Can you tell us about WWOOF and what its aims are?
Worldwide Workers On Organic Farms (WWOOF) is an international organisation that aims to promote organic growing techniques. When you become a member of WWOOF, you gain access to a list of hosts worldwide who require help on their farms on a short or long-term basis. You get to work on an organic farm in exchange for board, lodge and first hand experience of sustainable farming methods.

The hosts are mainly pursuing simple, sustainable lifestyles, often practising permaculture or bio-dynamic growing methods. Some are commercial producers, and others are alternative co-operatives or communities.

It is possible to arrange placements lasting from one weekend to a year, which means anyone can volunteer, whether you're on a gap year, studying or even working full-time. Whilst some countries have their own national WWOOF organisations (for example, Australia, the UK and Italy) others are members of WWOOF Independents. Annual single membership costs £15, but you can join as a couple for £20.

What was your volunteer placement like and what did it involve?
My boyfriend, Owen, and I chose to work on a farm in Spain, as our dream is to one day own a self-sufficient smallholding there. Our hosts, Pat and Val were extremely friendly, positive and enthusiastic about the WWOOF organisation. They have a smallholding to the north east of Barcelona, where they have lived for the past 40 years. They were very organised and had a list of jobs they wanted us to do during the two weeks we were there.

The tasks ranged from forest clearing using axes, saws and strimmers, to painting the wood around the outhouses with oil to preserve it. Pat and Val follow a strict daily routine