Residential Conservation Volunteering

Living and Learning at Lower Sharpham Farm

Placements from 2 weeks to 3 months.

As a residential volunteer with Ambios you will enjoy a unique experience interacting with nature in the beautiful rural landscapes of Lower Sharpham Farm, whilst learning practical conservation skills, meeting new people and gaining valuable lifetime experiences.

You can stay with us for either 2 weeks, 4 weeks or 3 months. During this time you will become a part of the Ambios community, and a valuable member of our great team. You will live alongside fellow volunteers and nature conservation trainees in our cosy lodge. You will work as part of a team with volunteers, trainees, wildlife professionals and people from the Robert Owen Communities.

Volunteer Activities

Your contribution to daily tasks on our organic farm might include caring for the animals, tending our organic fruit and vegetables, planting trees, building hedges, cutting wood, making fires and woodwork such as repairing gates and fences, building wildlife boxes. Depending on the length and timing of your stay, you will get involved in our nature conservation projects which include Badger TB vaccination, Otter Monitoring, a study of Bumblebee Longevity and a survey of Farmland Birds as well as opportunities to learn about the identification of flora and fauna, and helping with educational groups.

Testimonials

“I had the most incredible two weeks. It’s a one off place and I would really love to do a longer stint … I think the Ambios way of learning could wholesale replace environmental courses”

“My experience has been like an incredible journey of friendship, conservation, skill building and self-esteem”

“With volunteering I enjoy every moment from when I step outside to when I go to bed”

“I have learnt so much to do generally with wildlife, conservation and the environment, I feel that it greatly adds to my future job prospects.”

“I have learnt so much about myself and it has helped me develop massively.”

“There have been many social, physical and intellectual challenges during my placement and I’ve felt inspired to relay what I’ve learnt to others.”

Accommodation

Our ‘lodge’ has 8 single bedrooms with 2 toilet/shower rooms and a kitchen with a large comfortable lounge and woodstove. Our Yurt is fully insulated with carpets and a woodstove. The accommodation is part of our working farm, managed for biodiversity and learning. It is comfortable and sits amongst the trees, hedgerows and spectacular views of the River Dart and is surrounded by idyllic countryside. This is a secure and tranquil place for relaxing between learning sessions. All meals are provided from local produce (direct from our farm where possible) with special dietary requirements catered for on request. Free Wi-Fi is available within the training spaces

How to Join us

You won’t need any prior experience. You will need a passion for the outdoors, a desire to engage with nature conservation and willingness to work as part of a team. 2019 placement prices are; 2 weeks – £350; 4 weeks – £650; 3 months – £1950

Please fill out this application form to register your interest. Volunteer placement application form 2019

We also occasionally host volunteers from WWOOF – visit their website and register to join us, or if already registered contact us for availability.

If you have any questions please contact us on 01803 732747 or email jackskuse@ambios.net.