Helping (wwoofing) at Macalla farm

 

 

Over the last nine years, we have been aided in the running of the farm and yoga centre by the generous help of a large number of people who have worked enthusiastically and diligently alongside us in exchange for food and accommodation. A huge thank you to all of them! From the feedback we have received, their time on Clare Island has has been a very positive and unique experience.

So now, after many years and many wwoofers, we have decided to change the arrangement for 2013.  We are offering an apprenticeship scheme for people who want to come for longer periods and gain specific experience in a particular field. We will continue to host casual helpers but only on specific work periods when there is a particularly large amount of work or a specific project for which we need extra help. 

Work periods for helpers at Macalla farm
18th - 28th March: Getting the garden ready after the winter

1st - 28th of September Harvesting and preserving

11th - 25th January 2014 Woodland work (tree planting and harvesting firewood, some work will be done by horse power)

(Check this space for changes in dates).

Unless you have been here before or have a very specific skill that is relevant to us (organic gardening, experience working with horses, eco-building, etc.), we ask you to commit for the whole work period. Helpers are normally expected to work for about 6 hours / day with one day off every week. Check with us for the specific details of the work involved according to the dates, but in general, the work can consist of house maintenance chores, gardening work, farm work, house maintenance, cleaning, cooking, and the general running of the farm and retreat centre. There is often an an eco-building project as well, and people with building skills are particularly welcome.

Outside these dates, we are looking for people with eco-building experience (lime, cob, timberframe)  to come and help us with some small to medium size projects during 2013. We can skilled worked a small fee in addition to the food/accommodation, and skill-sharing exchange.

From our experience with different helpers, from various backgrounds and cultures, the happiest outcomes are with those people who are truly interested in the sort of place we are running, (organic food production, sustainable living, self sufficiency, yoga,  meditation or horses---and preferably all of the above!) and who are not afraid of working hard. Prospective helpers should be aware that the work at the farm can be physically demanding (like carrying heavy things, digging the garden, or moving manure around in a wheel barrow), and usually involves spending a lot of time outdoors, sometimes in inclement weather.  If what you are looking for is a cheap holiday, or if you are the sort of person who will be looking at your watch, waiting for the time to knock off work, or who needs a very active nightlife, etc, our centre is not the place for you. While we ask people to commit for a specific period of time, if the working/living relationship between a helper and ourselves is not working out, they may leave, or be asked to leave, ahead of schedule. From our experience, this is a better option than sticking to a situation which is not working out for one or both parties. Also note that the farm is strictly non smoking, so we only take non-smokers.

We offer in exchange comfortable accommodation, delicious organic vegetarian food, occasional yoga instruction, and a very special island experience. Horse riding is usually possible if you are an experienced rider, but none of our horses is suitable for beginners. Accommodation is in a comfortable house shared with other helpers, (double or twin rooms, single if the number of helpers allows), and sometimes with paying guests. There's plenty of time to read (helpers can borrow books from our large library), write, or explore the island, but note that we don't have TV. There's Wifi in our house, but not in the helpers accommodation, so Internet access is limited.

If you are interested in coming as a helper, please first read the guidelines for helpers and if you are still interested, write to ccullen(at)yogaretreats.ie with details of your relevant experience (if any), the reasons why you're choosing our place, and the dates you would be available. If you can, also send us a photo (or a link to one on the Internet), as we like to know what prospective helper look like :)

We now are also  offering an apprenticeship scheme for people who want to come for longer periods and gain solid experience in a particular field.