Volunteering
Join us and become part of a diverse team that meaningfully participates in the creation of low impact natural buildings for ethical land based projects
At Woodcraftian we believe in creating social equity in our building projects - creating oppurtunites for learning and refining practical skills for participants.
Conventional construction is an inaccessible environment for many people. We strive to create healthy and held spaces that welcome everyone, regardless of prior experience and skill.
We encourage and welcome interest from people typically under-represented in construction and we try to remove barriers to accessing our builds where possible.
Who we build for and what we build
Our aim is to support land based community projects, working with organisations that deserve beautiful spaces and structures whilst typically being unable to afford and access them.
In expanding the social equity available for a project, through the inclusive use of community volunteers, we are able to produce beatiful and hand crafted spaces. At Woodcraftian we believe that working with non-profit/community organisations is important for ensuring the ethical use of volunteers.
Our structures are adapted to the needs of the client so each is different and unique, and we remain committed to using sustainable and natural materials wherever possible. Utilising a larger workforce increases the viability of natural materials, such as clay (plasters and adobe), straw (light clay slip walling), and unprocessed timber (roundwood, coppice products).
Ahead of each project we let participants know the specification on what we will be doing and where this fits their learning pathway. To date we have build roundhouses, longhouses, saunas, and outdoor shelters with our volunteer teams.
Builds typically last 2-3 weeks in total and typically we ask for at least 1 week of commitmen, preferably longer.
How to Join and Eligibility
There are no set prerequistes for joining one of our builds - we welcome anyone regardless of previous experience and skill. We curate a build crew whose size varies according to the needs of the particular project, and we aim to balance this team with a range of skill, experience, and social factors.
To join our mailing list, where we promote any upcoming volunteer oppurtunities, please get in touch below. We notify well in advance of a project and provide a clear deadline to register your interest by. We ask interested people to complete a simple questionnaire so we can assess their skill set and experience. We may ask for a small deposit to guarantee your place, which is returned to you once the project begins.
We require participants to be sufficiently able bodied for undertaking inherently physcial work, although there is always adaptability as to the type and extent of work based on your capabilities.
Food (for all dietary needs) and accomodation is provided for each project, although conditions for the latter will typically involve camping or shared accomdation space. Other than asking for a small contribution towards food the oppurtunity is free, and bursaries for travel may be available if required.
A build team will be a diverse collection of people, where we’ll be working closely together towards a shared goal. We therefore require participants to be open minded and respectful of the people around them and ask for commitment to an enforceable code of conduct. Safety on site extends beyond the use of practical work and the use of tools.
The Build Itself
During the build you’ll be involved in the all the aspects of the buidling process. People will be split into working groups or pairs, with clear instruction on the specifics of the task. Where possible we aim to rotate people so everyone has a chance to participate and learn.
In a typical build we will be using power and edged tools throughout, with guidance and direction shared throughout. Building familiarity with new tools and techniques on a live project can be daunting and we encourage people in their learning process.
Materials and equipment are available throughout the build for people to practice and play with and specific learning oppurtunities can be set up.
The work structure of the day begins with a morning check-in and review beore physical work commences. Each day some members of the team will be responsible for catering that day and organise the lunchtime and evening meals and we eat our meals collectively. Typically each day finishes in the late afternoon, after which volunteers are encouraged to play around in whatever capacity suits them.
We spend the building project living and closely working together outside. We encourage people wherever possible to remain on site throughout the build and to settle into the delightful simpicity of outdoor livind and working in a collective toward a shared outcome. Time off is an oppurtunity for deepening connections and friendships, developing skills, and generally mucking about with wood.
Contact us
Interested in joining one of build teams? Get in touch and log your interest and we’ll be in touch when an oppurtunity is available.
