WORKING PARTIES AT THE COTTAGE
Keeping the orchard tidy is a full-on task in itself which demands nearly all of our free time here at the cottage. If we aren't planting or tending to the plants or trees or hedgerows, we're in the polytunnel managing our crops. And the more plants and trees that we plant, the more work that needs doing. It's never ending!
But, we also want to ensure that the orchard creates a natural habitat for wild life as well as looking well kept and well managed for those who pass by. And least we forget, we are only the current guardians of the cottage. It survived for over 200 years before us, and hopefully will survive for another 200 years after us.
Some of the stone walls in Cornwall (generally) are said to be up to 1000 years old but over time, and with the help of the strong winds we get here, and vegetation that takes root at will, the walls sometimes need some care and attention to ensure they are still doing their intended job. Especially since rabbits and foxes seem to have taken a liking to ours!
We also have to regularly chop back branches, continue with our commitment to reintroduce indigenous Cornish apple and fruit trees, including now even doing our own grafts onto rootstocks, and generally maintaining the polytunnel too. It’s back breaking work for 2 people, all year round and so we are inviting applicants to join us each summer for a 2 night stay in our luxury bell tent which will be erected for 28 days or less in the orchard.
In return for committing to join us, we’ll teach you how to undertake various tasks, from planting out, grafting, maintenance and wall (re)building. We’ll also give you 2 nights free stay in our bell tent, and all your meals and drinks will be provided free of charge. If you wanted to explore the area after your 2 day stay, we will also offer reduced price extended stays in the bell tent.
What you will get and what we are looking for: As well as a stay under canvas in the orchard, you’ll have free parking, free food and drink including breakfast, lunch and evening meal. There may be a beer or two and complimentary wine also. We have a wood fired hot tub which will yours to exclusively use each day, a hot shower and also electrical points for phone and device charging etc.
The work may be fairly demanding and will probably involve around 6 hours each of the 2 days of physical effort. So, we are looking for fit, able and enthusiastic couples to apply. You’ll need to bring old clothes, sturdy boots and a sense of humour as we can have 4 seasons in a day here (though these working parties will only be for a short period during what is normally the most settled period of summer).
If this interests you and you fancy helping us make a difference to the environment in which we live and helping with our continued restoration efforts, 
please register your interest below, giving the names and ages of each couple. We regret that we can not accommodate parties of more than 2, kids under 18 or pets.
Please use this form to tell us a little about yourself including how far you’d need to travel, any skills that you may have (we do the jokes though, ok?!) We’ll try and match the right people to the right projects so if there is something you would particularly like to try, please also tell us as we’ll do our very best to include this. We regret that the orchard is not wheel chair friendly because it can get quite boggy and is quite un-even but we otherwise welcome anybody with any disability that still allows them to partake, safely.