Volunteer at Collacott Farm: Permaculture in North Devon

A property in North Devon, spanning 18 acres, is seeking volunteers to engage in land-based work focused on permaculture principles. The site, located at Collacott Farm in Umberleigh, features pastures, a small woodland, a river, a pond, gardens, a polytunnel, and natural springs. The initiative aims to foster a collaborative relationship with the land, emphasizing observation, resilience, and ecological harmony.

The volunteering opportunity is ongoing, with flexible dates and times to be arranged with interested individuals. There is no cost associated with participating. The project is particularly interested in individuals who are drawn to working with land, plants, and living systems, and who appreciate meaningful effort and contributing to an evolving environment.

Key areas of development on the property include the establishment of a gravel, drought-resistant garden, an orchard, a forest garden, and spaces for growing vegetables and flowers intended for community sharing. The approach is guided by permaculture ethics, prioritizing beauty, resilience, usefulness, and a sense of belonging, while allowing the land itself to inform future decisions rather than adhering to a rigid plan. The project acknowledges that learning is an ongoing process, adapting to seasonal changes and gaining clarity through careful observation.

Volunteers with an interest in plant knowledge, whether acquired through formal training, personal experience, or prolonged observation, are highly valued. The project encourages noticing naturally thriving species and selecting plants based on their resilience, compatibility with the ecosystem (including being horse-friendly), and overall utility, rather than solely on aesthetic appeal. Decisions are intended to emerge from a relationship with the place, rather than through a controlling mindset.

Water management is another significant aspect of the work. The property benefits from two natural springs, surface water flow, and varying wet-to-dry conditions, all of which provide continuous information about the land's dynamics. The project draws inspiration from established ecological centers like the Findhorn Foundation and Perelandra, emphasizing the practical and profound benefits of attentive listening to the land. Volunteers with an interest in water, whether technical, intuitive, or simply observant, are welcome. This includes understanding natural flow, seepage, saturation, and springs, as well as engaging in gentle water stewardship through features like ponds, channels, soakaways, and overflow paths. A key focus is developing a felt sense of how the land responds to respectful treatment.

The presence of horses on the land provides a consistent supply of manure, which is viewed as a valuable resource for transformation rather than a waste product. Volunteers are invited to participate in thoughtful storage and composting practices, understanding the balance of carbon and nitrogen, air and moisture, and the role of time and temperature in creating fertile compost. This compost will be used to enrich gardens, trees, and promote long-term soil health. Experimentation with various composting methods, such as windrows, bays, sheet composting, or slower systems, is encouraged. The process emphasizes responsible management of odor, runoff, and seasonal rhythms, prioritizing a "right relationship" with the materials over speed. Experience in these areas is beneficial, but curiosity, patience, and a willingness to engage with the process are considered equally important.

The project seeks individuals who are grounded, capable, and take responsibility for their contributions. While some volunteers may stay for short periods, others might remain longer. Those interested in volunteering are encouraged to share what draws them to land-based work, any relevant experience with gardens, plants, water, soil, or animals, and what they hope to contribute and learn from the experience. Initial contact can be made via email at hello@collacott.co.uk or WhatsApp at 07739561065. The contact person is Tam. The physical address is Collacott Farm, Kings Nympton, Umberleigh, EX37 9TP, United Kingdom. Further information can be found on their website, collacott.co.uk.