backpacking, volunteering long term, wondering advise please

[1234]

I've been thinking alot lately about going backpacking and just for a really long wander.
My problem is its seems like a waste to just wander without a purpose, don't get me wrong i love to sit in the middle of a quite forrest and observe everything around me but there's only so many times you can do that before you think what am i doing.

So heres were volunteering comes in, why not help others while helping yourself. My question to you lovely folk is where and what?
I like animals, like the outdoors, but not really a people person, so something quite animal orientated (long-term, 6-12 months, maybe more) would be good
I have some savings (£3000, i know it's not much but it's a start) which would pay for food, water, toiletries, travel costs etc so i'm looking for something with room and board or just room (or a bit of land to pitch a tent, with a water supply etc).
Uk or abroad, thinking more abroad.
Has anybody got any ideas of where and what to look at please.

Thank you
Dean

 

[Ryecroft]

Try http://www.wwoof.org/.

You could plan a route of your choice, just use your money to pay for travel fees and expenses, then spend some time on organic based farms working for your keep, for however long you like. Some interesting projects around and about use this organisation to get help, and there is a fair chance you would meet people who have skills they are willing to teach at the same time.

I would love to do this, good luck with it and keep us informed.

 

[Emile]

Have a look at http://www.helpx.net , similar to wwoof.org, but not limited to farming. Room and board are (almost) always part of the deal.

good luck

 

[1234]

thanks for the links
found a host in yukon which im interested in, cannot contact him until i sign up for the full service, which i need a credit card to do (which i dont have, trying to get a pre-payed debit card sorted out now) might be too late for this year ( i need the card sorted and a passport, first adult one so i cannot go fast track option)

so maybe looking for a winter one (sled dogs , which i would love to do)

thanks again

 

[johnboy]

Have look at this it might be of interest...

http://www.doc.govt.nz/getting-involved/volunteer-join-or-start-a-project/volunteer/hut-warden-opportunities/

 

[1234]

thanks john
looks interesting aswell, had a quick scan through, will read it fully tonight when i can concentrate

 

[Shewie]

These guys look really good, I know Ben and Lisa at Woodsmoke get involved with them from time to time. I looked at doing the Snow Leopard trip a few years ago but couldn't raise the necessary funds when it came to it.

The big cat expeditions are worth a look.

http://www.biosphere-expeditions.org/

 

[Kerne]

VSO? Used to be the way to go when i were a shtudent.

 

[1234]

just a quick update
ill have plenty of time to read up on options now
was just on my way back from a beautiful 30 mile ride in the country, less than a mile from home and got hit by a car = broken collar bone
oh well, could of been worse i suppose
thanks for all the links and info

dean

 

[TomBartlett]

Hope your collar bone fixes up quick. My brother broke mine twice as kids so I know how you feel. Transitions Abroad has a lot of useful info on it. I'm currently working abroad (South Korea) as an English teacher. If you have a degree and a passport from an English speaking country it's a great way to work and travel.