour is all that is required, we will supply the rest. Ref
Date
17GTP224
13th-20th
Nts Accommodation
Price
7 Wasdale Annexe
£155
Moorland conservation work Peak District, Derbyshire
Come and spend a weekend on the Dark Peak Moors in the Peak District. Help conserve moorland habitats and landscape to benefit wildlife and enhance stunning views. Tasks may include removal of fences and invasive scrub. The terrain is steep and weather unpredictable so come prepared. Ref
Date
17ESZ225
15th-17th
Nts Accommodation 2 Dalehead Bunkhouse
Price £85
Heathland restoration on St David’s Head
Wall and climb at Baggy Point
Ref
West Lakes landscape preservation
St David’s Peninsula, Pembrokeshire
Help look after Wales’ largest area of coastal heathland around St David’s Head. You’ll cut and clear gorse and old heather to regenerate the heath of this spectacular area. Spend one day exploring the Pembrokeshire Coast Path on a guided walk and, depending upon weather conditions, spend a day kayaking or surfing with local outdoor activity provider, Preseli Venture, and our activity ranger. Expect to see loads of wildlife during your week, including seals, porpoises, seabirds, chough and birds of prey. You’ll need to be physically fit to enjoy the week. The guided walk will be 8-10 miles. The work will take place on rough terrain, exposed to the weather. Ref
Date
17KTN226
16th-23rd
Nts Accommodation 7 Ysgubor Fawr
Price £195
Price £145
23
September cont’d
The Standen experience Standen, West Sussex
Scrumping and Cider Making at Black Down Black Down, Surrey
Come and learn how to make your own cider at the Swan Barn Farm Orchard Restoration Project. You will spend two days working in our small orchards, collecting apples and pears, pressing fruit juice and learning how to make cider. The other three days will be spent working across the wider estate working on scrub clearing and construction tasks aimed at restoring habitats for wildlife in this wonderful part of the South Downs National Park. Ref
Date
17BTC227
16th-23rd
Nts Accommodation 7 Hunter Bunkhouse
Price £155
South Lakes, Cumbria
Join us for a week on the west shore of Windermere helping to start putting our plans for overhauling the gardens and grounds at Wray Castle into action. There will be lots of work removing invasive plants and preparing areas of the grounds for new planting, as well as the opportunity to learn some dry-stone walling and practical gardening and conservation skills. Date
17JTW228
16th-23rd
Nts Accommodation 7 High Wray
Price £155
Waddesdon Manor boasts a daffodil valley along with an established wildflower meadow containing rare grasses and orchids. To maintain the ecological balance of the soil you will be raking the meadow grass to spread the wildflower seed, gathering the hay and loading it for compost thus preserving this unique habitat. There will be an opportunity to see Waddesdon’s history by having a tour of the manor. Date 17th-20th
17th-23rd
Nts Accommodation 6 Octavia Hill Bunkhouse
Price £145
Exmoor charcoal, dormice and red deer Work alongside National Trust rangers and learn about the traditional woodland skills of charcoal making & coppicing and the integral part they play in sustaining a flourishing dormouse population. Join the first dormouse survey of the autumn for an opportunity to become fully acquainted with these fascinating and incredibly cute animals. Also, gain a fascinating insight into the management and ecology of Exmoor’s famous wild red deer with the National Trust deer stalker. Includes a cream-tea and complimentary bag of Holnicote charcoal for everyone. Ref
Date
17ASZ231
18th-22nd
Nts Accommodation 4 Exmoor Bunkhouse
Price £165
Malham Tarn, North Yorkshire
Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire
117BSW229
Date
17BTX230
Weekend ranger
Roll in the hay
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Holnicote Estate, Somerset
Restoring the walled garden at Wray Castle
Ref
Join the team at Standen for an all-round property experience. You’ll be helping our garden, woods and house teams doing tasks from coppicing and charcoal making in the woods to preventive conservation in the house including waxing our historic floors and object condition reporting. You’ll see some of our behind the scenes areas as you help clean them up and paint them in preparation for public access. You’ll also be helping to maintain our newly restored garden.
Nts Accommodation 3 Chilterns Bunkhouse
Price £95
Spend a weekend helping rangers around the Malham Tarn area of the Yorkshire Dales. There is plenty to do with a range of tasks to get stuck into. You could be painting iron boundary fences, removing willow scrub, getting muddy clearing ponds or planting trees. Whatever the weather you’ll have fun and make new friends. There is lots to do and it is a great chance to see parts of this area you may not have visited before. Ref
Date
17GSZ232
22nd-24th
Nts Accommodation 2 Town Head Barn
Price £85
Let’s get practical Cliveden Estate, Buckinghamshire
Perfect if you fancy letting off some steam and stepping into the ‘green gym’. Help our rangers clear invasive species from within the ancient woodland, restoring our woodland diversity by cutting laurel and rhododendron that shades out beneficial flora and fauna. Good fun, plenty of tea and a guided walk to round off the weekend.
24
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Date
17BSZ233
22nd-24th
Nts Accommodation 2 Chilterns Bunkhouse
Price £85
Working Holidays
Colby Woodland Garden, Pembrokeshire
Grassland restoration in the White Peak
Help us to bring hedges around the estate back into condition, with traditional hedge-laying techniques, and join our garden team in further clearance and re-planting in the old gardens at Little Breck and Cwms Cottages. There will also be a wide range of other estate and garden tasks available to keep things varied and interesting.
White Peak, Derbyshire
Help the National Trust rangers and tenant farmers to look after the famous calcareous grasslands of the White Peak, as we clear scrub or perform other conservation tasks. Enjoy stunning views across steep sided woodland valleys from the wildlife-rich dalesides of the Manifold Valley or Dovedale.
