Eco Retreat, Mixed Farm, Family farm
British Columbia
Our 12 acre farm is dedicated to the principle of Anyi, a Quechua word that refers to reciprocity and right relationship and describes the exchange of energy that we constantly share with each other and Nature. We are located on the South West of Denman Island, in a quiet area, with forest, creek and a short 15 minute walk to the ocean. We are seeking help with the gardening and farming, carpentry. So you may find yourself weeding, planting, seeding, transplanting, digging, and harvesting in the garden. Or possibly fencing, cutting firewood, chipping, light duties with livestock. If you have any light carpentry skills that may prove welcome. We offer a quiet comfortable private living space with bathroom/shower. Meals are family style in the main house, generally you will get your own breakfasts in your own space. Help in the kitchen is always needed and appreciated, and food is a passion for us! The island hosts a plethora of artists, writers, musicians, academics and amazing farmers and families. There are vibrant events/festivals to partake in with Denman islanders who are friendly and fun. An Island Market opportunity is available as well. About us! Our daughters have moved on and we here with our son of 14. Heather is a teacher on the nearby island of Hornby, and Glen works mainly from home with occasional work on the Mainland. We are in the midst of creating a more sustainable and harmonious life experience in reciprocity to the land and its inhabitants. We hope to share this experience with others. We caretake the land, 12 chickens, 2 dogs, 2 cats, 9 ducks, 6 sheep, hopefully some bees in the spring, a large garden (veggie, herbs & medicinal plants), small greenhouse, fruit trees, nut trees and berries. We have a fairly extensive rain water catchments systems and use solar pumps to more water around. We love commitments of a month stay, but 2 weeks is also possible. 4-5 hours work, 5 days week in exchange for lodging and meals. If you like cooking or helping with preparation that is well appreciated. We usually have a bicycle available for your use. Possible use of art studio upon mutual agreement. Unfortunately we are unable to take other dogs.
Organic methods: permaculture, organic, composting, biodynamic preps, elbow grease and many many prayers
Certifications: too expensive
Internet access available
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Learning opportunities
Vegetable farming
Fruit or nut farming
Poultry farming
Sheep or goat farming
Aromatic or medicinal plants, teas
Seed saving or production
Vegetable or fruit preservation
Traditional crafts
Renewable energy production
Food justice / sovereignty
Methods or systems
Permaculture
Regenerative agriculture
Host type
Self-sufficiency property
Heather
Member since 2018
Languages spoken:
English, French, Portuguese, Spanish
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Response rate: 89%
Response time: typically within 11 days
British Columbia
Comox airport/Island link bus to Buckley Bay/Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo ferry from Vancouver
Reviews
Roberto
Germany
•
January 2026
I had a wonderful stay at Ayni Farm and felt very welcome from the beginning. It’s easy to see why so many WWOOFers speak so highly of this place.
During my time there, I helped with a small construction project, cared for the sheep, and did daily tasks like feeding and watering the chickens and geese. The work was varied, meaningful, and shared at a calm and respectful pace. Being part of the daily rhythm of the farm felt grounding and rewarding.
Beyond the work, Heather and Glen were very open in sharing their perspectives and their relationship with the land. I loved to listen to their thoughts. These conversations helped me better understand the context I was traveling in and feel more prepared for other cultural experiences I encountered later on, like in Manitoba,
Even though my stay was short, it had a lasting impact. I left Ayni Farm feeling grateful, grounded, and with a deep appreciation for the place — especially their giant apples, which I will not forget. I would happily recommend Ayni Farm to anyone looking for a genuine and heart-centered WWOOFing experience.
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Mchaley
United States
•
May 2025
I could not recommend Ayni Farm enough. Not only will you be surrounded by beautiful nature, but you will be surrounded by SO much love from Glen, Heather, Yarrow, and the Denman Island community. I felt a part of the family right away, and I can call the Hearns family friends for life.
I stayed for three weeks in the tiny home which was an absolute perfect cozy home for me. Every morning, we began around 8:30 and did animal care and then worked in the garden until a little past lunch. Tasks varied, but I mostly worked in the garden:)
After work, there are so many lakes to swim in, and you'll definitely meet locals there (got o Graham Lake). Overall, such a lovely stay.
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Kirian
Germany
•
December 2024
We spent two wonderful weeks at Ayni farm.
The time passed by way too fast!
From the very beginning we felt welcome and had a lot of fun. The tasks we did were varied, outside and inside.
Their sheep are the cutest you have ever seen.
Ayni farm is a fantastic place that we highly recommend!
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Stefan
Germany
•
December 2024
This experience was simply amazing.
I didn't just have a room, I had my own home. The work ranged from chopping wood, pruning trees, tending sheep and repairing fences to straightening my driveway ;)
Heather and Glen are wonderful, caring people and have become friends. And Yarrow is the funniest teenager ive ever met.
See you guys again!
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Malik
Canada
•
July 2023
I had a wonderful time at Ayni Farm! I drove a wheel loader for the first time, build 3 raised garden beds, chopped wood, took care of chickens, ducks and a pig, mounded potatoes and weeded the garden. I learned about multiple new card and board games, since Glen, Yarrow and I played games almost every night together. Sometimes Glen's or Yarrow's friends would join us as well. Meals were always very delicious. We had freshly laid eggs for breakfast and a freshly picked salad from the garden with every meal. I had my own cabin with a private bedroom and bathroom, and the bed was one of the most comfortable ones I've slept on! It was a very friendly, open-minded, sincere and pleasant atmosphere during the 2 weeks I stayed on Ayni Farm. I would 100% recommend staying on Ayni to anyone looking for a great Woofing experience.
Thank you Glen, Heather and Yarrow for this wonderful experience!
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Cosma
France
•
March 2023
I spent two weeks with Heather, Glen, kids and pets in January. I felt welcome, and I learnt a lot about local species, working with animals and about the social history of the region. They took the time to introduce me to the community and to their friends. We shared great meals and discussions. I spent a lot of time outside, and did a variety of work around the house : fence building, animal feeding, seaweed gathering... I would highly recommend wwooffing with this family.
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