Three Forks Making a Difference

Voluntary Environmental Project Coordinator Required

Outline

The Bright Light Cooperative needs an innovative, dedicated, hardworking, calm, enthusiastic and inquisitive volunteer to manage the development of our permaculture garden and retreat centre in the foothills of Snowdonia, North Wales.  Experience in garden/horticulture, a permaculture background, carpentry skills, design and project management skills are all useful but not mandatory.  A desire to learn and a passion for community, healing and the environment is essential.  Must be a good communicator.

Cooperative Background

Our cooperative strives to research and provide innovative, environmental education through the arts.  We are based in a family home which we are converting into an environmental retreat centre. The centre will provide a place to stay for people to find peace and relaxation, whilst receiving holistic treatments and practising environmental sustainability.  

Our desire is to provide a source of inspiration and information for environmental artists and healers, and sanctuary for people who are in convalescence and recovery.  This would be paid for by voluntary donation only, and we will prioritise those that do not possess the finance or opportunity usually required for healing.

Job Description

The key objectives of the role as Project Coordinator are to:

1. Co-design, plan and coordinate the permaculture garden;

2. Manage WWOOFers (Willing Workers On Organic Farms) and other volunteers;

3. Facilitate the construction of various spaces for use on retreats including a yurt and converting a barn into a rehearsal/recreation space;

4. Support the Project Manager by feeding into the project ideas, suggestions, innovative solutions and innovation;

5. To create a fun, safe and educational working environment where skills are shared and systems implemented and maintained.

This position is for a period of 8 weeks, with the option to extend for a further 8 weeks if desired. As a voluntary on-site coordinator, accommodation and a food budget will be provided.  Own transport will be required, but fuel costs towards project work will be paid for.

Start Date: Jan '09 (ASAP)

Other Details and Accommodation

Facilities include: private bedroom, use of living-room with open fireplace, sunporch, fully equipped kitchen, use of internet and shared computer/wireless broadband for personal laptop, bathroom with bath/shower, large garden with space for exercise/meditation, trampoline and various sports and fitness equipment.  

The house is situated on a hill with various walks into the countryside from the doorstep, and located within 1hr from West Coast beaches or 45mins from North Coast.  There are various local tourist attractions including: the lakes of Bala, Brenig and Alwen; local waterfalls and mythological sites; forestry trails in Clocaenog for walking/mountain biking; the mountains of Snowdonia; market towns of Denbigh, Ruthin and Llangollen.

Local wildlife includes: swallows, owls, buzzards, hen-harriers, marsh-harriers, kites, hawks, rabbits, hares, and a wide-variety of small mammals.  Even a peregrine falcon and a red kite have been spotted above the neighbouring field!

The opportunity to invite guests and partake in various events including festivals and parties is also available.

Summary

Above all we are looking for an energetic, open-minded, sociable individual that can move the project forward and prepare adequately for handover to the next volunteer.  This is an excellent opportunity to gain/increase practical conservation skills, communication skills, management experience and effectively contribute to a meaningful and worthwhile environmental project.

For further information please contact:

Daniel Balla

tel.        +44 (0)7855740072

email.   daniel [at] thebrightlight.org.uk