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Date
Price
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Date
17KTW234
23rd-30th
£155
17ETP238
30th-7th
Hedges and cottage gardens
Nts Accommodation 7 Little Craig-y-Borion Farm
Godrevy, Cornwall
Come and join us for a week of surfing and coastal maintenance on the wave-soaked North Cornish coast. You will have an equal amount of time spent surfing and working, The work will include preparation and laying of turf and repair of access points at the popular and picturesque Godrevy beach. All surf activities and equipment are provided by experienced and qualified instructors from Shore Surf School. Date
17ATW235
23rd-30th
Nts Accommodation 7 Penrose Bunkhouse
Ref
Date
17BTN239
30th- 7th
Nts Accommodation 2 Clumber Park Bunkhouse
Price £85
Ashridge Estate, Hertfordshire
Help the next generation of flowers and butterflies on the one of the largest areas of chalk grassland in the Chiltern Hills by cutting and removing scrub and grass, then burning it. Ashridge’s chalk grassland is one of the most important habitats but it is under threat from scrub. The grassland supports very rare species of butterflies and plants, with good areas supporting up to 30 species of plants per 1m2. Date
17BSZ237
29th-1st
Nts Accommodation 2 Chilterns Bunkhouse
7 Slindon Bunkhouse
Price £155
Southwood Farm, Pembrokeshire
Help the hills
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Nts Accommodation
Hedge-banks and trees
Clumber Park’s four acre walled kitchen garden boasts the longest glasshouse and the longest double herbaceous borders in the care of the National Trust. You will work alongside the gardens team, helping to harvest pumpkins, squashes and gourds, clear beds and create displays in the glasshouse. 29th-1st
South Downs, West Sussex
£215
Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire
Date
£155
Price
Pumpkin harvesting
17ESG236
Price
Get a real flavour of the South Downs by working at a different property, with different habitats, different views and a different ranger team every day. From chalk grassland, heathland and woodland and even a day on beautiful East Head on the mouth of Chichester harbour, you will have rangers on tap to soak up the experience and act as your guide book. We hope by the end you will be as smitten as we are with this rolling landscape.
September/October
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7 Ilam Park Bunkhouse
Famous five on the South Downs
Surf and Turf
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Nts Accommodation
Help us to rebuild missing sections of traditional stone-faced banks and, weather permitting, lend a hand planting trees within the woodland areas at Southwood Farm, the National Trust’s home farm for North Pembrokeshire. Spend a day out on a guided coastal path walk, and for the more adventurous a half day kayaking surfing or coasteering (whatever the conditions allow for on the day) with our activity ranger at Preseli venture. Instructors and equipment are provided. A good base fitness would be beneficial for the 8-10 mile walk along with the lifting and shovelling of stone and earth for the hedge-banks. Expect rough terrain. Ref
Date
17KTQ240
30th-7th
Nts Accommodation 7 Ysgubor Fawr
Price £195
Price £85
See page 4 for help on how to choose your working holiday
25
October
Restoring the Surrey Heathlands Hindhead Commons, Surrey
Coppicing, cutting and collecting West Exmoor, Devon
Come to beautiful Exmoor and help rangers carry out their important program of woodland management. The work will be strenuous and the terrain demanding, but all your hard graft will help conserve important habitats for often rare species of flora and fauna. The tasks we ask of you might include, clearing holly, coppicing hazel, and collecting and planting acorns. There will also be a day of woodland walking to discuss our management approach, forage out some fungi, and soak in the sights of this epic landscape. Our aim is that you leave with new knowledge and a sense of fulfilment. Ref
Date
17ATC241
7th-13th
Nts Accommodation 6 Exmoor Bunkhouse
Price £145
Restoring the garden at Millbeck Towers Millbeck Towers, Cumbria
We are once again running a working holiday concentrating on the continued restoration of the huge garden at Millbeck Towers holiday cottage. Continuing to work to the ten year plan we hope to restore the garden’s to their former glory for all to enjoy. Ref
Date
17JHW242
7th-14th
Nts Accommodation
Price
7 Millbeck Towers
£175
Planting on a grand scale Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire
Waddesdon Manor has one of the finest bedding displays in the country and it is at this time of year that we replace the old with the new, transforming our Parterre and other bedding displays in just a few days. This is definitely planting on a grand scale and is guaranteed to give you great satisfaction. There is plenty of opportunity to enjoy Waddesdon’s history with a garden and manor tour and a well deserved high tea.
