Internship & Volunteering
Are you curious about what it really takes to grow and harvest medicinal plants in Sweden? Would you like to join a local herbal farm and experience the rhythm of the seasons, foraging in the wild, and working with plants every week?
At Nordiska Örter, I now offer a volunteer program for individuals who want hands-on experience in herbal farming. This is not a classroom-style herbal education, but a real-life, work-alongside-us immersion.
What'll you do?
-Work directly with Agnès Brosset, herb grower, herbalist, and PhD in plant ecology
-Help with sowing, weeding, harvesting, and processing of medicinal herbs
-Participate in wild foraging trips
-Contribute to real farm work in a small team setting
-Experience the atmosphere of a working herb farm and meet like-minded people
What'll you gain?
-Hands-on experience working with medicinal herbs
-Free access to all in-person herbal workshops that take place during your time in the farm
-A chance to ask questions and learn informally from Agnès as you work, learning from a professional herbalist and scientist.
-Practical knowledge of how to grow, harvest, and use medicinal plants
-A meaningful connection with local plants and the Swedish landscape
How it works?
I run the program in three seasonal sessions - each season offers different experiences on the farm:
-Spring Season (April – June)
Soil preparation, sowing, planting, watering, weeding, and early foraging.
-Summer Season (June – August)
Harvesting, drying, foraging, weeding, watering as needed and product making.
-Fall Season (August – October)
Second harvests, herb drying, and product-making: tinctures, tea blends, salves, and more + deliveries.
You can:
-Commit to volunteering for a full session (3 months)
-Or come for a minimum of 1 month within a session
-Or join as a drop-in volunteer, coming once a week or whenever you’re available along the season (for returning volunteers)
Important to know
This is a volunteer program: there is no cost to participate, but you must cover your own food and accommodation (Uppsala has students houses and other short-term stays)
Work on the farm is physical and weather-dependent — you’ll need good shoes, energy, and flexibility
Spring session
April – June
Applications Closed
Summer session
June – August
Applications Closed
Fall Session
August – October
Applications Closed
How to apply?
To apply, fill out the short application form (linked below), and I’ll get back to you by email.
For any questions about the program, please contact nordiskaorter@gmail.com
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the sessions?
Each season brings a different rhythm to the farm:
Spring (April to June)
This is the beginning of the season. We focus on preparing the garden: creating beds, planting, sowing, watering, and weeding! It’s also the time early spring for foraging roots and later foraging the first wild plants.
Summer (June to August)
The gardens are in full bloom. Most days are about harvesting and drying herbs, foraging, and starting to make the first herbal products.
Autumn (August to October)
The focus shifts to harvesting the late herbs and turning the harvest into finished products as well as delivering packages.
Can I get a job or volunteer at the farm after my session ends?
I don’t offer jobs at Nordiska Örter.
Occasionally, returning volunteers may be invited to stay longer or collaborate more closely, but this is rare and always depends on the needs of the farm and the production cycle.
Is there a place to sleep at the farm?
No, there is no accommodation at Nordiska Örter, and volunteers need to find their own housing in Uppsala. The garden is located close to the city and not in a rural area, so camping at the farm is not possible.
However, Uppsala offers several short-term options such as Airbnb and student housing that is often available for rent during the summer months.
How much time do I need to commit as a volunteer?
Volunteering is flexible, but it does require consistency. Here's how it works:
Time commitment:
Volunteers come to the farm between 1 to 3 days per week, depending on availability and the season. Most of the time, we work mornings — the afternoons are usually reserved for other farm work, administration, or for the farm weekend café.
Minimum stay:
If you can’t commit to a full 3-month session, you must be available for at least 1 full month (4 consecutive weeks). You’ll be expected to come at least once a week during that time.
Whichever format you choose, please be realistic with your availability — the garden needs consistency and care.
Do you accept international applications?
Yes, welcome!
