Hands On! – A 7-Day UK Volunteer & Travel Journey for Two

Day 1: Arrival & Local Immersion

Morning/Afternoon: Arrive in Exeter. Check into your accommodation and take a walk to get familiar with the historic city, perhaps along the River Exe or the Quayside.
Volunteering Idea (1-2 Hours, Social Focus): Engage in a light introductory task with a local city charity in the afternoon, such as sorting donations at a charity shop, assisting with food prep at a community kitchen, or helping with setup for a local event. This is a great way to start connecting locally.
Evening: Enjoy dinner in a local independent restaurant or a traditional Devon pub.

Day 2: Full Day Marine & Coastal Conservation

Volunteering Idea (Full Day, Environmental Focus): Travel to the coast (e.g., Exmouth or the Jurassic Coast area). Dedicate the day to a pre-arranged hands-on task.
- Examples: Beach/Estuary Clean-up (litter picking, surveying marine debris), Coastal Path Maintenance (clearing overgrown vegetation, repairing steps or stiles), or assisting a local Marine Wildlife Trust with habitat monitoring or administrative support.
Evening: Relax after a physically active day. Research the next day's Dartmoor visit.

Day 3: Dartmoor & Urban Green Space Support

Morning: Take a short scenic trip to Dartmoor National Park. Go for a brisk walk on the moorland to experience the region's dramatic natural beauty.
Volunteering Idea (Half Day, Conservation/Gardening Focus): Return to Exeter and spend a few hours volunteering at a local green space.
- Examples: Working with the Devon Wildlife Trust in an urban reserve or valley park, practical tasks like weeding, path clearing, or planting in a community garden or city park.
Evening: Prepare for the journey to Wales.

Part 2: Rural & Woodland Focus in Wales

Stay Town: Brecon (4 Nights)

Day 4: Travel to Wales & Brecon Introduction

Morning/Afternoon: Travel from Exeter to Brecon in the Brecon Beacons National Park (Bannau Brycheiniog). This is a longer journey, so factor in time for travel connections (e.g., train to Cardiff, then bus/local transport).
Evening: Settle into Brecon, a charming market town. Walk around the town centre, find the Brecon Canal, and enjoy dinner.

Day 5: Full Day Woodland & Upland Conservation

Volunteering Idea (Full Day, Environmental Focus): Dedicate the whole day to a hands-on conservation task within the National Park.
- Examples: Working with the National Trust or National Park Authority Rangers on the hills: Dry Stone Wall Repair, Tree Planting/Coppicing (seasonal), Footpath Erosion Control (using stone or woody materials), or Invasive Species Removal (e.g., rhododendron clearing).
Evening: Enjoy a well-deserved meal and share stories of the day's physical work.

Day 6: Culture, Community & Skills

Morning Volunteering Idea (Half Day, Community/Heritage Focus): Find a local project in Brecon or a nearby village to assist with a less-physical task.
- Examples: Helping at a Museum or Heritage Centre with archival sorting or visitor greeting, assisting with tasks at a Local Farm/Smallholding, or supporting an Educational Charity with materials prep.
Afternoon: Explore the culture of the area. Visit Brecon Cathedral, perhaps a local market, or browse the bookshops in nearby Hay-on-Wye.

Day 7: Final Hike & Departure

Morning: Take a final, invigorating hike to a famous spot in the National Park, such as Pen y Fan or a waterfall walk (Waterfall Country/Four Falls Trail), reflecting on the beautiful environment you helped to maintain.
Afternoon: Depart from Brecon for your onward travel or flight from the UK (e.g., return to a major airport like Cardiff or a main train line connection).

all year

International Flights: Cost of flights to and from the UK.
Travel Insurance: Medical, cancellation, or baggage insurance.
Car Rental Excess Insurance: Specialized insurance to reduce your liability/excess (deposit) in case of damage.
Personal Shopping/Souvenirs: Spending money for non-essential purchases.
Alcoholic Beverages: Drinks purchased with meals or outside of meals.
High-Cost Attractions: Entry to large, expensive museums or theme parks.
One-Way Car Drop Fee: Fees charged if you pick up the car in Exeter and drop it off in a different city near Brecon (though the itinerary assumed a return to Exeter area for a continuous trip).
Visas/Passports: Any necessary documentation costs.