26
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Date
17BTW243
7th-14th
Nts Accommodation 7 Chilterns Bunkhouse
Price £155
If you like variety, then come and enjoy working with us on the restoration of the Surrey Heathlands. You’ll get to see and work on the management of important heathland sites such as the Devil’s Punch Bowl and Hindhead, you’ll also pick up some new skills by working with craftsmen involved in traditional woodland crafts such as charcoal burning and coppicing. Ref
Date
17BTZ206
7th-14th
Nts Accommodation 7 Hunter Bunkhouse
Price £155
Cider making Killerton, Devon
Help the wardens to harvest over 50 different varieties of apple from the traditionally managed orchards. Using our early nineteenth century press, see the process from tree to juice. Sampling of last year’s batch is a must! Cider making is very rewarding and interesting, however, it does involve a considerable amount of lifting and bending, from collecting the apples by hand, to lifting bags of apples and moving pulp into the press. Ref
Date
17ATC245
8th-15th
Nts Accommodation 7 Prattshayes Bunkhouse
Price £215
Grafting on the Greensand Ridge West Kent Countryside, Kent
Come and explore this special part of Kent situated on some of the highest points of the Greensand Ridge. With sweeping views across the Weald and beyond, it’s easy to see why this area is so loved by everyone who visits here. As part of your working holiday you will assist our friendly rangers at properties including Toys Hill to undertake woodland tasks, footpath maintenance and habitat management. Ref
Date
17BTZ246
8th-14th
Nts Accommodation 6 Octavia Hill Bunkhouse
Price £145
A Coastal conservation and adventure North Cornwall, Cornwall
Conservation work, cream teas and a dabble in some very Cornish outdoor pursuits. On this short holiday you’ll join the North Cornwall ranger team in various conservation tasks including management of a reed bed habitat, scrub clearance on coastal slopes and beach cleaning . We’ll give you plenty of time to soak up this wild coastline and on your day off you can choose between a walk or run along our rugged coast path or for the more adventurous, you can take to the water kayaking, coasteering or surfing and really earn your cream tea. The chosen outdoor activity must be agreed by the whole group. Ref
Date
17ASN247
9th-13th
Nts Accommodation 4 Beach Head Bunkhouse
Price £150
Working Holidays
Northumberland Coast
Wood pasture restoration Peak District, Derbyshire
Northumberland Coast, Northumberland
Get stuck into a variety of conservation tasks at one of several properties along the Northumberland Coast. We need you to help us with tasks such as clearing vegetation including grass scrub and path restoration, as well as work on dunes and other coastal habitats.
We have been involved in large scale felling works to restore wood pasture. Come along and help with thinning and woodland path repairs. Longshaw’s woods are fairly wild places with tumbling boulders, old trees, wood ants and wild red deer. Ref
Date
Ref
Date
17ETN253
14th-21st
17GTN248
14th-21st
Nts Accommodation 7 Cragside Bunkhouse
Price £155
Photography and footpaths at Allan Bank Combine your passion for photography with conservation work on this holiday. Spend the mornings in the grounds of Allan Bank helping to create a new access route to enable visitors to enjoy the stunning views. In the afternoons learn techniques with a professional photographer, looking at lighting, environment and composition in outdoor settings, changing weather and different terrains. No previous experience is necessary, just a good level of fitness and a willingness to learn new skills. Date
Nts Accommodation
17JTC249 14th-21st 7 High Wray Bunkhouse - Acland
7 Dalehead Bunkhouse
Price £155
Putting the garden to bed Arlington Court, Devon
Allan Bank, Cumbria
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Nts Accommodation
Price £225
Bedding plant exchange at Hughenden Manor’s historic parterre Hughenden Manor, Buckinghamshire
Autumn is an essential time for getting the garden ready for the winter and the new season to come. We will be busy doing tasks such as gathering leaves, brash clearance, bulb planting, preparing beds for winter and generally tidying up. You will also be able to enjoy all the autumn tints both in the gardens and surrounding woodland at this time of year. Ref
Date
17ATW254
15th-20th
Nts Accommodation 5 Exmoor Bunkhouse
Price £135
Gardens of Chartwell Chartwell, Kent
Come along and spend the week among the lakes and gardens of the former home of Sir Winston Churchill. You will enjoy fabulous views of this amazing property and help the gardeners to deliver a project in the formal kitchen gardens. We need energetic individuals who will enjoy the outdoors at this ever popular property.
Mary-Anne Disraeli, wife of Benjamin Disraeli the Victorian Prime Minister, created a 16th century Italianate influenced parterre at Hughenden Manor. This included a terrace, formal hedging and many flower beds. We change the bedding plants every six months and this working holiday will focus on the coming Summer/Autumn display.
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Date
17BTW255
15th-21st
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Date
17BTW250
14th-20th
Come and help us continue to manage our coppice woodlands the old fashioned way. You’ll learn to use traditional tools in this historic method of woodland management, and help create a fantastic haven for woodland wildlife. Alongside tree felling and processing into products, you will also have the chance to have a go at some traditional woodland crafts. If you love being out in the woods without a chainsaw in sight then this is for you.
Nts Accommodation 6 Chilterns Bunkhouse
Price £145
Woodlands and secret gardens Snowdonia and Llyn, Conwy
To improve the biodiversity of our farmland, join us in clearing areas of gorse. We’ll also be working to restore the old walled garden at Dolmelynllyn Hall near Dolgellau to its former glory. Then spend the remainder of the week carrying out a variety of woodland tasks to improve habitats for wildlife on the Ysbyty Estate. Ref
Date
17KTZ251
14th-21st
Nts Accommodation 7 Hendre Isaf
Nts Accommodation 6 Octavia Hill Bunkhouse
Price £145
Traditional coppicing in Castle Dock Stackpole Estate, Pembrokeshire
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Date
17KTZ256
21st-28th
Nts Accommodation 7 Stackpole- Kestrel
Price £195
Price £155
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October cont’d
October/November
Gorse bashing challenge in North Devon
Harting Down scrub bash Harting Down, West Sussex
Croyde, Woolacombe and Mortehoe, Devon
If you are up for a challenge come and help the ranger team clear a block of gorse on a glorious stretch of coast near Woolacombe. The gorse is on a very steep hillside so you will need to be fit and agile to cut and burn the gorse on bonfires – we’ll provide the marshmallows. Ref
Date
17AYN257
21st-27th
Nts Accommodation 6 Exmoor Bunkhouse
Price
Ref
Date
£155
17BTN260
28th-4th
The fabulous grassland meadows along the Jurassic Coast need your help. Work alongside our rangers to clear invading scrub and help to return the meadows to their former wild flower glory. This holiday has been running for a number of years and the value of the nature conservation work carried out already is having a real benefit to the site, its grassland habitat and its wild flowers. Once there was scrub now there are orchids. Bonfires and amazing coastal views are guaranteed. Date 21st-28th
Nts Accommodation 7 Golden Cap Bunkhouse
Price £155
Half term Hallowe’en fun Come and join the teams at these amazing properties to help deliver a fantastically spooky and fun filled family half term. You will spend the week helping our visitors big and small to carve spooky pumpkins, make macabre masks and creepy craft; you may get to help play the ghost and haunt the house and mines making our tours a super spooky spectacular. This week will be all about fun and visitor enjoyment, so if you like the idea of helping to make a family memory or a small child giggle come and join us.
