Working Holidays

The National Trust is a founder member of the International National Trusts Organisation.

Established in 2007, INTO brings together people and communities across the globe with a shared commitment to conserving and sustaining our built, natural and cultural heritage. It helps develop partnerships between trusts, enabling them to share expertise, experience and resources.

With over fifty partners (including the National Trusts of Australia, Bermuda and the Cayman Islands all the way through to Zimbabwe!), INTO is the leading authority on the work of the worldwide National Trust movement and the issues affecting these community-based, non-governmental organisations.

Most INTO members rely on the time, skills and enthusiasm given by volunteers and some run dedicated working holiday programmes. We are delighted to introduce three of these to you as part of a pilot for this year – whether its renovating an ancient mill in the heart of the French countryside; constructing a shelter in a pristine Canadian forest or becoming a Tour Guide in a historic castle in Slovakia, there’s bound to be something for you. However, numbers are limited this year so please be quick!

The Land Conservancy of B.C.
This holiday is run by The Land Conservancy of British Columbia (TLC). It will take place at Wildwood Ecoforest on Vancouver Island in British Columbia. It offers visitors spectacular scenery and a chance to truly enjoy unspoiled nature. Wildwood is now widely recognised as a model for ecoforestry and has become a learning site for those wanting to gain skills in ecoforestry.

The Canadian Camping and Construction Experience. Participants will get a chance to absorb some of the history, see and stay in the Wildwood Ecoforest and participate in the building of a work/picnic shelter from scratch. This structure will be utilised by visiting classes and future work crews. The accommodation is in tents and participants will experience the thrill of living outdoors with an outdoor ‘kitchen’ set-up. Leisure activities may include swimming and games and participants are encouraged to bring musical instruments.

• Meeting point: A TLC staff member will meet participants upon arrival at Victoria International Airport on the start day Monday 10 September 2012 at 12 noon and transfer participants by van to the work site.
• Accommodation: For the first 6 nights accommodation is camping, on site, in two-person tents unless a special request is made in advance of the holiday for a one-person tent. Due to the nature of the location facilities are very basic. One shower and one toilet are provided in separate outside buildings. The final night will be in a hotel in Victoria.
• Bedding: Single air mattresses and ground sheets are provided. Participants must bring their own sleeping bag but these can be provided if requested in advance of the holiday.
• Holiday dates: Mon 10 Sep - Mon 17 Sep 2012
• Price: CAD$525 (£325)*
• Book direct with The Land Conservancy of B.C.

*An approximate GBP £ price based on an exchange rate of 1.6176 on 18 Nov 2011

National Trust of Slovakia

THIS HOLIDAY IS NOW FULL
These holidays are run by the National Trust of Slovakia at Liptovský Hrádok Castle, in northern Slovakia, which dates back to the 14th Century. It has seen many owners and has evolved over the years. The castle has been lovingly restored over the last decade, following neglect during the 20th Century, and much of it is now home to a fine hotel. This holiday is for two people.

Live and Work in a Slovakian Castle. Participants will learn about the history of one of the most beautiful cultural heritage sites in Liptov – Liptovský Hrádok Castle –and will be working as a Tour Guide for foreign tourists. The castle is quite compact and there is plenty of opportunity to become familiar with the history and surroundings. Participants will also help with light reconstruction work in the castle surroundings and in the National Trust office in the town. Knowledge of the local language is not necessary.

• Meeting point: A member of staff from The National Trust of Slovakia will meet participants upon arrival at Liptovský Hrádok train station at 16:00 on the start day of the holiday and transfer participants by car.
• Accommodation: Accommodation is in the four star Castle Liptovský Hrádok on site in an en-suite single or twin room.
• Bedding: All bedding/linen is provided.
• Holiday dates: Fri 6 Jul - Fri 20 Jul 2012, Fri 20 Jul - Fri 3 Aug 2012, Fri 3 Aug - Fri 17 Aug 2012, Fri 17 Aug - Fri 31 Aug 2012
• Price EUR280 (£240)*
• Book by emailing kubikova@nt.sk with your preferred holiday date and contact details.

* An approximate GBP £ price based on an exchange rate of 1.1676 on 18 Nov 2011

Union REMPART
These holidays are run by Union REMPART which was created in 1966 and is a union of 170 French non-profit associations run mostly by volunteers. They aim to promote cultural action based on the principles of awareness, preservation and rehabilitation of architectural, archaeological and natural heritage. They have numerous work sites throughout France, of which we are featuring three:

Architectural Restoration and Conservation of Villognon Ancient Watermill.
Nanteuil-en-Vallée (18–25 year olds): This is a charming village of the Charentes region in the west part of France. Its beautiful architecture makes it a typical example of the French country lifestyle. The region is well known for the two beautiful cities of La Rochelle and Poitiers (both 60 km from Nanteuil) as well as its local products such as Cognac, made in the neighbouring town, and a delicious goats cheese! The Villognon Mill is located within walking distance of the village.

