As Carl posted about the RSPB working holidays i thought it would be an idea to post about the National Trust working holidays.
The National Trust runs around 450 Working Holidays every year throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland, so whether you fancy anything from carrying out a conservation survey and herding goats to painting a lighthouse or planting trees we will have something to suit you.
Anyone and everyone
Working Holidays range from two to seven days and from £60 a week including food and hostel-type accommodation. No previous experience is necessary, as you will be led by trained volunteer leaders and staff. You just need to be team-spirited, enjoy being outdoors in beautiful locations and not mind getting your hands dirty!
So who goes on a Working Holiday? Singles and couples from 16 upwards from all walks of life and from all over the world come on National Trust Working Holidays. Groups are usually made up of a dozen volunteers, whose ages may vary depending on the type of holiday. What you can be sure of is that they are all very sociable and interested in having a relaxing and enjoyable holiday.
Our week long holidays are suitable for candidates on the Duke of Edinburgh's Gold Award Scheme (Gold residential section). Check age requirements on specific holidays.
Holiday types and costs
Each individual holiday is listed under one of five main categories - Trust, Premium, Short Break, Youth Discovery or Touchwood. It is then assigned at least one activity type, which indicates the nature of the work that the volunteer can expect to do during that holiday.
Find out more about the different types of working holiday we offer.
Trust Age 18+ From £75
Short Break Age 18+ From £40
Premium Age 18+ From £150
Youth Discovery16-18 From £75 or £45
Touchwood Age 18+ From £50
Volunteers will need to be aged within the limits indicated. If you require any further information on age restrictions, please contact our bookings team.
Trust
These holidays are accommodated in base camps, simple hostel type communal accommodation. Domestic tasks are shared between the group.
Short Break
These holidays have the same accommodation as Trust holidays but last for only two or three days. They provide an ideal opportunity to try working holidays or where volunteers can only spare a short time.
Premium
These holidays are accommodated in comfortable surroundings; twin bedded rooms or holiday cottages, usually with en suite facilities and more luxurious communal areas. The group shares domestic tasks, including meal preparation, and social times.
Youth Discovery
Holidays exclusively for young people aged between 16 and 18 years old (volunteers must be under 19 on 31 August 2008). Our specially selected and trained leaders provide a programme of activities which caters for this age group.
Touchwood Holidays
Holidays which offer the chance to support volunteers who have physical, sensory or intellectual disabilities and to share outdoor tasks. Accommodation is the same as that for Trust holidays.
Activity Types
Coast and countryside
These holidays will involve you in a variety of activities such as clearing scrub, coppicing woodland, managing grassland, beach clearing, footpath and pond maintenance – in all improving the landscapes for wildlife and visitors.
Gardening
Your opportunity to play a part in the maintenance and restoration of some of the National Trust’s magnificent gardens. Tasks will range from deadheading and improving paths to planting out vast seasonal displays. These holidays are ideal for both novices and experienced gardeners.
Historic houses
A hands on experience of managing the National Trust’s collections including photographs, costume and archives. Activities are often indoors. Holidays at Lindisfarne Castle offer the opportunity to welcome visitors to the property. Volunteers on these two week holidays act as room stewards and provide additional help in the grounds of the castle.
Survey
Bio surveys record and map the species found in botanically or zoologically important countryside in the care of the National Trust. This may include counts of marine mammals, chalk grassland plants or butterflies. Some prior knowledge is useful but not essential.
Archaeology
Ideal for those with an interest in archaeology. These holidays include a variety of activities such as vegetation clearance, earthwork repair and surveying and provide the opportunity for active involvement in on-going archaeological projects.
Rural skills
Your opportunity to take part in activities such as cider making, charcoal burning, green wood working or be trained in rural crafts such as dry stone walling, hedge laying and fencing.
Active
Conservation holidays with opportunities for other activities such as guided walks, cycling or sailing.
Event
The National Trust runs a series of exciting open air events throughout the year, ranging from open air theatre to pop and classical concerts. Volunteers are involved in setting up, running and clearing up after the event. The hours of work may be unsociable and the work physically demanding.
Education
Bring our properties to life for school groups. These holidays assist property staff with school groups. An opportunity for pond dipping, mini beast hunts and loads more.
Family
These holidays are for parents and up to 3 children aged between 8 and 16 years. Tasks may include vegetation clearance, haymaking and pond clearance. There will also be a chance to explore the area where you are staying either on foot, bike or canoe. Accommodation is comfortable style hostel accommodation shared with three other families.
These exciting new family holidays will take place at Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire and the Stackpole Estate, Pembrokeshire. Call our booking office on 0844 800 3099 for further information and to make your reservation.
Construction
These holidays are for people who happily rise to the challenge of construction tasks such as the repair and rebuilding of storm drains and footpaths. You will need to bring safety toecap work boots for the week. Other necessary equipment will be available on the holiday, and a skilled instructor will be on hand to give guidance and explain the tasks.
Note: Some holidays offer a variety of activities, and these are indicated by having more than one activity symbol in the brochure calendar.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w ... lidays.htm
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