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Date
17KTU259
22nd-29th
Nts Accommodation 7 Inner Courtyard Flat
Price £155
Brownsea is a 560 acre island situated in Poole Harbour, home of scouting, red squirrels and part of the whole harbour Site of Special Scientific Interest, it has many special owners and uses. Tasks will range from invasive species clearance, general maintenance, conservation work and helping get our Outdoor Centre ready for the season. You will get stuck in to help present the island the best we possibly can whilst taking in the sights, sounds and unique atmosphere. Additionally, a half day of activities including either archery or low ropes as well as a guided walk and talk about the history of the island. Ref
Date
17ATP261
29th-3rd
Nts Accommodation 5 South Shore Lodge
Price £165
November
Dinefwr Park, Carmarthenshire
Ref
7 Slindon Bunkhouse
Brownsea Island, Dorset
Jurassic Coast, Dorset
17ATN258
Nts Accommodation
A real island adventure
Return the meadows to their former glory
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Tackle thickets of scrub and bramble which are swamping out juniper and chalk grassland flowers. Cut swathes through the scrub and open up lost clearings in an area that’s become filled with dense thorn and ash thickets. This will be tough yet rewarding work, set on a beautiful hillside in the South Downs.
Price £155
Help the hills Ashridge Estate, Hertfordshire
Help the next generation of flowers and butterflies on one of the largest areas of chalk grassland in the Chiltern Hills by cutting and removing scrub and grass, then burning it. Ashridge’s chalk grassland is one of the most important habitats but it is under threat from scrub. The grassland supports very rare species of butterflies and plants, with good areas supporting up to 30 species of plants per 1m2. Ref
Date
17BSN262
3rd-5th
Nts Accommodation 2 Chilterns Bunkhouse
Price £85
Working Holidays
November cont’d
Hedge-laying to competition standard Golden Cap, Dorset
Shedding light on the woodland floor Slindon Estate, West Sussex
Experience the glorious colour of the Slindon Estate in autumn, whilst helping to manage its pockets of woodland, tucked in the South Downs. At this crisp time of year we will be coppicing for hedging products and for wildlife, including our strong dormice population. Enjoy the feeling of a day in the woods with the smell of wood smoke and return to the bunkhouse to warm up by the log burner. Ref
Date
17BTZ263
4th-11th
Nts Accommodation 7 Slindon Bunkhouse
Price £155
A real island adventure Brownsea Island, Dorset
Brownsea is a 560 acre island situated in Poole Harbour, home of scouting, red squirrels and part of the whole harbour Site of Special Scientific Interest, it has many special owners and uses. Tasks will range from invasive species clearance, general maintenance, conservation work and helping get our Outdoor Centre ready for the season. You will get stuck in to help present the island the best we possibly can whilst taking in the sights, sounds and unique atmosphere. Additionally, a half day of activities including either archery or low ropes as well as a guided walk and talk about the history of the island. Ref
Date
17ATP264
5th-10th
Nts Accommodation 5 South Shore Lodge
Price £165
Hedge-laying South Lakes, Cumbria
Hedge-laying is a task undertaken approximately every 10 years. A well laid hedge not only looks good but helps to encourage new growth and provides an important habitat for a wealth of small birds, mammals and insects. We’ll use a combination of traditional hand tools, teamwork and enjoyable problem solving to complete the task and end up with a lovely hedge and a great sense of satisfaction – especially when you see the huge difference from the beginning of the week. No previous experience necessary, just a good level of fitness and a willingness to learn new skills. Ref
Date
Nts Accommodation
17JTZ265 11th-18th 7 High Wray Bunkhouse - Acland
See page 32 for details of your accommodation
Price £155
Hedge-laying is an ancient rural skill that has been used to preserve Dorset hedgerows for centuries. Come and join us for a week of hedge-laying and learn the skills behind this rural craft under the expert guidance of our award winning Rangers. By the end of the holiday you too could be up to competition standard. Ref
Date
17ATZ266
11th-18th
Nts Accommodation 7 Golden Cap Bunkhouse
Price £155
Scrub up for butterflies Cissbury Ring, West Sussex
Join the ranger at the largest Iron Age hill fort in Sussex with spectacular views, to help improve the habitat of the 28 species of butterfly found at Cissbury Ring. By removing scrub and old fence lines from the ramparts, you will also play an important part in preserving the remains of Neolithic flint mines. Ref
Date
17BTN267
11th-18th
Nts Accommodation 7 Slindon Bunkhouse
Price £155
Deck the halls Christmas crafts Killerton, Devon
Help the staff at this lovely Georgian Mansion to prepare for Christmas. Part of the week will be spent working outside with the wardens, gathering the raw materials to use as Christmas decorations. You can then use the foliage you have collected to decorate the stable block and house in a traditional style. No experience is needed as tuition will be given. Your new skills can be put to good use back in your own home. Expert tuition will be provided by Sarah Pepper of Country Cottage Crafts. Ref
Date
17ATX268
12th-19th
Nts Accommodation 7 Prattshayes Bunkhouse
Price £185
Wild and wet woodland work Arlington Court, Devon
600 acres of mixed conifer, broadleaved and wet woodland, make up one of Arlington estates most interesting and important habitats. You will be part of a team that will tackle an over run wet woodland site deep into the estate and your mission, if you choose to accept it, will be to remove a substantial amount of the regrowth saplings and small trees, including beech, willow, alder and also hazel coppice. This important work will allow one of the estate tenants cattle (ruby reds) to graze freely and return the area back to its former glory of wood pasture. Ref
Date
17ATV269
12th-19th
Nts Accommodation 7 Exmoor Bunkhouse
Price £155
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November cont’d
Cumberland hedge-laying Wasdale, Cumbria
Grafting on the Greensand Ridge West Kent Countryside, Kent
