Spring is always the most exciting time out on the fields. It’s all hands on deck as warmer weather and longer days mark the beginning of the growing season. The volunteer team is integral to the work we do here at The Farm. It’s wonderful to see everyone working together to help grow our delicious organic produce, and learning the skills of organic farming along the way.
It’s not all about growing either; we’re working to increase biodiversity at The Farm by planting wildflowers to encourage bees and other wildlife to make their homes here. Volunteers and staff are always developing new ways to creatively use our surplus vegetables to curb any food waste - we’ve made a delicious range of preserves, pestos and fermented foods for the volunteers to take home. This year we have plenty of woodwork and construction projects for volunteers to get their teeth into; we’re putting up a roundhouse and compost loos onsite. But that’s not all we’re building, we’ve also created an incredible community of mixed interests. We welcome anyone to get involved and be inspired by organic farming and land-based skills. Could you be a part of it?What’s it like volunteering with us? Esme, who was part of the team for three years, shares her experience of life as a volunteer at The Farm:
"When I began volunteering at The Community Farm, I had no previous experience of horticulture or vegetable growing. I could not have foreseen what a huge part of my life it would become, as well as the impact it would have on my future.
"Over the past three years, regular volunteering has enabled me to gain an appreciation of the hard work, and breadth of knowledge and skills, involved in organic food growing. It has given me copious opportunities to experience working in a team and building new friendships within the local community.
"I learnt about many elements of organic vegetable production, such as propagation, cultivation, crop protection, harvesting, packing and storing of vegetables. I became aware of the huge benefits for the health and happiness of people, the resilience of our food systems, as well as for the biodiversity and stability of our environment. I am forever grateful to The Community Farm for the enjoyment, friendship, inspiration and meaningful work it gave to me."
Esme used the skills she learned with us to secure place on a six month internship at a community market garden in Devon, and kick start her growing career.
Hatty Richards
Engagement Officer
May events
If you’d like to learn more about food, farming and the natural world, there are lots of opportunities to join us on the fields this May. Please take a look at our website for details www.thecommunityfarm.co.uk/events/Ecowild mindfulness – Mondays
Practice mindfulness outside in nature with woodland skills and crafts.
Community Farmer Days - 12 May and 26 May
Join us on the field at one of our popular Community Farmer Days. Learn about growing and food production, take the opportunity to try your hand at farming and meet new people.
Resonance - 27 May
Join Ecowild to learn about gratitude, ecology and mindfulness with the beautiful lakeside views at The Community Farm. Discounts available for customers and volunteers.
Half-term farm and forest school – 30 and 31 May
Let your kids get muddy with pond-dipping, wood crafts and farm and forest frolics!
