1. Engfeld Farm Cabins, Norway
Hidden deep in Norwegian Lapland is a cluster of seven cosy log-cabins. Part of Engfeld Husky Farm, near Karasjok, each is individually designed, with a traditional feel. There is a sauna and American-style hot tub for volunteers to thaw out in, once husky duties, including exercising them with daily sled rides, are over. Group meals are served by a fire. What's more, the gorgeous backdrop is a pineforested hillside with reindeer.
Engfeld Farm cabins, Karasjok, Norway (Muir''s Tours: 0118 950 2281; www.nkf-mt.org.uk). Placements from two weeks to two months, £200 for registration; labour exchanged for accommodation and meals
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2. The Teach Inn Hotel, Uganda
This 11-bedroom lodge is for volunteers who teach local children and provide an income for the community by ploughing funds back into training. It’s basic, but the views are stunning.
Teach Inn Hotel, Uganda (Book through i-to-i: 0800 011 1156; www.teachinnuganda.com). Four weeks’ board and volunteering starts at £761, including an online TEFL course. Flights and meals not included
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3. Frank’s Caye Cabanas, Belize
This private island and nature reserve is 40 miles off the coast of Belize. Volunteers take part in “wall dives”, collecting data for reef conservation.
Frank’s Caye Cabanas, Punta Gorda, Belize (Personal Overseas Development: 01242 250901; www.thepodsite.co.uk). Stays, a week to six months, from £595 a week full board
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4. Kinashibetsu, Japan
British Trust for Conservation Volunteers is the UK’s largest conservation charity, involving 10,000 volunteers in projects worldwide. Among the more exotic options is valuable wetlands conservation work on the South-Eastern Pacific coast of Hokkaido, Japan.
Kinashibetsu House, 7-4 Chokubetsu Gennya Kisenn, Onbetsu-machi, Kushiro, Hokkaido 088-0135, Japan (01302 388 883; www.btcv.org). The two-week conversation project is £670, excluding flights
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5. Sprint Mill Farm, UK
This handsome 15-acre working smallholding near the Cumbria fells is one of nearly 400 WWOOF (Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms) hosts in the UK offering a bed and good food in return for green-fingered help. Meals are family affairs and there’s also time to sit in the front room and walk the beautiful wild gardens.
WWOOF (01296 714652; www.wwoof.org) membership £20, provides a list of volunteer options. Hosts offer food and accommodation in exchange for work. Minimum stay is usually one week
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12 April 2008, Chosen by Kitty Melrose
