About the Organisation
EcoLocal is an independent charity which acts as a base for a wide range of community and environmental projects in our local area. We have a large community allotment where people can learn food growing and gardening skills hands-on.
What you will be doing
Learning about fruit and veg growing skills and undertaking a huge variety of tasks including:
- planting seeds
- pruning
- digging
- harvesting
- weeding
- watering
With support from an enthusiastic, experienced gardener, you can choose what you'd like to grow and find a comfortable level of physical activity. You even get to take a share of the harvest home to eat - for free!
You'll need to be prepared to get wet and/or dirty from time to time so we ask our volunteers to wear appropriate clothes and footwear you don't mind getting muddy, and bring warm clothes too if it's a cold day.
Age Range: We can accept applications for under 18s, including from 16+.
What's in it for you?
Exercise, fresh air and sense of wellbeing in a peaceful outdoor environment. Meet new people, or work on your own - it's very flexible. Everybody who takes part at the community allotment tells how good they feel afterwards. Take fresh veg home.
What skills will you need?
- Basic physical fitness for outdoor work (tasks can be adapted to different abilities)
- Willingness to work outdoors in various weather conditions
- Ability to follow instructions and work as part of a team
- No previous gardening experience required - just enthusiasm to learn!
- Reliability and good communication skills
People with mild learning disabilities, dementia and other health problems are welcome. However, participants need to be able to follow instructions and work independently safely. We cannot provide one to one support.
What's the time commitment and where?
Volunteering sessions available Monday, Friday and Saturday mornings at the Westmead Road Allotment site (entrance off Colston Avenue).
We are flexible and our volunteers usually volunteer a couple of hours each week.
Role Address
Carshalton Community Allotments, Westmead Allotment Site, Colston Avenue, Carshalton, SM5 2PW
Please contact us first. The allotments are accessed from a driveway that runs between 33 and 35 Colston Avenue. We are a 5 minutes walk from Carshalton Station Close to the following bus routes; 127 stops on North Street near Carshalton Station, approx every 15 minutes (weekdays)/30 minutes (Sundays) 151 stops at Wrythe Green approx every 10 mins (weekdays) every 20 minutes (Sundays) 157 stops on North Street near Carshalton Station approx. every 12 minutes (weekdays)/20minutes (Sundays) S3 can be stopped anywhere on Colston Avenue every 20 minutes Mon-Sat only There is limited car parking on the access road to the allotment site and Colston Avenue.
Disability and Access Support
Part of the allotment plot is wheelchair accessible with raised beds. However wheelchair users should assess the accessibiluty for their own specific needs, as the access track is long and is very uneven. The toilet is not fully wheelchair accessible but has a ramp and is accessible for some wheelchair users.
How can I apply?
Please complete the form below and we will put you in contact with the organisation. It’s helpful if you can tell us a little about yourself and why you’re interested in this role in the message box below.
By completing this form you agree for us to pass on your contact details to the organisation.