Communal Living & Working, Yeovil, Somerset

This is a very unusual opportunity to begin the process of becoming a resident at longstanding woodland dwelling community Tinkers Bubble in Somerset. There isn’t a particular plot on offer, rather there is the offer of working the land alongside other community  members with the potential to develop aspects of the land work, such as beekeeping, dairy production, vegetable growing or forestry, if it fits with the community’s vision. The process to become a resident is gradual and usually begins with a volunteer slot of 2-3 weeks. If that is successful the opportunity extends to becoming a volunteer for 3 months, which if agreed can be extended to 6 months. At this point a prospective resident has a month away to reflect on the commitment, which if positive leads to returning on a three month renewal basis. People who have lived there for at least six months can make the commitment to become a resident, and later, possibly a shareholder.

There are currently seven adults and one child living there, the opportunity is open to individuals, families or couples, accommodation is provided in one of the spare houses, or a temporary structure can be brought on site such as a yurt, though no caravans or live-in vehicles are allowed due to the planning permission. The rent for anyone living there is £120 per month, payable after one month’s stay. Anyone considering this opportunity will need to be OK with animals being kept and sometimes slaughtered on site, as well as the butchery of wild deer from deer-stalkers in the local area. The site operates communally, all cook for each other, work to contribute to the communal businesses i.e. producing timber on the sawmill, making juice and cider and take on varied responsibilities. Longer term people are expected to fill various roles, though this happens fairly organically according to interest and skill. Some maturity is needed when living in a close-knit community and dealing with other residents and volunteers every day. Anything that plays out affecting the community tends to be addressed rather than swept under the rug. There is an increasing emphasis on wellbeing and taking care of each other, and besides all the hard work, there’s lots of fun to be had too.

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