Join the Essential Team at Embercombe – Devon, UK 🌱

Set in the stunning Devon countryside, just 7 miles outside of Exeter, Embercombe is a charity and social enterprise with a bold and hopeful vision. We exist to champion a way of living that celebrates the opportunities in this challenging time, inspiring people to contribute energetically toward a socially just, environmentally sustainable, and spiritually fulfilling human presence on Earth.

We are not an intentional community in the traditional sense. Rather, we are a diverse group of like-minded, committed individuals who work together toward a common vision of the world we long for. Some of us live here, some visit regularly, and others come for short periods to offer their time and skills. What unites us is a shared sense of purpose and a willingness to roll up our sleeves and get involved.

Working here as part of the Essential Team is varied, hands-on, and often deeply rewarding. There are gardens to tend, land to care for, infrastructure to maintain and build, an education programme to support, and the daily essential tasks of cooking, cleaning, and keeping the place running. No two days are the same, and everyone is encouraged to contribute wherever they feel most drawn.

Living and working at Embercombe is not always easy. It can be physically demanding, and the weather in Devon does what it likes. But it is also a rich and transformative experience, one that invites you to reconnect not only with yourself as a human being but with the land, the community, and the world we all share.

We are currently looking for volunteers in two specific areas. If you have skills or enthusiasm in either of these fields, we would love to hear from you.

URGENTLY SEEKING SPECIALIST JOINERY VOLUNTEERS 🪚

We are currently building our Land Based Learning Centre and have a fully equipped joinery workshop where we are constructing bespoke furnishings, worktops, tables for a professional kitchen, and a dining hall. We will also be making oak doors, staircases, and other custom pieces. This is a hands-on project with real purpose, and we need people who can help bring it to life.

We are looking for volunteers with an interest in joinery and a willingness to learn. Some carpentry experience is useful, but more than that, we value enthusiasm, attention to detail, and the ability to work as part of a team. If you have experience with standard workshop machinery and can work from drawings, that is a bonus. If you are just starting out but eager to learn, we can teach you. The main thing is a genuine interest in the craft and a desire to contribute to something meaningful.

URGENTLY SEEKING DEDICATED KITCHEN VOLUNTEERS 🍲

We are also looking for passionate, energetic volunteers with a deep affinity for what nourishes our bodies and souls. Our kitchen is dynamic, organic, and committed to excellence and mindfulness with every meal. We cook with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, much of it from our own gardens, and we take food seriously as an act of care, community, and connection.

As a kitchen volunteer, you would be involved in all aspects of meal preparation, from chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients to cooking and presenting meals for our community and guests. This is a unique opportunity to gain experience in a professional kitchen that prioritises sustainability, creativity, and soul. We are looking for people who are curious about where food comes from, who enjoy working in a team, and who bring energy and warmth to the kitchen.

In both roles, accommodation and food are provided. You will be part of a small, committed team, and you will have the chance to learn, grow, and contribute to a project that is making a real difference in the world.

We look forward to hearing from you.