• The holiday: Join an international team focused on the restoration of the beautiful Villognon Ancient Mill. Over the two weeks you have the opportunity to get involved using a number of different techniques: stone masonry, re-pointing, woodworking and landscaping. This will be balanced with time to try plenty of different leisure activities available in the region. These holidays at the Mill are more suitable for 18-25 year old volunteers who have a good level of fitness.
• Meeting point: A member of staff from the Association (Club Marpen) will meet participants upon arrival at the Ruffec train station in the afternoon on the start day of the holiday and transfer participants by car or minibus.
• Accommodation: Chantier de jeunes Marpen (camping). Accommodation is in tents that sleep a maximum of four people, with showers and toilets in separate outside buildings. Participants will also be involved in organising meals, shopping, cooking and washing up.
• Bedding: Participants will need to bring a sleeping bag, pillow and mattress/mat.
• Holiday dates: Mon 16 Jul - Mon 30 Jul 2012, Price: EUR220 (£188)*,Mon 20 Aug - Tue 28 Aug 2012, Price EUR160 (£137)*

To book please email: workingholidays@rempart.com with your preferred holiday, date and contact details.

Revolutionary Re-build - Stone Masonry
Budos Castle: Situated in Aquitaine (south-west France), at the heart of the Gironde vineyards, and close to the famous Landes forest, Budos Castle has been a ‘Historic Listed Building’ (according to French standards) since 1988. Built in the early 14th Century by the nephew of Pope Clement V, Budos was severely damaged in the French Revolution. Today, its ruins stand among a wonderful cultural landscape a few kilometres away from the prestigious vineyards of Sauternes. The village of Budos and its surroundings offer a beautiful setting for a great stay. The nearby river, the Ciron, offers the opportunity of a kayak excursion, while the numerous castles of the region will satisfy anyone curious about French history and heritage.

• The holiday: The main focus of the restoration work at Budos Castle this year will be on stone cutting and traditional masonry. You will be given guidance and the opportunity to learn new skills to assist with these tasks. Participants will also have time to discover the local and rich heritage of the region and enjoy some cultural activities planned by the holiday leaders.
• Meeting point: A member of staff from the local association (Adichats) will meet participants upon arrival at the Langon (Gare SNCF de Langon) train station between 10:00-12:00 on the start day of the holiday and transfer participants by car or minibus.
• Accommodation: Mairie de Budos (camping). Accommodation is in tents that sleep a maximum of four people, with showers and toilets in separate outside buildings. Participants will also be involved in organising meals, shopping, cooking and washing up.
• Bedding: Mattresses are provided but participants will also need to bring a sleeping bag, pillow and any linen.
• Holiday date: Fri 3 Aug - Tue 14 Aug 2012, Price: EUR 170 (£146)*
• To book please email: workingholidays@rempart.com with your preferred holiday, date and contact details.

Castle Stone Masonry (This holiday is now full)
Noyers-sur-Serein Old Castle: Noyers-sur-Serein, in Burgundy (northcentral France), is known as one of the most beautiful villages in France, with its half-timbered houses and meandering lanes. The local river Serein wends its tranquil way through the wheatfields and vineyards of northern Burgundy. In addition to this amazing built heritage there are plenty of outdoor activities to experience in the area including hiking through the lovely countryside.

• The holiday: This 14th restoration campaign will allow the restoration and the improvement of the Old Castle. Participants will learn traditional stone cutting and masonry to continue the upgrade of the two towers. The holiday will also include swimming and rowing on the Serein River, concerts, food tasting and tours of the wine growing region on the Yonne.
• Meeting point: A member of staff from the local association (Association Le Patrimoine Oublié - REMPART Bourgogne) will meet participants upon arrival at the Tonnerre (Station SNCF of Tonnerre) train station in the afternoon on the start day of the holiday and will transfer participants to the work site.
• Accommodation: Noyers-sur-Serein (camping). Accommodation is in tents that sleep a maximum of four people, with showers and toilets in separate outside buildings. Participants will also be involved in organising meals, shopping, cooking and washing up.
• Bedding: Participants will need to bring a sleeping bag, pillow and mattress/mat.
• Holiday date: Mon 16 Jul - Tue 31 Jul 2012, Price: EUR 175 (£150)*
• To book please email: workingholidays@rempart.com with your preferred holiday, date and contact details.

* An approximate GBP £ price based on an exchange rate of 1.1676 on 18 Nov 2011

Important information

• For the overseas holiday locations you are required to hold a valid passport and holders of some nations may need a visa. Before making firm plans for your holiday abroad we recommend that you visit the government website www.fco.gov.uk for information for British Citizens travelling abroad. Passport holders of other nations should check their own government’s travel advice and/or contact the destination country’s Embassy to confirm all entry requirements.

• You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities that you want to undertake.

• If you are a European Union Citizen travelling within the EU you should obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving the UK.