Come and explore this special part of Kent situated on some of the highest points of the Greensand Ridge. With sweeping views across the Weald and beyond, its easy to see why this area is so loved by everyone who visits here. As part of your working holiday you will assist our friendly rangers at properties including Toys Hill to undertake woodland tasks, footpath maintenance and habitat management. Ref
Date
17BTQ270
12th-18th
Nts Accommodation 6 Octavia Hill Bunkhouse
Price £145
Duddon and Eskdale, Cumbria
Come and learn the traditional skill of hedge-laying in the Cumbrian West lakes and help us to manage our natural, ecologically rich, wildlife corridors for the benefit of birds, mammals and insects. Use traditional hand tools under the guidance of the ranger team. No previous experience is necessary, just a good level of fitness, a willingness to learn new skills and a good sense of humour. Date
17JSZ271
13th-17th
Nts Accommodation
Price
4 Wasdale Annexe
£115
Mountains and trees Grab a spade and spend three days planting native trees in one of Wales’ most iconic valleys, whilst staying at Dyffryn Mymbyr Farmhouse – a beautiful holiday cottage with stunning views of Snowdon and the surrounding mountains. Due to the rough and steep terrain you must be physically fit for this holiday. Date
17KHN272
13th-17th
Nts Accommodation
Price
4 Dyffryn Mymbyr Farmhouse £155
Let’s get practical Perfect if you fancy letting off some steam and stepping into the ‘green gym’. Help the ranger team clear invasive species from within the ancient woodland, restoring our woodland diversity by cutting laurel and rhododendron that shades out beneficial flora and fauna. Good fun, plenty of tea and a guided walk to round off the weekend.
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Date
17BSZ273
17th-19th
Nts Accommodation 2 Chilterns Bunkhouse
18th-25th
Nts Accommodation
Price
7 Wasdale Annexe
£155
Emmetts Gardens Emmetts is an Edwardian garden owned by the Lubbock family who developed it into a specimen garden with exotic and rare plants. Located on the Greensand ridge with fabulous views across the weald. You will be undertaking seasonal tasks, project to enhance and bring the gardens back to there former glory. No experience is necessary, just a willingness to learn. Ref
Date
17BTW275
19th-25th
Nts Accommodation 6 Octavia Hill Bunkhouse
Price £145
Decorating Arlington for Christmas Christmas is a busy time at Arlington Court, and new hands are always needed to deck the halls and trim the trees. On this holiday you’ll spend two intense days decorating the house, carriage museum and gardens ready for the festive period. Ref
Date
17ASU276
21st-24th
Nts Accommodation 3 Exmoor Bunkhouse
Price £135
Traditional Christmas Fair at Dinefwr Llanwrda, Carmarthenshire
Cliveden Estate, Buckinghamshire
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Date
17JTZ274
Arlington Court, Devon
Snowdonia, Gwynedd
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Emmetts Garden, Kent
Hedge laying for the future
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Spend a week in the stunning Western Lakes learning traditional Cumberland hedge-laying. A well-laid hedge not only looks good but encourages new growth and provides an important habitat for small birds, mammals and insects, so it is a vital task that we undertake around every ten years. Using traditional hand tools, you will be doing the first lay on one of the hedges on the wonderfully wooded Nether Wasdale Estate. No previous experience is necessary, just a good level of fitness and a willingness to learn new skills.
Price £85
Come and join in the fun of a traditional Christmas fair at Newton House, situated at the heart of the 800 acre Dinefwr Park estate. You will be helping the staff and regular volunteers to prepare the house to host the fair by moving furniture, setting out the stalls and putting up signage, as well as helping to run the fair itself, anything goes from serving mulled wine, helping to guide our visitors to greeting visitors at the gate, there are plenty of things to get involved in. After the fair, you will help with clearing up and help to ensure that the house is ready for the next visitors. Ref
Date
17KTU277
23rd-30th
Nts Accommodation 7 Inner Courtyard Flat
Price £155
Working Holidays
Hedgelaying taster Golden Cap, Dorset
Hedgelaying is an ancient rural skill that has been used to preserve Dorset hedgerows for centuries. Come and join us for a weekend of hedgelaying to get a taster of how to do it and learn the basic skills behind this rural craft under the expert guidance of our award winning rangers. Ref
Date
17ASZ278
24th-26th
Nts Accommodation 2 Golden Cap Bunkhouse
Price £85
November/December Rhododendron roundup Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire
Keep warm this winter as we tackle the invasive rhododendron and cherry laurel which are nonnative trees that threaten the precious woodland and heathland habitats of Clumber Park. You will help the ranger team in this important seasonal work armed with a bowsaw, loppers and mugs of tea. We will burn what we cut on site and stumps will be treated to prevent regrowth. You will leave with a sense of achievement and hopefully some fond memories of your time with us. Ref
Date
17ETN279
27th-2nd
Nts Accommodation 5 Clumber Park Bunkhouse
Price £135
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32
Your accommodation You will usually stay in a National Trust bunkhouse – a farmhouse, cottage or stable block which has been converted for volunteer use. Most have fairly basic facilities but usually include a well-equipped kitchen, hot showers and bunk beds in small dormitories. They provide simple, basic accommodation which is a far cry from the luxury of a home or hotel but you won’t be disappointed. Some of our holidays are housed in alternative bases such as holiday cottages, isolated mountain huts, campsites or youth hostels. Accommodation facilities key
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Beach Head Bunkhouse Cornwall
Brownsea Island Campsite Dorset
Beach Head Bunkhouse has been created in an old barn that offers basic accommodation with fantastic views out to seas and along the coast to Trevose Head. It has central heating throughout and a wood burning stove in the sitting/dining room. It’s only 1.5 miles from the beach at Porthcothan. The bunkhouse is located close to the South West Coast Path and is ideal for walking. The iconic Bedruthan Steps are also close by.
