Vegan-run animal sanctuary, established in 2011. Cares for approximately 150 animals, including horses, pigs, donkeys, goats, dogs, and cats. Option to stay at the sanctuary on a volunteer holiday. Long-term volunteering opportunities available.
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Last update on 29 Nov 2022 by Guest
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Added by CarrieWebb on 29 Nov 2022
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5 Reviews
First Review by katieolive12
Veganforthewin
Points +3269
Mixed - Edit
I have mixed feelings about this. Lovely food and accommodation. It was nice working with the animals but I think they push you too much especially when it's hot
Read moreGuest
BadgergirlScot
Points +16
Active holiday for animal loving people - Edit
I've stayed twice at Jacobs Ridge - the first time was out of season in 2018 and I was the only volunteer there for most of the week but Rachael and Julian immediately made me feel welcome and part of the sanctuary. My second visit was in Sept 2022 and there were 5 other volunteers plus their wonderful long term volunteer. Both visits were fantastic. I am not someone who enjoys sitting around a pool for hours, I love having something to do. My job is really sedentary and "brain work" so for me, physical work is a real way to get a break that helps me de-stress. Although volunteers are expected to help out with looking after the animals and some very light household chores, there's lots of flexibility to do a bit more or a bit less and always some free time for everyone. Breakfast is a help yourself affair with plenty to eat and Rachael is a truly fabulous cook, creating delicious and plentiful lunches and dinners, and never any need to worry as everything is vegan. Tasks with the animals include helping prep their food and feeding them, and making sure they have plentiful clean water. There's a lot of mucking out to do and maybe I am weird but I kind of love that as its quite meditative. Walking the dogs is also part of the daily activity. Most challenging tasks? Trying to make sure that all of the cats on the sanctuary get fed and not have a few stealing everyone elses LOL. Julian and Rachael also add in trips for the volunteers - we visited a couple of lovely lakes and also took in the view from the castle at nightfall, which was gorgeous. The sanctuary is moving to a location more in the mountains shortly and we were able to visit the site - it's going to be amazing and I look forward to arranging another stay in the next year or two. Highly recommend the sanctuary for anyone who loves interacting with animals and enjoys meeting new people and mucking in with tasks.
Read morePros: Cuddling donkeys, Amazing food, Friendly welcoming hosts
Guest
Catjan59
Points +31
So much fun and very rewarding - Edit
I had the privilege of volunteering in Oct 22 for 2 weeks. I was a little apprehensive -solo, over 60, not very fit, don't enjoy camping!!
Read moreI flew into Murcia and paid the extra for Julian to pick me up (and drop me off) at the airport.
The short term volunteer tents were in a lemon grove area and were large and comfortable. The toilet and shower were a few minutes walk up a steep incline.
Julian & Rachael couldn't have been more welcoming and long term volunteers, Sophia & Virag were so helpful with endless patience. The Ridge setting was stunning. 3 other volunteers arrived about the same time, all over 50, from Holland and America. They were really interesting and great fun. Another volunteer arrived for our 2nd week, again around the same age. I think we made a really good team.
I'm not going to lie, I found the first few days quite difficult as there was heavy rain and a lot of mud to contend with. For the 1st few mornings my clothes felt damp so I started storing them under my pillow. On the whole though the weather was beautiful, mid 70s. The work load was probably heavier than I had anticipated and I was shattered at the end of the day. I got used to having a cat (usually Ron or Bridget) find its way into my zipped up tent in the middle of the night and make itself comfortable until the morning. After a little afternoon siesta it was common to find a few donkeys or horses outside the tent, which I loved.
The animal characters were truly delightful and had such different personalities. It was heart warming to see them living their best life with people who give their everything to caring for them. The rota was such that you got a turn of doing very varied tasks. You could sit things out but being part of the team meant that you just wanted to contribute so that all the chores got done.
The food was plentiful and always delicious. Rachael worked miracles in her little kitchen. Lunch and dinner were eaten communally (mainly outdoors) at the house and we had some great conversations (and laughs). Volunteer HQ was also up at the house and it was great to spend time with some of the dogs and cats there.
Julian and Rachael took us to a few local beauty spots for picnics and we really appreciated it as It is a beautiful area. They also took us to see the location for the new Sanctuary which is also stunning but they have a lot of work ahead of them!
I am so glad that I made the decision to volunteer despite my apprehension as I have made lifelong friends
Pros: Interaction with the residents (all species), Fabulous location & food, Working with other volunteers
Cons: Camping (for me), Distance to bathroom
Guest
SandravandenBosch
Points +58
Most wonderfull time of the year - Edit
In Octber I did A 2 week vollunteering holiday at the Ridge. It was a wonderfull happy and special experiance. The animals and the staff wher amazing. The food was great. The surounding beautifull
Read moreI really enjoyed it and miss all the special animals every day.
Updated from previous review on 2022-12-08
Pros: The way they take care of the animals., The way you can help out en enjoy the animals., The respect they have for each animal.
Cons: Nothing at all, Nothing at all, Nothing at all
Guest
katieolive12
Points +28
A Vegan Haven - Edit
I have been on a week long volunteering stay at the Ridge 3 times now (first and second time alone, and more recently with my partner) and I'm currently planning for my 4th!
Read moreIf you need to get away from it all, feel some sunshine on your skin while also staying busy and hanging out with lots of animals and other vegans, this is the place to do it!
I can't recommend the Ridge enough.
SandravandenBosch
I agree. I will.come back as well.
Read moreGuest
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