This campsite is located on the South Shore of Brownsea Island and has fantastic sea views and easy access to the beach. This very first Scouts camped here back in 1907 so you can follow in the footsteps of Lord Baden Powell.
• Nearest town: Poole (mainland) 4 miles • Bedding: Please bring roll mats, sleeping bags and pillows
• Nearest town: Padstow 5 miles • Bedding: Mattress cover provided.
Big Mose Basecamp Shropshire This converted Tudor farmhouse situated on the Dudmaston Estate offers great accommodation in the heart of Shropshire and just a few miles east of Bridgnorth. It comprises four bunk bedded rooms, fully equipped kitchen, communal dining area and living room.
Bwlch Mwlchan Gwynedd This accommodation comprises of newly renovated farm buildings shared with Plumpton College which sleep 34. There is a courtyard with barbecue and it is located very near Llyn Gwynant lake.
• Nearest town: Porthmadog 11 miles • Bedding: Mattress cover and base sheet provided.
• Nearest town: Bridgnorth 5 miles • Bedding: No bedding/ linen provided.
34
Working Holidays
Chilterns Bunkhouse Hertfordshire This bunkhouse provides rustic, basic accommodation which comprises of two restored barns located amongst the woodlands and grassland of the Ashridge Estate. The first building comprises of two dormitories each containing five sets of bunk beds. The second building contains the kitchen, lounge, toilets, showers and disabled facilities. The kitchen has been recently refitted and outside there is a lovely seating area. The wild fallow deer are regularly to be seen on the lawn outside the bunkhouse. There is no mobile signal in the bunkhouse but you should find some with a short walk into the nearby woods.
Clumber Park Bunkhouse Nottinghamshire A converted gardener’s cottage situated adjacent to the walled kitchen garden within the Clumber Park estate. The bunkhouse contains four bedrooms each with three single beds, three showers, two toilets, a large kitchen and sitting area. The bunkhouse sits in its own grounds with plenty of space for raised barbecues.
• Nearest town: Worksop 5 miles • Bedding: No bedding / linen provided.
• Nearest town: Berkhamsted and Northchurch, 3 miles or Tring 2 miles • Bedding: Only mattress cover provided.
Chyvarloe (Penrose) Bunkhouse Cornwall Located at Chyvarloe on the edge of Penrose estate, close to coastal paths and beaches. There are two main bunk rooms in the building, the downstairs bunk room is located next to the main living room. The upstairs bunk room is reached through the external steps at the rear of the building. There is also a smaller room with twin beds next to the kit store outside the main bunkhouse. There is a kit room big enough for bike, surfboard and kayak storage. There is also a barbecue in the garden.
• Nearest town: Helston 4 miles • Bedding: Only base sheet provided.
Craflywn Campsite Gwynedd Craflwyn Campsite is a small, basic eco-friendly site situated in the grounds of the Craflwyn estate near the legendary Dinas Emrys, home of the Welsh dragon. It is located in the foothills of the Snowdon range of mountains. There is a converted barn which offers a communal eating area and campers will enjoy spectacular views.
• Nearest town: Porthmadog 8 miles • Bedding: No bedding/ linen provided
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Dan y Gyrn Bunkhouse Powys Cragside Bunkhouse Morpeth The bunkhouse is a traditional conversion of two cottages formerly used for Victorian woodland workers. Located in Northumberland, just 12 miles from Alnwick and in the centre of the vast Cragside estate. There are fabulous views overlooking Tumbleton lake and surrounding hills.
Situated next to a farm at the foot of the Brecon Beacons, the bunkhouse has two dormitories and a living room, which have been recently refurbished, as well as a large kitchen. There is plenty of open space to enjoy the breathtaking views.
• Nearest town: Brecon 7 miles • Bedding: Pillow, base sheet and mattress cover provided.
• Nearest town: Morpeth 12 miles • Bedding: No bedding/ linen provided.
Dyffryn Mymbyr Farmhouse Gwynedd
Dalehead Bunkhouse Derbyshire
A restored Victorian farmhouse in an outstanding location in central Snowdonia. There are stunning mountain views including the Snowdon Horseshoe and Moel Siabod. It was built in the early nineteenth century as part of the Penrhyn Estate and is located on a working upland farm. The heating is provided by an innovative and low carbon wood-pellet heating system. There is a patio area to the front of the cottage complete with garden furniture to make the most of the location.
A fully converted farmhouse situated at the western end of the Edale Valley. The bunkhouse lies at the foot of the 538m Horse Hill Tor with views of Kinder Scout. It is surrounded by working farms and a wooded garden with a stream.
• Nearest town: Betws y Coed 8 miles • Bedding: All bedding / linen provided.
• Nearest town: Chapel en le Frith 4 miles • Bedding: Only mattress cover provided.
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Working Holidays
Exmoor Bunkhouse Devon A stone built barn that was converted in the 1970’s and is situated on the Watersmeet Estate on the North Devon Coast. The bunkhouse provides a warm and comfy place to relax after a hard days work. There are two dormitories, a leaders room and bathroom upstairs plus an additional bathroom downstairs. There is a pleasant garden with picnic benches and a barbecue. If you want to venture a little further, there is a delightful country pub a short walk away. The views of the coast and surrounding countryside are dramatic and spectacular.
• Nearest town: Barnstaple, Minehead and Ilfracombe are all about 20 miles away • Bedding: Pillow and base sheet provided.
Hendre Isaf Conwy Set in a peaceful part of Snowdonia, this 400 year old converted barn sleeps seventeen in two dormitories over two floors. The stone and slate construction has retained much of its original charm and there is also barbecue area and picnic table to enjoy the location on the Ysbyty Estate.
• Nearest town: Betws y Coed 5 miles • Bedding: Pillow and base sheet provided.
Henman Bunkhouse Surrey • .
Golden Cap Bunkhouse Dorset Offering peace and tranquillity in a unique location. Situated in an elevated position on Stonebarrow Hill with magnificent views overlooking Lyme Bay and across to Golden Cap and Chesil Beach. As part of the Golden Cap Estate it offers access to over 25 miles of footpaths including the South West Coast Path. The basic accommodation has two bedrooms with bunk beds, lounge, dining room, kitchen and bathroom. There is a garden area with picnic benches and a barbecue.
This Swiss Chalet style bunkhouse is nestled on the lower northern slopes of Leith Hill, the highest point in South East England. The building boasts open plan dining/living area and kitchen. There is a large lawn, barbecue and easy access to Leith Hill and tower. Parking is available for up to nine cars.
• Nearest town: Dorking 5 miles • Bedding: No bedding / linen provided.
• Nearest town: In Cleeve 0 miles • Bedding: Pillows, mattress cover and blankets provided.
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High Wray Bunkhouse Cumbria Located in its own peaceful wooded grounds above Lake Windermere with great fell views. The bunkhouse consists of two single storey cabin style constructions: the Longland and the Acland. The Longland is made up of three buildings with a large common room with log burner and separate blocks for the dormitories and shower block. The Acland is a self-contained single building. There are large private grounds with a fire pit and barbecue areas.
• Nearest town: Ambleside 3 miles • Bedding: No bedding / linen provided.
Hunter Bunkhouse Surrey Situated in a lovely rural location, but near the small market town of Haslemere, the bunkhouse is a countryside retreat on the edge of the South Downs National Park, with easy access to railway and road links to London and beyond. Situated on Swan Barn Farm surrounded by ancient meadows, woodland and orchards, this recently refurbished building has a well equipped kitchen and comfortable lounge complete with a wood burning stove. There is plenty of outdoor space to sit and relax in as well as a barbecue area.
• Nearest town: Haslemere 1/2 mile • Bedding: Only mattress cover provided.
Home Farm Bunkhouse Leicestershire This is part of a range of renovated eighteenth century farm buildings. The buildings have lots of original features retained, with unpainted woodwork, meat hanging hooks, a well pump with slate trough and tiled floors.
• Nearest town: Melbourne 4 miles • Bedding: No bedding / linen provided.
Ilam Bunkhouse Derbyshire The bunkhouse is in a wing of the old stable block behind Ilam Hall and sits within Ilam Park, a beautiful landscape open to the public all year round. The hall is run separately as a Youth Hostel by the Youth Hostel Association. The stable block also houses the main National Trust visitor facilities including the visitor centre, tearoom, shop and toilets.
• Nearest town: Ashbourne 5 miles • Bedding: No bedding / linen provided.
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Working Holidays
Inner Courtyard Flat
Carmarthenshire The inner courtyard flat forms part of the courtyards adjoining Newton House on the Dinefwr Park estate. The combined living area and kitchen are homely and sociable, with large sofas and a wood burning stove. Bedroom accommodation is in dormitories with 3 to 8 single beds each and modern newly refurbished shower rooms. There are fantastic views over the seventeenth-century deer park from the patio which is reached from doors off the living area and has wooden bench seating and a barbecue. The old kitchen for Newton House is situated below and the basecamp would once have been used for servant’s accommodation. Llandeilo is approximately one mile walk away.
Lamledra House Cornwall Lamledra House is an Edwardian house built in 1911 and extended in the 1920’s. It’s situated above Vault beach and surrounded by its own garden and grounds. The house has retained its original character with many original period features. It offers simple but adequate facilities and enjoys fantastic views across the bay. Located just above the village of Gorran Haven, the house is close to many beaches and to the South West Coast Path.
• Nearest town: St Austell 10 miles • Bedding: Pillow, blanket and mattress cover provided
• Nearest town: Llandeilo 1 mile • Bedding: All bedding/ linen provided
Little Craig-y-Borion Pembrokeshire
Isthmus Cottage can provide the ideal base for any group wanting to explore the many areas of the Lake District. Built on the shoreline of Derwentwater, it enjoys fabulous views of the lake and surrounding hills, and is within walking distance of Keswick.
Little Craig-y-Borion Farm sits at the heart of the 900 acre Colby estate. The Farmhouse dates back at least 200 years and is an old stone and lime mortar building restored and furbished in 2015. Heated by wood burners and solar panels with a newly re-planted orchard and kitchen garden in the making, it sits in a beautiful location far from the road and surrounded by woodland and meadows. There is a large network of woodland paths right on the doorstep and the beach at Amroth is a 30 minute walk away through lovely woodland. There is a fire-pit, barbecue and outside seating area under development and plenty of scope for future improvements using the ruined outbuildings.
• Nearest town: Keswick 1 mile • Bedding: Mattress protector provided
• Nearest town: Narberth 5 miles • Bedding: All bedding/ linen provided
Isthmus Cottage Cumbria
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Prattshayes Bunkhouse Devon Millbeck Towers Holiday Cottage Cumbria This intriguing property, formerly an eighteenth century Carding Mill, has wonderful spacious rooms, most of which enjoy spectacular views of the Northern Lakes. It stands in the small hamlet of Millbeck close to Keswick. There is a large rambling garden to the rear with its fenced pond, numerous streams and a large flat open area that is ideal for games. The house allows direct access to the Skiddaw Range, much admired by the famous Alfred Wainwright, with its good paths allowing easy navigation and fine views across the Vale of Keswick.
Situated on the outskirts of Exmouth on the East Devon Coast giving easy access to the town, beaches and coastal footpath. The bunkhouse is on the first floor level of a converted farm building. In addition to the open plan lounge/ kitchen/ dining area, there are dormitory bedrooms for up to six people, all with bunk beds. The garden has picnic tables and a barbecue.
• Nearest town: Exmouth 1.5 miles • Bedding: Pillow and mattress cover provided.
• Nearest town: Keswick 2 miles • Bedding: All bedding / linen provided.
Octavia Hill Bunkhouse Kent Nestled in a secluded valley deep within the Kent Downs, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and close to a Grade II listed oast house and former piggery. The bunkhouse is a converted farm building which has two bedrooms, one sleeping eight and the other sleeps six. There is storage for clothes under the bottom bunks. There are separate male and female toilets, and the building is centrally heated. The old courtyard provides the garden area which is grassed and has a fire site with barbecue and two picnic benches.
• Nearest town: Westerham 4 miles • Bedding: No bedding / linen provided.
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Ridley Hall Northumberland The stunning hall, now used as the boarding wing of Haydon Bridge High School, is set amongst a 33 acre estate comprising of woodland, playing fields and gardens; a wonderful place to explore, both inside and out, with an abundance of rooms including large spacious bedrooms and a splendid dining room. Allen Banks, which was given to the National Trust by Frances BowesLyon in 1942, is a wooded gorge running both sides of the River Allen and is home to a variety of wildlife, unusual trees and beautiful views.
• Nearest town: Haydon Bridge 3.5 miles • Bedding: All bedding / linen provided.
Working Holidays
Slindon Bunkhouse West Sussex
Stackpole- Kestrel Pembrokeshire
Slindon Bunkhouse is a converted stable block on the 1,400 hectare estate at Slindon between Arundel and Chichester. The estate is typical of the South Downs with rolling hills and farmland set against a background of woodland and hedges. In addition to that it has an ancient deer park and various archaeological sites. The bunkhouse has a recently refurbished kitchen and seating area with sofas.
This converted barn has been recently refurbished and offers large bunkhouse accommodation. Two separate corridors of rooms upstairs, full kitchen facilities, large communal eating area, comfy area and bathroom facilities downstairs.
• Nearest town: Pembroke 6 miles • Bedding: Pillow, duvet and mattress cover provided.
• Nearest town: Chichester 7 miles or Arundel 3 miles • Bedding: Only mattress cover provided.
South Shore Lodge Dorset This Victorian building on the south of Brownsea Island has incredible views of the Purbeck hills. The bunkhouse comprises of five rooms with bunk beds, living/dining area and kitchen. There are toilet/ shower facilities in a separate block. The gardens offer a barbecue and picnic benches. Access to the mainland is by boat and takes 5 minutes to Sandbanks and 40 minutes to Poole.
• Nearest town: Poole 4 miles • Bedding: Pillow and mattress cover provided.
The Barn North Devon The Barn is situated in the centre of the island’s village. It has two dormitory rooms which are lined with varnished wood. It has a large open plan living room/kitchen with a big open fire and, from the sleeping gallery, one of the best views of the island.
• Nearest town: Lundy is an offshore island in the Bristol Channel • Bedding: All bedding / linen provided.
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Town Head Barn North Yorkshire The accommodation is located on the edge of the village of Buckden and at the foot of 702m high Buckden Pike. It is a 200 year old converted barn with a large living room with open views up to Wharfedale into Langstrothdale. It is an ‘upside down’ building with the living room, kitchen and one bunk room on the first floor and two bunk rooms and bathroom on the ground floor. Each bunk room has two bunk beds. One is en suite, the other two share a bathroom/toilet. Town Head Barn does not have a garden next to the building but there is a National Trust picnic area with a built in barbecue just a 100m away.
• Nearest town: Skipton 20 miles • Bedding: Pillows and mattress cover provided.
Ysgubor Fawr Pembrokeshire Ysgubor Fawr (Large Barn) offers spacious accommodation with sweeping views across the North Pembrokeshire Coast. The modern building also houses the North Pembrokeshire ranger work base. Two dormitory rooms sleep nine people and there are two separate rooms for full time volunteers. There is a small grassed area at the back of the bunkhouse with picnic tables – an ideal spot for a barbecue and to watch the sunset over the Irish Sea.
• Nearest town: Fishguard 6 miles • Bedding: Pillows, pillow cases and mattress cover provided.
Wasdale Annexe Cumbria The accommodation is spread over two floors consisting of a lounge/dining area with a log burner, a small kitchen and two areas consisting of five rooms. Outside you are 70m from the shore of Wastwater and there is plenty of outdoor and informal garden space. There is access to our boathouse and rowing boat less than a mile away.
• Nearest town: Egremont 12 miles • Bedding: Mattress cover provided
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Working Holidays
Thank you to everyone who has made our Working Holidays such a success over the last 50 years.